In October, the SATA Group airlines registered a new record in the number of passengers transported, compared to the same period in previous years.
In total, and in October only, SATA airlines transported 139,493 passengers (2,202 more passengers than in the same period of 2019 and 1,657 more than in the same period of 2018), the year in which the airlines had transported the most significant number of passengers ever registered in October.
This achievement would be relevant in itself, but even more considering that the airlines SATA Air Açores and Azores Airlines have managed to achieve an extraordinary traffic recovery rate, well above sector estimates. It is, in fact, the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, in March 2020, that one month has surpassed pre-pandemic traffic records.
The increase in demand on flights operated by the two airlines was gradually registered, starting in June.
It should be recalled that, at the height of the IATA Summer, the aviation sector's behavior continued to be very depressed, with prospects pointing to a decrease in activity around (-33%) to (-35%) for Europe; and (-37%) and (-48%) in the world, according to ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) data.
Considering these results, the recovery in traffic achieved by the SATA Group airlines exceeded all expectations, confirming the companies' strategy in developing their customer service.
Despite the intense operational activity, the airlines maintain an equally historical record of 90% on their connection's punctuality. In midsummer, when the carriers SATA Air Açores and Azores Airlines were subject to more significant pressure — the strong demand for air connections to the Archipelago of the Azores and between its nine islands — they kept air connections on schedule. It is a relevant mark, with a substantial impact on the service provided to passengers, a significant indicator that the airlines want to keep improving.