Key Takeaways
• Plus Ultra will operate Air Algérie’s Airbus A330-200 on daily Algiers-Montréal flights from May 22, 2025.
• The ACMI deal lasts 12 months, supporting Air Algérie’s fleet renewal and international expansion plans.
• Plus Ultra gains ACMI business growth; travelers benefit from reliable direct connections between Algeria and Canada.
On May 21, 2025, a major development in international aviation was announced: Spanish airline Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas will operate long-haul flights for Air Algérie under a new ACMI agreement. This partnership, which begins immediately, is set to last for at least 12 months and will see Plus Ultra deploying its Airbus A330-200 aircraft on key routes for the Algerian flag carrier. The first route under this agreement will be a daily nonstop service between Algiers (ALG) and Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL). This move is part of Air Algérie’s broader strategy to expand its international presence and manage capacity during a period of fleet renewal.
This article explains what the ACMI agreement means, why it matters for travelers and the aviation industry, and how it fits into the larger context of regional airline growth. We’ll also look at what this partnership could mean for immigrants, business travelers, and families with ties between Algeria 🇩🇿, Spain 🇪🇸, and Canada 🇨🇦.
What Is an ACMI Agreement and Why Is It Important?
An ACMI agreement stands for Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance. In simple terms, it’s a leasing arrangement where one airline (in this case, Plus Ultra) provides another airline (Air Algérie) with a fully operational aircraft, complete with crew, maintenance, and insurance. The airline that leases the aircraft (Air Algérie) is responsible for things like fuel, airport fees, and ticket sales.
Key points about this ACMI agreement:
- Start Date: Effective immediately, as of May 22, 2025
- Duration: Initial period of 12 months, with possible extension
- Aircraft: At least one Airbus A330-200 from Plus Ultra’s fleet
– Route: Daily nonstop flights between Algiers and Montréal - Future Expansion: Potential to cover other medium and long-haul routes
This type of agreement is often used when an airline needs extra capacity quickly, such as during fleet upgrades, unexpected aircraft maintenance, or rapid route expansion. For Air Algérie, this ACMI deal is a way to keep up with growing demand while waiting for new aircraft to arrive.
Why Did Air Algérie Choose Plus Ultra?
Air Algérie is in the middle of a major expansion and modernization effort. The airline currently operates eight A330-200 long-haul aircraft, but only five are active. To replace its aging fleet, Air Algérie has ordered eight new Airbus A300-900neo planes, which are expected to arrive over the next few years.
Challenges Air Algérie faces:
- Fleet Gaps: Some aircraft are out of service, reducing available seats on long-haul routes.
- Growing Demand: More travelers are flying between Algeria and destinations in North America, Europe, and Asia.
- Expansion Plans: Air Algérie wants to launch new routes to Africa and Asia, including Guangzhou (China) and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), starting in the winter 2025/26 season.
By partnering with Plus Ultra through an ACMI agreement, Air Algérie can:
- Maintain Service Levels: Continue offering daily flights to key destinations like Montréal without interruption.
- Avoid Overstretching Resources: Use Plus Ultra’s aircraft and crew while focusing on integrating new planes into its own fleet.
- Stay Competitive: Meet customer expectations for reliability and frequency during a critical period of growth.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, ACMI agreements like this are becoming more common as airlines look for flexible ways to manage capacity and respond to changing market conditions.
Who Is Plus Ultra and What Do They Bring to the Table?
Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas is a Spanish airline based in Madrid. While not as large as some European carriers, Plus Ultra has carved out a niche for itself by operating both scheduled flights and ACMI (leasing) services.
As of May 2025, Plus Ultra’s operations include:
- Fleet: Four active Airbus A330-200 aircraft, with a fifth in storage
- Scheduled Routes: Regular flights from Madrid-Barajas to Latin America and Equatorial Guinea
- Network: Serving 2 domestic and 5 international destinations across 5 countries
- Departure Points: Operations from 7 airports in 5 countries
About 20% of Plus Ultra’s business comes from ACMI agreements, making this partnership with Air Algérie a natural fit. The airline has experience operating long-haul flights and managing the logistics of international routes, which is essential for a successful ACMI operation.
What does Plus Ultra gain?
- Business Diversification: Expands its ACMI portfolio and revenue streams
- Fleet Utilization: Keeps its aircraft flying, even when not needed for scheduled services
- International Exposure: Builds relationships with new markets and partners
What Does This Mean for Travelers and Immigrants?
For many people, especially those with family or business ties between Algeria 🇩🇿 and Canada 🇨🇦, reliable air service is essential. The daily Algiers–Montréal route is a lifeline for:
- Immigrants: Many Algerians have settled in Canada, particularly in the province of Quebec. Direct flights make it easier to visit family, attend important events, or manage cross-border responsibilities.
- Students: Algerian students studying in Canada rely on direct flights for holidays and emergencies.
- Business Travelers: Companies with operations in both countries need consistent, dependable air links.
- Tourists: Easier travel options encourage tourism in both directions.
Example scenario:
A family in Algiers planning to visit relatives in Montréal can book a direct flight with confidence, knowing that Air Algérie’s partnership with Plus Ultra ensures there will be enough seats and reliable service, even as the airline updates its own fleet.
Practical guidance:
Travelers should continue booking through Air Algérie’s official channels. The flights operated by Plus Ultra under the ACMI agreement will be marketed as Air Algérie flights, so passengers will not need to make any special arrangements. However, it’s always wise to check the operating carrier on your ticket for information about baggage policies or onboard services.
How Does This Affect the Aviation Industry?
The Plus Ultra–Air Algérie partnership is part of a larger trend in the aviation world:
- Regional Expansion: Airlines in North Africa and the Middle East are adding new routes and destinations. For example, Saudia recently announced more than ten new destinations for 2025, including cities in Europe and Asia.
- Fleet Modernization: Many carriers are investing in new, fuel-efficient aircraft. Iberia, for instance, is deploying the Airbus A321XLR to improve its long-haul capabilities.
- Flexible Operations: ACMI agreements allow airlines to respond quickly to market changes, seasonal demand, or unexpected disruptions.
Industry experts point out:
- Enhanced Connectivity: Agreements like this improve links between continents, supporting trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.
- Risk Management: Leasing aircraft through ACMI deals helps airlines avoid service gaps during fleet transitions or maintenance periods.
- Revenue Opportunities: For airlines like Plus Ultra, ACMI contracts provide steady income and help maximize aircraft usage.
Air Algérie’s Broader Expansion Strategy
The ACMI agreement with Plus Ultra is just one part of Air Algérie’s ambitious growth plan. The airline is working on several fronts to strengthen its position as a leading carrier in the region.
Recent activities include:
- SIAHA 2025 Participation: Air Algérie took part in the International Exhibition of Tourism, Travel, and Transport (SIAHA 2025) in Oran, Algeria, from April 23-26, 2025. The event featured over 280 exhibitors and showcased the airline’s latest offers and service packages.
- Tourism Promotion: By participating in major travel exhibitions, Air Algérie is supporting national tourism and promoting Algeria as a regional travel hub.
- New Routes: Plans are underway to launch flights to new destinations in Africa and Asia, further expanding the airline’s international reach.
Strategic goals:
- Fleet Renewal: Replacing older aircraft with new Airbus A300-900neo models to improve efficiency and passenger comfort.
- Service Reliability: Using ACMI agreements to maintain high service levels during the transition.
- Market Growth: Attracting more travelers from Europe, North America, and Asia.
What Are the Risks and Challenges?
While the partnership offers many benefits, there are also challenges to consider:
- Operational Coordination: Ensuring smooth cooperation between Plus Ultra and Air Algérie, especially in areas like crew training, customer service, and safety standards.
- Passenger Experience: Maintaining consistent service quality when flights are operated by a different airline.
- Regulatory Compliance: Meeting the requirements of aviation authorities in Algeria, Spain, and Canada.
For travelers:
It’s important to check travel documents and entry requirements before flying. For those traveling to Canada, information about visas and entry rules can be found on the official Government of Canada immigration website.
What Could Happen Next?
The initial ACMI agreement covers the Algiers–Montréal route, but both airlines have left the door open for future expansion. If the partnership proves successful, Plus Ultra could operate additional flights for Air Algérie on other medium and long-haul routes.
Possible developments:
- More Destinations: Expansion to other cities in Europe, Africa, or Asia.
- Longer-Term Cooperation: Multi-year agreements or joint ventures.
- Increased Competition: Other airlines may pursue similar partnerships to boost their own networks.
Takeaways and Next Steps
The new ACMI agreement between Plus Ultra and Air Algérie is a timely solution for both airlines. For Air Algérie, it ensures uninterrupted service and supports its growth plans during a period of fleet renewal. For Plus Ultra, it offers a valuable opportunity to expand its ACMI business and strengthen its international profile.
For travelers and immigrants:
- Expect reliable daily flights between Algiers and Montréal, even as Air Algérie updates its fleet.
- Book tickets through Air Algérie as usual; flights operated by Plus Ultra will be clearly marked.
- Check official government sources for the latest travel and immigration requirements.
For the aviation industry:
- This partnership highlights the growing importance of flexible leasing arrangements like ACMI agreements.
- It reflects broader trends of regional expansion, fleet modernization, and increased connectivity between Europe, North Africa, and North America.
As airlines continue to adapt to changing market demands, partnerships like the one between Plus Ultra and Air Algérie will play a key role in shaping the future of international travel.
For more details on ACMI agreements and their impact on global mobility, VisaVerge.com reports that these arrangements are likely to become even more common as airlines seek new ways to manage capacity and serve diverse markets.
Official government link for travelers:
Government of Canada: Immigration and Citizenship
By staying informed and planning ahead, travelers can make the most of new opportunities created by these international airline partnerships.
Learn Today
ACMI Agreement → Leasing contract where an airline provides Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance to another airline.
Airbus A330-200 → A wide-body, long-haul aircraft used for international flights, deployed by Plus Ultra in this agreement.
Fleet Renewal → Process of replacing older aircraft with newer models to improve efficiency and capacity.
Long-haul Routes → Flight routes covering long distances, typically intercontinental or between distant countries.
Nonstop Service → A flight that travels directly between two airports without intermediate stops.
This Article in a Nutshell
Plus Ultra and Air Algérie launch a 12-month ACMI partnership starting May 22, 2025. Daily nonstop Algiers–Montréal flights ensure reliable service amid Air Algérie’s fleet renewal. This strategic alliance benefits immigrants, business travelers, and tourism, reflecting a trend of fleet modernization and flexible regional expansion in aviation.
— By VisaVerge.com
Read more:
• Manchester Airport unveils barrier-free car parking for smoother travel
• Madrid Airport sets nighttime access restrictions over homeless crisis
• Allegiant Airlines Unveils Bold Gulf Shores, Portland Routes
• American Airlines adds tequila and new buy-on-board choices in cabins
• Denver International Airport reopens Park on the Plaza for summer 2025
