The SATA Group’s management has admitted that operational problems are affecting inter-island flights. It has clarified that yesterday, four of SATA Air Açores’ fleet (one Bombardier Dash Q200 and three Bombardier Dash Q400) were inoperable, which represents more than half of its fleet.

At the moment, the Azorean airline only has two Bombardier Dash Q400 aircraft and one Bombardier Dash Q200 aircraft available for inter-island operation, and Grupo SATA, “through its tireless employees,” has been working to regularize the operation, the management said at a press conference.

The operation of its fleet is expected to be limited until June 11, so alternatives, namely Azores Airlines, must be resorted to.

As a result, six flights, with 168 seats, were already made on June 2 and 3 using A320ceo equipment, transporting passengers from six rotations that should have been made using Bombardier Dash Q400 equipment. This has allowed “more passengers to be re-accommodated more expeditiously.” If necessary, this solution will be implemented again from time to time using the SATA Group’s installed capacity.

However, as of June 7, SATA Air Açores will be chartering a LUXWING Bombardier Q400 to help with the operation.

The management believes that “this is a temporary situation, which will be overcome as soon as possible, to ensure normal inter-island operations, regretting “the inconvenience caused by this situation, reinforcing its commitment and effort to ensure that all passengers can reach their destinations on schedule.”

Paula Gouveia, Açoriano Oriental newspaper.

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