Five manufacturers are to bid for Algerian flag carrier Air Algérie's fleet upgrade project. The airline says it will purchase about 17 aircraft, with a requirement for five widebodies and three 130-seater jets being contested between Airbus and Boeing. The carrier is also in discussions with ATR, Bombardier and Embraer for nine 50- to 70-seat regional aircraft. The carrier is keen to conclude the deals by the end of the month as it has seen an increase in demand after the collapse of its only local competitor, Khalifa Airways, earlier this year. The North African airline says it hopes to take delivery of at least 10 aircraft this year, including two narrowbodies and two widebodies.
Source: Flight International
