Air Algérie Prioritizes Fleet Maintenance to International Standards under New Leadership

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

ALGIERS- Amidst growing concerns over technical discrepancies, newly appointed CEO of Air Algérie, Hamza Benhamouda, swiftly takes action to bolster aircraft maintenance standards. His inaugural decision sees the appointment of Mourad Hachelaf as Director of the crucial Aircraft Maintenance and Repair Division (AMRD), sourced from reliable insider information obtained by Algeria Today.

Hachelaf, a seasoned figure with prior leadership roles within the division, steps into his new position amidst reports of technical malfunctions, notably the recent incident involving an Airbus A330-200 bound for Algiers from Medina, which necessitated a return journey. Another aircraft of the same model was diverted to Cairo days earlier, also from a pilgrimage route.

Currently, an alarming fourteen aircraft of various models are undergoing inspection at Air Algérie’s maintenance base, exacerbated by a global shortage of spare parts. “The shortage of spare parts isn’t unique to Air Algérie but is felt worldwide. However, proactive measures should have been taken to anticipate and stockpile,” remarked an internal source within the company.

With an aging fleet averaging fifteen years, seamless coordination among various departments is imperative to mitigate scheduling disruptions caused by technical issues. Despite possessing recognized expertise in aircraft maintenance, Air Algérie faces challenges in ensuring timely repairs and replacements, given the scarcity of spare parts.

While Air Algérie’s safety standards meet International Air Transport Association Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) requirements, operational efficiency remains a concern. “Air Algérie complies with all IOSA safety standards. However, the issue lies in scheduling. Departments must devise strategies to minimize aircraft exposure to technical issues amidst the lack of preemptive spare parts management,” emphasized the source.

Air Algérie has announced the acquisition of fifteen new aircraft, including seven Airbus wide-body jets and eight Boeing narrow-body jets, scheduled for delivery from 2025 onwards. Until then, the company must address existing challenges to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of its fleet.

A Fleet Operating at Full Capacity

Evidently, the new CEO recognizes the criticality of this issue, evident in his immediate focus on aircraft maintenance upon assuming office. Responsible for ensuring the airworthiness of Air Algérie’s fleet, the AMRD oversees a diverse fleet comprising 56 aircraft, including Airbus A330 wide-body jets, Boeing 737s of various configurations, and ATR turboprops.

The surge in flight frequency, attributed to expanded route networks and resumed services post-pandemic, has placed significant strain on Air Algérie’s fleet. In 2023, the airline transported 7.2 million passengers, reflecting intensive utilization. In 2024, with plans to operate 516 weekly flights as announced by former CEO Yacine Benslimane, alongside 88 daily domestic flights, the maintenance division faces a formidable challenge in ensuring seamless operations amidst heightened demand.

Hamza Benhamouda’s strategic focus on fleet maintenance underscores Air Algérie’s commitment to upholding safety standards and operational efficiency, essential for sustaining growth and retaining passenger trust amidst evolving market dynamics.

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