Algeria’s National Care Gaining Market Share

Air Algérie, Algeria’s national carrier, has been flying to and from Brussels since 1965 and played a key role in the growth of South Charleroi Airport. Today, Air Algérie operates three flights a week from Belgium to Algiers and, during the peak tourism season from the end of June to mid-September, it also offers flights to Oran. Redouane Aouf, the airline’s General Manager in Belgium, explains, “The location of Brussels in the heart of Europe is very important for our airline, because around 20 million people in Belgium and surrounding countries can easily fly from Brussels National Zaventem. Air Algérie is working hard on making Algeria one of the most attractive tourism destinations in North Africa and on attracting visitors from Europe.”

While Air Algérie has been facing competition from low-cost airlines, it has been growing steadily. Redouane Aouf says, “We had an 8% market share in 2012 and 19% in 2013, so we are definitely gaining market position compared to the competition.” He adds that special promotions offered by the airline have contributed to this growth.

Special corporate partnerships

Most of Air Algérie’s passengers are Algerians living in Europe, but more and more business and tourism travelers are also flying to Algeria on the airline. “We have a very strong relationship with several Belgian companies which use our services. We offer special business fares as well as a frequent-flyer programme for all passengers, and our customers know that we always provide top-quality service,” Redouane Aouf points out.

Air Algérie aims to be the airline of choice for both corporate and leisure travelers. Redouane Aouf says, “We are always open to new partnerships in the aviation and travel industries, and we are upgrading our entire fleet, training 200 new pilots, and focusing on human resources to be sure that Air Algérie is the best option for the strongest partners.”