Air Algérie orders five Airbus A330-200's

Air Algérie has signed a contract with Airbus for the purchase of five widebody twin-engined A330-200s to renew its current widebody fleet. Delivery of the aircraft will begin in January 2005. The transaction is eligible for financial support from European Export Credit Agencies.

In Air Algérie's standard layout, the A330-200 will offer a comfortable three class configuration, of up to 302 seats in a single-class layout. Making the most of the A330-200's impressive versatility, Air Algérie will operate the aircraft on its international routes network.

"The A330-200 is an ideal aircraft for Air Algérie's international operations both in terms of the current need for growth and future development in an increasingly competitive environment", said Mohamed Tayeb Benouis, President and CEO of Air Algérie. "It offers the highest standards of  technology available today while providing us with the ability to fully maximise our revenue-generating potential."

Noël Forgeard, Airbus President and Chief Executive Officer, said that "this significant mark of confidence from Air Algérie is a new start for developing further fruitful relationship, in a partnership spirit, between Airbus and Air  Algérie".