Air Algerie CEO manages to redress financial balance

CEO of national public airline company Air Algerie, Ouahid Bouabdellah, said the Algerian community living in France represents 70% percent of the company’s customers on the international flights.

• “The new policy adopted by Air Algerie since March 2008 consists in offering services of highest quality and good assistance to the clients,” he told Echorouk.
• He added that his company must adopt modern management rules due to competition imposed by foreign companies including the French one and Aigle Azur.
• According to Bouabdellah, five bodies of Algerians living in France are transported to Algeria per day.
• “Some French companies weigh coffins. That needs strict intervention from the Algerian consulate in France.”
• He also says Air Algerie gets 40 percent of the transport fees estimated at 2,000 euros.
• Air Algerie to transport 8 million passengers per year
• Bouabdellah said Air Algerie is planning to transport 8 million passengers on its local and international flights by 2014.
• “The company will continue its modernisation plan launched 2006 and meant to buy new aircraft of small and medium size.
• He added that Air Algerie will buy four new aircraft via international calls for tenders in conformity with common standards.
• “The most important manufacturers in the world including US Boeing, Airbus applied for the deal. The government is totally free to choose the company it wants.”
• “Air Algerie prefers the manufacturer which presents the best offers but it will not be against the government’s decision.”