Air Algérie Adds A330-900neo – And A New Long-Haul Business Class
Air Algérie has welcomed its first Airbus A330-900neo (reg. 7T-VJD), kicking off a widebody renewal that will see 10 A330-900neos delivered by mid-2027. The jets replace—and modestly up-gauge—the carrier’s eight A330-200s (avg. ~17 years), bringing ~25% lower fuel burn and the range to cover the airline’s longest missions (about 7,200 nm).
The Cabin: A Step Up Up Front
The new aircraft seat 308 in three cabins: 18 Business / 24 Premium Economy / 266 Economy.
Up front, Air Algérie has introduced a modern staggered 1-2-1 Business Class (Vantage XL style), giving every passenger direct aisle access and a fully flat bed. There are no doors, but this is still a big leap from the previous A330 layout. Premium Economy and Economy arrive with the A330’s crowd-pleasing pairs by the windows, easing the squeeze on long sectors.
Where These Jets Fit
Expect the A330-900neo to refresh, not radically expand the long-haul map—at least at first. The type is a natural for trunk routes from Algiers (ALG) to Montréal–Trudeau (YUL) in the west and Beijing (PEK) in the east, while boosting reliability, operating costs, and customer experience system-wide. With consistent hardware and lower trip costs, the airline also gets more latitude on frequency and seasonality.
The Order Shuffle (Why No A350)
Air Algérie’s original 2023 plan called for two A350s (-900) plus five A330-900neos. That was amended at the end of 2024 to an all-A330-900neo deal for 10 frames. For this network, a single type with excellent economics and ample range is the pragmatic choice—simpler pilot training, spares, and scheduling, without paying a complexity tax.
Quick Stats
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Fleet plan: 10 × A330-900neo (first delivered; all by mid-2027)
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First frame: 7T-VJD
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Layout: 308 seats (18J / 24W / 266Y), 1-2-1 in Business
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Efficiency: ~25% lower fuel burn vs. A330-200
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Range: ~7,200 nm (easily covers ALG–YUL / ALG–PEK)
What I’ll Be Watching
Hardware is only half the story. If Air Algérie pairs these cabins with better soft product—ground handling at ALG, tighter connections, and even a few deeper partnerships—it could become a far more attractive one-stop option across North Africa and beyond. The airline isn’t in a global alliance, and connecting through Algiers can still be cumbersome; the new metal is a perfect moment to fix that.
Bottom Line
Air Algérie’s first A330-900neo ushers in a new Business Class and a more efficient long-haul fleet, with nine more jets to follow by 2027. It’s the right airplane for the network, the right cost profile for growth, and a clear upgrade for passengers—especially in the pointy end. Now it’s on the airline to match the shiny hard product with equally polished service and connectivity.
