“Reinforcing domestic operations is an important step in consolidating our strategy. It reflects the spirit of the Azores Mission: to serve the archipelago, strengthen ties with the regional market, and highlight the relevance of Azores Airlines in air mobility in the Azores,” stated SATA president Tiago Santos, quoted in a press release.

According to the information provided, Azores Airlines will introduce “16 more weekly flights between the mainland and the Azores, which corresponds to an increase of eight frequencies” (round trip) per week, when compared to the “same period last year”.

In total, the carrier adds, there are “approximately 350 additional flights throughout the season”.

The winter service will add three frequencies on the Lisbon/Ponta Delgada route, two frequencies on Lisbon/Terceira, two frequencies on Porto/Ponta Delgada, and one on Porto/Terceira.

The company will now offer over 100 weekly flights from Lisbon, Porto, and Faro to São Miguel and Terceira (liberalised routes), and from Lisbon to Faial and Pico, according to the press release.

SATA explains that the increase in flights “is part of a strategy to adjust operations to market availability” and to “redistribute capacity” at Azores Airlines, the airline responsible for flights between the Azores and other countries.

“The reconfiguration of operations results from the redistribution of capacity, taking into account the planned interruption, during the winter period, of European routes, namely Paris, Barcelona and Frankfurt,” it details.

The aviation group emphasises that, “with this commitment, Azores Airlines contributes to increasing the region's mobility options in connections with the mainland.”

SATA also highlights the continuity of routes between the Azores and Madeira in winter, as well as adjustments to flight schedules to offer “more convenient options” compared to the previous winter season.

“In addition to increasing the offer, the schedules of some connections have also been adjusted compared to the previous season, with the aim of providing more convenient and attractive options for passengers,” it reinforces.

In total, during the winter period, Azores Airlines will operate 170 weekly flights across 15 routes, maintaining, in addition to domestic operations, connections to North America and the city of Praia, in Cape Verde.