A resolution by the Assembleia Legislativa da Região Autónoma dos Açores mandating parliamentary oversight of the privatization of SATA Internacional – Azores Airlines was published today in the Diário da República.

Under the measure, the Assembly’s Comissão Especializada Permanente de Economia is tasked with monitoring the ongoing privatization process. Acting within its remit, the committee may, by resolution, request financial, accounting, contractual, and procedural documentation related to the sale, seek external technical opinions deemed necessary for scrutiny, and hold hearings with individuals or entities involved in the process.

The resolution also states that the committee “must ensure the completion of all deliberated actions and safeguard all legal requirements regarding data protection and confidentiality, whenever the applicable legal framework so requires.” It further stipulates that, in all proceedings and scheduling under this resolution, “all parliamentary groups and representations must be contacted.” The measure was approved by the Azorean parliament on December 12, 2025.

On November 24, the Atlantic Connect Group submitted a €17 million bid for 85% of the share capital of Azores Airlines. The Governo dos Açores has since requested an extension from the European Commission to complete the privatization by December 31, 2026.

The proposal is currently under review by the tender jury, chaired by economist and university professor Augusto Mateus.

In June 2022, the European Commission approved Portuguese state aid totaling €453.25 million—through loans and state guarantees—to support the airline’s restructuring. The approved plan included measures such as organizational reconfiguration and the divestment of a controlling stake (51%).

Azores Airlines, part of the SATA Group, operates routes connecting the archipelago to destinations outside the region, while SATA Air Açores handles inter-island services.

In addition to this resolution, four other measures adopted by the Azorean parliament were also published today. One reiterates the legislature’s demand that the Government of the Republic ensure a “scrupulous, effective, efficient, and adequate” reinforcement of Polícia de Segurança Pública staffing levels in the Azores.

A second recommends that the Republic include the entire national territory—including the Azores and Madeira—in the Programa Regressar and its successor, the Programa Voltar. A third suggests that the Regional Government coalition (PSD/CDS-PP/PPM) maintain the fish auction fee (taxa de lota) and update other applicable fees. The fourth concerns approval of the Assembly’s management accounts for 2024.

in Jornal Açores9-Paulo Melo, director

Translated into English as a community outreach program by the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL), in collaboration with Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno. PBBI thanks Luso Financial for sponsoring NOVIDADES.