SATA Air Acores and its sister airline, Azores Airlines, represent a cornerstone of connectivity and economic development for the Azores archipelago. From humble beginnings to becoming a vital link between remote islands and the rest of the world, their history is one of resilience, innovation, and commitment to the community they serve.

The Founding of SATA Air Acores

SATA Air Acores was founded in 1941, during a time when air travel was still in its infancy. Its establishment was a bold step towards modernising transportation for the Azores, a group of nine volcanic islands in the North Atlantic. The airline began operations in 1947 with short domestic flights connecting the islands, which were otherwise reliant on slow and unpredictable maritime travel.

Initially operating only a small Beechcraft, SATA Air Acores connected São Miguel to Santa Maria in half an hour. SATA faced challenges such as unpredictable weather, rugged terrain, and limited infrastructure. Yet, these obstacles only fuelled the airline's determination to provide reliable air service. Over the years, SATA invested in modernising its fleet and improving airport facilities across the islands, establishing itself as a lifeline for residents and a gateway for visitors.

Expansion and the Birth of Azores Airlines

By the 1990s, SATA began to look beyond inter-island travel. Recognising the growing importance of international tourism to the Azores—known for their stunning natural beauty, whale watching, and hiking—SATA created a subsidiary for international flights. This subsidiary, originally known as SATA Internacional, was later rebranded as Azores Airlines in 2015.

Azores Airlines expanded its operations to include destinations in Europe, North America, and beyond. The introduction of these international routes brought the Azores closer to key markets such as Portugal, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States. This expansion was instrumental in increasing tourism, which has become a vital economic driver for the islands.

Today, it offers a vast network of regular routes in the North Atlantic, enlarging its operations with charter flights to many destinations. The Azores Airlines fleet currently includes Airbus A321-200neo and LR, as well as the Airbus A320-200.

Today, SATA Air Azores flies to the following destinations:

• North America: Bermuda, Boston, New York, Oakland, Toronto, Montreal.

• Portugal: Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Funchal, Corvo, Faial, Flores, Graciosa, Pico, Ponta Delgada, Santa Maria, São Jorge, Terceira.

• Europe and the rest of the world: Barcelona, Bilbao, Cape Verde, Frankfurt, Paris, Milan, London.

Safety

SATA and Azores Airlines maintain an excellent safety record. The airlines only incident with fatalities was in 1999. Air Azores operates 8 aircraft with an average fleet age of 9.1 years.

Both arms of the airline group are IOSA certified. AirlineRatings has consistently rated the airline 7/7 stars for safety since its inception in 2012.

Inflight Product

Two service classes are available on Azores Airlines’ medium- and long-haul flights:

COMFORT CLASS

• Priority check-in and boarding, as well as airport lounge access.

• On board, passengers travelling in SATA Comfort Class are offered light meals and accompanying drinks. Blankets and pillows are also available.

• Passengers can stream entertainment for free to their own devices on the Airbus A321 aircraft. Wi-Fi is available for purchase on select flights.

ECONOMY CLASS

• Passengers can enjoy a meal and bar service during their flight with Azores Airlines.

• The seat pitch in Economy Class is 31 inches.

• Passengers can stream entertainment for free to their own devices on the Airbus A321 aircraft. Wi-Fi is available for purchase on select flights.

• Kids are provided with a ‘kids pack’ as well as specially prepared meals, while infants receive a jar of purée.

On the Airbus A321 aircraft, all passengers have access to in-seat power, USB ports, and a coat hook.

A Commitment to the Community

One of the defining features of SATA and Azores Airlines is their deep connection to the local community. Beyond providing transportation, the airlines play a crucial role in the social and economic fabric of the Azores. They support local businesses, facilitate medical and educational travel, and enable cultural exchange. Additionally, the airlines have been pivotal during emergencies, such as evacuations due to volcanic activity.

The Story Behind the Logo

Every airline has a story behind its logo, and this is one AirlineRatings loves to share with its audience. The recognisable Blue Islands Açor logo (BIA) is a combination of the nine islands of the archipelago.

SATA Air Azores and Azores Airlines have become essential pillars for the Azores archipelago. Connecting the islands to each other and to international destinations across North America and Europe, they ensure the region’s accessibility. Their commitment to providing reliable and safe services plus a full service experience on board makes them a great when choosing who to fly with to this magical part of the world.