The Government of the Azores has revealed that the estimated cost of establishing a regular dedicated air cargo operation between mainland Portugal and the Azores would be approximately €9.4 million, highlighting the significant financial challenges involved in creating a permanent freight service for the archipelago.
The information was provided in response to a parliamentary inquiry submitted by the Azores branch of the CHEGA party, which sought clarification regarding the transport of goods between the mainland and the islands, the limitations currently affecting cargo operations, and the possibility of implementing a dedicated cargo service.
According to CHEGA, air freight plays a critical role in the regional economy by ensuring the supply of essential goods, facilitating the export of Azorean products—particularly perishable items such as fresh fish—and supporting a range of strategic economic sectors. The party argued that businesses throughout the archipelago continue to face structural challenges due to their dependence on cargo space available on passenger flights, which can limit reliability and predictability.
The issue gained additional visibility earlier this year when temporary restrictions related to cargo security screening equipment affected the shipment of certain goods from some islands. According to CHEGA, these limitations created difficulties for producers, exporters, and transport operators and underscored the need for long-term solutions rather than temporary measures.
In its response, the Regional Government presented data from SATA International – Azores Airlines and the Azores Regional Statistics Service (SREA) showing continued growth in air cargo and mail traffic over the past five years.
Total cargo and mail handled by air transport increased from 3.97 million kilograms in 2021 to 4.57 million kilograms in 2025. Last year alone, SATA International accounted for nearly 69 percent of all freight transported by air within the Azorean system.
São Miguel remained the dominant cargo hub, handling more than 3.19 million kilograms of cargo and mail in 2025. Terceira followed with approximately 1.04 million kilograms, while Faial handled 208,513 kilograms. Pico registered 87,773 kilograms, and Santa Maria processed 35,122 kilograms.
The government also noted that Azores Airlines evaluates every cargo reservation request received. When space is unavailable on a preferred flight, requests are automatically transferred to the next available service on the same route.
Addressing the possibility of creating a dedicated cargo operation, the Regional Government emphasized that responsibility for ensuring territorial continuity between the mainland and the islands rests with the Portuguese Republic. It recalled that two international public tenders launched by Lisbon for dedicated cargo services failed to attract bidders.
Officials also cited the example of a private operator that launched a cargo route in 2019 using its own resources but eventually reduced and later suspended operations because the service proved economically unsustainable.
Regarding the temporary cargo screening issues experienced earlier this year, the government stated that SATA Air Açores worked closely with several entities to restore operations as quickly as possible. It added that companies holding “known consignor” status were not affected by the restrictions and noted that a free maritime transport alternative was introduced to help mitigate disruptions involving perishable products.
According to the government, full operational normality across the regional airport network was restored on April 15, 2025, following the installation of the final X-ray screening equipment at São Jorge Airport.
The executive also confirmed that it has maintained both formal and informal contacts with national and European authorities whenever necessary to address issues affecting air cargo transportation. However, it stressed that many of the security requirements involved originate from European aviation regulations and are considered essential for maintaining aviation safety standards.
On the question of including freight transportation obligations within the Public Service Obligation (PSO) framework linking the Azores and mainland Portugal, the Regional Government reiterated that such decisions fall exclusively under the authority of the Portuguese Government.
As a reference point for future discussions, officials pointed to two previous cargo service tenders launched by the Republic. One, issued in 2015, carried a base value of €8.5 million, while a second tender launched in 2016 was valued at €9.4 million. Both contracts were designed to cover a three-year operational period.
The figures underscore the continuing debate over how best to ensure reliable freight connections for an island region whose economy depends heavily on efficient transportation links with the mainland and international markets.
Translated and adapted from Correio dos Açores, Natalino Viveiros, director. Photos from SATA-Air Açores.
