Air Algerie Orders 10 Boeing Next-Generation 737s
Air Algerie, the flag carrier of the North African nation of Algeria, has ordered 10 Next-Generation 737s, Boeing Commercial Airplane Group (BCAG) confirmed today.
The airline selected seven 737-800s and three 737-600s to replace its existing 727 and 737-200 aircraft. Delivery of the seven 737-800s is scheduled for 2000 and 2001, with the three 737-600s scheduled for 2002.
"We welcome this fleet replacement," said Fayçal Kellil, president-director general - Air Algerie. "Our employees are equally excited and look forward to working with the modern Next-Generation fleet. Our new airplanes will provide greater customer comfort, more profitability and reduced noise pollution."
"Air Algerie is a valued customer of Boeing," said Seddik Belyamani, vice president-South Asia/Pacific, Africa, Middle East for BCAG. "Air Algerie already has 15 737s in its fleet. The airline's experience with the twinjet's superior operating and performance characteristics led to its decision to select the 737-800 and 737-600. The airline's decision reflects its confidence in our product and our company. This confidence is emphasized by the fact that all three North African carriers - Air Algerie, Royal Air Maroc and Tunis Air - have committed to the Next-Generation 737 airplane. We couldn't be more pleased."
Air Algerie's relationship with Boeing began in 1971, when the airline acquired its first 727. Today, Air Algerie is a regional leader in civil aviation. The airline has a fleet of 39 airplanes, with service to 26 domestic routes and 31 additional destinations in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. In 1997, Air Algerie carried more than 3.5 million passengers.
The Next-Generation 737 program is the most successful commercial airplane program in history, with 950 sold since the program launched in 1994. Total orders for the entire 737 family of airplanes are 4,086, making it the best-selling commercial jetliner of all time. The 737 family delivers more value to airlines in the form of reliability, simplicity, and reduced operating and maintenance costs. More than 800 737s are in the air at any time, with one taking off every six seconds.
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