Air Algérie has a new general director: Hamza Benhamouda replaces Yacine Benslimane as the head of the national company. With solid experience in civil aviation, Benhamouda inherits a growing company.
Head of State Abdelmadjid Tebboune appointed Hamza Benhamouda as the new general director of Air Algérie, succeeding Yassine Benslimane who had held this position since June 2022. This decision was announced on Wednesday, February 7, marking a new era for the national company.
Before taking control of Air Algérie, Benhamouda held the position of general director of the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) since November 2022. His career in the aviation sector, marked by 14 years within Air Algeria and collaborations with six successive general directors, made him a known player in the airline sector in Algeria.
Son of Abdelhak Benhamouda, former secretary general of the General Union of Algerian Workers (UGTA), Hamza Benhamouda served as an advisor to the former general director of Air Algérie Bekhouche Allache. In 2019, Hamza Benhamouda resigned from the management of the company after 14 years of service. This decision raised questions and fueled discussions about the real motivations.
Hamza Benhamouda takes the place of Yacine Benslimane
Hamza Benhamouda will have the mission of succeeding Yacine Benslimane, who has carried out enormous work within the national company. The former Aigle Azur’s transition to the head of Air Algérie was marked by a restructuring of the company. In the space of less than two years, Yacine Benslimane managed to lead it towards profitability, after seven years of deficit. In 2023, Air Algérie transported more than 7 million passengers, consolidating its position on the national and international markets.
Under the leadership of Benslimane, Air Algérie has experienced significant growth. The opening of new routes to sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and Latin America and the creation of a hub at Algiers airport have enabled the company to strengthen its international presence. The reopening of routes to destinations such as Beirut and Damascus has also enabled Air Algérie to reduce its dependence on the French market and open up to new horizons.
Continue the restructuring and modernization of Air Algérie
Aware of the importance of modernizing to remain competitive, Air Algérie has invested massively in the renewal of its fleet. The order for 15 new aircraft from Boeing and Airbus, with deliveries planned between 2025 and 2027, will allow the company to offer better quality services and meet the growing demands of its customers.
The arrival of Benhamouda at the head of Air Algérie comes at an important moment for the company. His experience and knowledge of the aviation sector will allow him to capitalize on the achievements of past years and continue the trajectory of restructuring and modernization of Air Algérie.
