On June 15, 1947, SATA – Sociedade Açoriana de Transportes Aéreos (Azorean Air Transport Society) – made its first commercial flight, connecting the island of Santa Maria and São Miguel, in a Beechcraft UC-45B aircraft with registration CS-TAA. This milestone represents the beginning of a mission that has remained steadfast in its purpose for almost eight decades: to shorten distances, unite the islands, bring people together, and take the Azores further.
The history of aviation in the Azores is intertwined with the history of SATA itself. Founded by Azoreans to serve Azoreans, the company began a journey that evolved from an essential interisland service to an international operator with global reach. Today, the SATA Group, through SATA Air Açores and Azores Airlines, is proud to keep this mission alive.
SATA Air Açores: the essence of inter-island transportation
Since its first flight in 1947, SATA Air Açores has been the bond that unites the archipelago’s nine islands, ensuring mobility, accessibility, and regional development. Over the years, the company has progressively and strategically expanded its network:
- Terceira – June 18, 1947, with the Beechcraft UC-45B with registration CS-TAA.
- Horta
The first flight to Horta took place on January 15, 1972, with an Avro HS-748 aircraft registered as CS-TAG departing from and arriving at Lajes Airport. The stopover in Horta lasted 39 minutes, and the flight times, on the outbound and return, were 31 and 38 minutes, respectively. The aircraft then proceeded to Ponta Delgada.
- Flores – April 27, 1972 (only occasionally)
Commercial contracts with SATA (occasional charters, subsidized by the Ministry of National Defense) date back to 1972. Despite the irregular nature of these flights, connections to Flores were operated during the high season by the two HS-748s then in service. Flights to this island were already weekly during August and part of September. It was only in 1977 that regular flights to Flores began, although initially limited to a single weekly flight during the summer and a fortnightly service during the winter.
- Graciosa
SATA’s first commercial flight to Graciosa took place on July 13, 1981, by the Avro HS-748 aircraft with registration CS-TAO, two days after the airport’s inauguration on July 11, 1981.
- Pico
SATA’s first commercial flight to what was then known as Pico Airport took place on April 27, 1982, on the aircraft CS-TAO, two days after the airport’s inauguration ceremony.
- São Jorge
The first plane to land at São Jorge Airport was SATA’s Avro HS-748 CS-TAH on April 20, 1983. It carried a team of DGAC technicians who came to certify the new infrastructure. The CS-TAG made the maiden flight three days later, carrying regional authorities and other guests on a special flight to and from Lajes.
- Corvo
SATA’s regular operation on Corvo began on March 29, 1993, first with a Dornier DO-228-200 leased from LAR/Euroair, with registration CS-TGG, followed by a second aircraft of the same model, registered CS-TGO, later acquired by the company.
Its acquisition by SATA resulted from a decision by the regional government, in force since January 27, 1993, which transferred to the airline the Autonomous Region’s position in the transport contract with Oceanair, responsible for air links with Corvo. With this transfer, SATA was tasked to manage the contract more efficiently, ensure connections between Corvo and the other islands, and assume the service costs.
Each new route represented an achievement for local populations, contributing to access to healthcare, education, culture, and, naturally, strengthening domestic tourism.
Azores Airlines: bringing the Azores to the world
With the creation of SATA Internacional, now Azores Airlines, the SATA Group began a new chapter in its history: internationalization. From 1999 onwards, the archipelago became directly connected to mainland Portugal’s main urban centers and important cities in North America and Europe.
The first commercial routes were inaugurated with great symbolism:
- Lisboa
SATA Internacional began regular operations on January 1, 1999, on the Lisbon/Ponta Delgada/Lisbon route, with the inaugural flight operated by a Boeing 737 with registration CS-TGQ.
- Funchal
January 2, 1999
- Porto
March 27, 1999
Before the official start of regular flights between Ponta Delgada and Porto on March 27, 1999, SATA Internacional had operated this route on its initiative since January 3, departing from and arriving in Ponta Delgada. The operation’s success led to it becoming an annual public service obligation in the following concession.
- Toronto
January 15, 2000
- Boston
January 21, 2000
These connections have been fundamental in serving the Azorean diaspora and attracting international visitors seeking an authentic destination rich in nature, culture, and hospitality.
A legacy that goes on flying
More than just dates and routes, SATA’s story is made up of people: those who trust SATA to get them where they need to go, those who work to make sure they get there safely and efficiently, and those who dream bigger every time they see a plane taking off into the Azorean skies.
In 78 years of operation, the SATA Group has accompanied technological transformations, overcome economic challenges, and adapted to new demands for mobility and sustainability. Its goal has always been the same: to serve the Azores and the Azoreans, never losing sight of the future.
Today, we proudly celebrate the beginning of a mission that continues to grow. A big thank you to everyone who has been, and continues to be, part of this journey.
