note
Airline can trace its history to Socieda Acoreana de Estudos Aereos Ltda founded in 1941 to provide air service within Azores islands and connection to Lisbon. Operations commenced in June 1947 using Beechcraft aircraft between Sao Miguel, Santa Maria and Terceira. In August 1948 De Havilland DH104 Doves were introduced.
In 1950s SATA became handling agent for all airlines using Santa Maria airport.
Airline was founded as private company, but in 1980 government of Azores took control.
In 1990 SATA joined IATA.
In March 1994 SATA took over Oceanair Air Taxi and begun charter flights using Boeing 737-300 aircraft following year. In March 1998 SATA established new airline called SATA Interncional and commenced operationas in June.
SATA evolved in commercial entity called Grupo SATA. Grupo SATA is holding company for SATA Air Acores which provide island air service in the Azores. SATA Internacional which provides long-haul connection to North America and rest of Europe. SATA Handling provides airport handling services in the Azores. SATA also owns Azores Express which is its Travel Agent in USA and SATA Express which provides same service in Canada.
Grupo SATA employes over 1,200 people (2009). In October 2015 SATA, rebranded as Azores Airlines.
founded - demised (age)
December 1941 - present (84years)
headquarters
Av. Infante D.Henrique 55-2, Sao Miguel, Azores
web
base airports
related operators
current /stored fleet (19)
