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SATA Group comprises two airlines: regional operator SATA Air Açores and SATA Internacional-Azores Airlines, which performs longer-range narrowbody flights.
Regional government-owned SATA Group is prioritizing fleet, operational and financial stability, including the phase-out of one Airbus A320ceo, as it progresses with SATA Internacional-Azores Airlines’ privatization.
The group comprises two airlines: regional operator SATA Air Açores and SATA Internacional-Azores Airlines, which performs longer-range narrowbody flights.
“The strategic priorities of the two airlines reflect their distinct roles within SATA Group,” a company spokesperson told ATW ahead of the European Regions Airline Association (ERA) general assembly in Belfast.
SATA Air Açores operates two De Havilland Canada Dash 8-200s and six Dash 8-400s, connecting the nine major islands of the Azores archipelago. Over the next 12-24 months, Air Açores is looking to prioritize reliability and resilience, as the Azores is subject to rapidly changing weather conditions, affecting airport operations and punctuality.
Meanwhile, soon-to-be-privatized Azores Airlines will continue to strengthen Azores connectivity with Cape Verde, Europe, mainland Portugal and North America.
“As Azores Airlines is currently undergoing a divestment process within the restructuring framework agreed with the European Commission, it would be premature to comment on longer-term strategic scenarios,” the spokesperson said.
SATA Holding has received eight expressions of interest in the privatization of at least 75% of Azores Airlines from airlines, private equity firms and other aviation companies. Six entities were invited to submit a non-binding offer.
Azores Airlines has an all-leased fleet comprising two A320ceos, two A320neos, two A321neos and three A321LRs. Azores Airlines is expecting to make “limited” fleet adjustments over the coming 12-24 months, including the anticipated phase-out of one A320ceo.
“No aircraft acquisitions are currently planned,” the spokesperson said.
Both airlines continued to improve their performance in the first half of 2026. SATA Air Açores’ net result was €1.3 million ($1.5 million) up on the same period in 2025, and Azores Airlines’ net result rose approximately €3.9 million year-on-year, despite revenue remaining flat. “This was driven by stronger unit revenues and disciplined capacity and revenue management,” the spokesperson said.
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