National Company Air Algérie plans to open new routes to Africa, announced Monday in Algiers Minister of Transport, Amar Ghoul.
Speaking during the 46th General Assembly of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) being held on 10 - 11 November in Algiers, the minister underlined that Air Algerie eyes to "benefit from Africa’s economic growth by opening new air routes to South Africa, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Djibouti and Chad."
In this regard, he indicated that the total figure of the world air transport is of 3 billion travelers per year, including 144 millions in the Middle East and 70 millions in Africa, "which gives Air Algerie a greater scope of progress."
With Africa’s share in the global air transport hitting 2.3%, there are significant trade opportunities to seize in this continent, Ghoul said.
Moreover, he announced the construction of five control towers and a centre of aviation control in Tamanrasset which will be put in the service of African countries.
Algeria is developing 20 airports meeting international standards, besides it makes more investments in several projects so these airports are equipped with new security systems and managed in compliance with rigorous rules, the minister said.
Also, the emergence of new airlines, the modernization of airports and the purchase of new aircrafts by Air Algerie will help increase the capacity of air transport to 20 million passengers by 2019 against 6 millions currently.