Khalifa were set up in 1999 and since then they have been expanding at a blistering pace. Their order book says it all, ATR 42, ATR 72, A320, A330 and A340. However some feel that they are expanding far too fast for their own good. The economics of the airline is a point that many a consultant or accountant would find very interesting to say the very least! I spoke to one chap who did some ad-hoc consultancy work for Khalifa and he left early because he was appalled at the set up, in his words the airline had 'loads of cash but no planning, no strategy and finally no brain! Interesting point to note is that, Algeria has 'been in the dark' for some time and has a lot of gas revenues that have built up over time so cash might not be such a big problem. They want to expand and knock Air Algerie off the throne and become the new flag carrier for Algeria. Their website paints a rosy picture of long-haul routes to places like Jo'burg, New York and Jeddah among others. However is there really enough demand for Air Algerie and Khalifa to be both operating???? Either Khalifa is digging its own grave or it will pull through and Air Algerie will sadly suffer!
To kill your curiosity about the name of the airline, the company is named after the Chairman of the Khalifa group...... yes...... Mr Khalifa!!!!!
<a href="http://www.khalifaairways-dz.com" target="_blank">http://www.khalifaairways-dz.com</a> for further info.
I personally would not touch them with a barge pole if I was given the chance!
MG