Air Algérie (AH, Algiers) has placed an order for sixteen ATR72-600s for its new regional subsidiary, Domestic Airlines.
The new ATR72-600s will be powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127XT engines and will be able to accommodate 72 passengers. Deliveries are expected to commence in 2026 and the last unit is scheduled to join the fleet in 2028.
"The ATR72-600 is the right aircraft to help us connect all regions of our country and support national development through reliable and efficient air transport," said Air Algérie's CEO, Hamza Benhamouda.
Air Algérie plans to focus on its international network out of Algiers, with newly launched Domestic Airlines poised to take over services between Algerian cities. The wholly-owned subsidiary is expected to ramp up services to Algeria's southern regions that traditionally lacked viable air connections with the rest of the country.
Local media reported that the new subsidiary will launch operations in July 2025. Domestic Airlines will be based on Tassili Airlines, an existing carrier which Air Algérie recently acquired from state-owned oil-and-gas holding Sonatrach Group. The flag carrier plans to eventually integrate the fleet of Tassili Airlines, although it is not clear whether Domestic Airlines will use the existing carrier's certificate or if it will be an entirely new unit.
ch-aviation data reveals that Air Algérie's turboprop network currently comprises twelve ATR72-500s and three ATR72-600s. The ATR72-500s are on average 21.2 years old, while the -600s are 10.2 years old on average. Tassili Airlines, meanwhile, operates a turboprop of eight Beech 1900Ds, four DHC-8-Q200s, and four DHC-8-Q400s.
