Plus Ultra to Operate Algiers–Montreal Flights for Air Algérie
Spanish airline Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas is set to operate long-haul flights for Air Algérie under a new ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) agreement, Spanish media reported on May 21, 2025. The contract, which is expected to begin imminently, will initially run for 12 months and may be expanded to include additional routes depending on future needs. The partnership starts with Plus Ultra operating the daily nonstop route between Algiers and Montréal–Trudeau International Airport using one of its Airbus A330-200 aircraft.
As of May 2025, Plus Ultra has four active A330-200s in service, with a fifth currently in storage, according to data from ch-aviation. The airline typically uses these widebody aircraft for scheduled flights between Madrid-Barajas and destinations across Latin America and Equatorial Guinea. However, the company has been increasing its ACMI operations, which now account for about 20 percent of its business. The agreement with Air Algérie reflects this growing segment and offers the Spanish carrier a new opportunity in the transatlantic market.
Air Algérie is undergoing an aggressive international expansion and intends to increase its global network in the coming months. For the winter 2025/26 season, the Algerian flag carrier is planning to introduce new routes to Africa, along with Asian destinations such as Guangzhou and Kuala Lumpur. The partnership with Plus Ultra comes as Air Algérie seeks to maintain capacity while awaiting the delivery of new aircraft. The airline currently has eight A330-200s in its fleet, though only five are operational. To modernize its long-haul capabilities, Air Algérie has ordered eight new Airbus A330-900neo aircraft.
The temporary lease of aircraft from Plus Ultra allows Air Algérie to continue expanding without compromising service levels during its fleet renewal phase. By leveraging the ACMI model, Air Algérie can maintain essential long-haul routes and introduce new destinations as planned, even with a limited number of operational widebody jets. The collaboration also demonstrates Plus Ultra’s ability to provide international carriers with flexible capacity solutions while diversifying its own operational footprint.
If the initial agreement proves successful, both airlines are likely to consider extending the arrangement beyond the Algiers–Montreal route. Potential future deployments could cover other medium- and long-haul destinations, enabling Air Algérie to respond quickly to market demand without waiting for new aircraft deliveries. The move highlights the growing importance of ACMI partnerships in helping legacy carriers manage operational challenges while pursuing ambitious growth strategies in a competitive global market.
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