Air Algerie, Tassili Airlines Opt For 737's

Boeing announced two orders for its workhorse Next-Generation 737-800 at the Dubai Airshow Tuesday.

Tassili Airlines of Algeria placed its first order for Boeing airplanes with a signed deal for four of the aircraft. Tassili Airlines is a 100-percent-owned subsidiary of government-owned Sonatrach Petroleum Corporation, will use the 737-800s to transport employees and cargo between large Algerian cities and Sonatrach work sites. Tassili plans to put its 737s into commercial passenger service on domestic and regional routes in the near future.

"Tassili's selection of the Boeing Next-Generation 737 is a testament to the airplane's versatility, range and other performance factors," said Marty Bentrott, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president of Sales for the Middle East, Central and South Asia. "We offered a comprehensive package to support its unique employee-transport needs, including spares, support equipment, ground-handling equipment, tooling and training."

The order book grew further with the announcement that Air Algerie would order seven Next-Generation 737-800s. The airplanes will grow the Air Algerie Next-Generation 737 fleet to 22 airplanes, and will help the airline leverage the efficiencies of a standard single-aisle fleet that delivers high fuel efficiency and related environmental improvements, said Air Algerie CEO Abdelwahid Bouabdallah.

Air Algerie is based in Algeria's capital, Algiers.

"Our purchase of Boeing 737-800s is a natural progression for Air Algerie," said Bouabdallah. "One advantage is that our pilots and engineers are expertly trained and experienced with the airplane. The 737-800 adds great value to our fleet because it is very high-tech and reliable. Reduced operating and maintenance costs mean our airplanes spend less time on the ground and more time in the air making money."

Air Algerie ordered its new 737s with Blended Winglets, which further reduce fuel burn by approximately four percent. A Boeing customer for nearly 40 years, Air Algerie operates a Boeing fleet that includes 10 737-800s, five 737-600s and three 767-300s.

FMI: www.boeing.com