Air Algérie (AH, Algiers) has announced the placement of a firm order with Boeing (BOE, Washington National) for two B737-700(C) aircraft valued at USD152million at current list prices. Following its announcement during the Farnborough International Airshow 2014, the order will add to the Algerian national carrier's January's order for eight B737-800s.

"The 737-700C will provide our fleet with flexibility, and enhances our ability to carry cargo on important routes," said Mohamed Salah Boultif, chief executive officer of Air Algerie.

Enabling airlines to alternate between passenger and cargo layouts on a daily, weekly or seasonal basis depending on market requirements, the B737-700C is a derivative of the B737-700 and features strengthened wings, a main-deck cargo door and an in-floor cargo-handling system.

In an all-passenger layout, the 737-700C can carry up to 140 passengers, while the all-cargo layout provides up to 40,000 pounds (18,200 kilograms) of capacity.

At present, Air Algerie operates five B737-600s and seventeen B737-800s on both domestic as well as regional African and European flights.