In a statement, the parliamentary group said the aim is to clarify both the current status and future prospects of the airline, particularly in light of its mounting losses. The privatisation process, launched in March 2023, has seen no clear progress.

Chega/Azores leader José Pacheco highlighted recent financial figures from the SATA group, showing Azores Airlines and SATA Air Açores ended 2024 with a combined loss of €82.8 million—nearly double that of 2023. Azores Airlines alone posted a €71.2 million deficit, up from €26 million the previous year.

Pacheco warned that SATA’s financial situation is becoming “a bottomless pit” and urged immediate action. He reiterated Chega’s position that Azores Airlines should be closed rather than privatised, due to the ongoing financial burden it places on taxpayers.

SATA attributed part of the losses to exceptional factors, including poor weather disruptions, strained infrastructure, and higher personnel costs due to new labour agreements. The company also cited legal provisions relating to a dispute with Hifly over an A330 aircraft, known as the “Cachalote”, with associated costs exceeding €30 million.

SATA's board stated it is currently implementing a Financial Sustainability Plan, which includes 41 measures aimed at improving efficiency and generating €65 million in savings. CEO Rui Coutinho expressed confidence that 2024 marked a turning point and that 2025 will see a financial recovery, with early results from this year showing encouraging progress.