The SATA Group today marked the arrival of the inaugural flight of its new regular air service linking the Azores and Madeira archipelagos, with the operation of the Terceira – Funchal – Terceira route.
Operated by SATA Air Açores using a Bombardier Dash Q400 aircraft, the flight landed at Lajes Civil Air Terminal, on Terceira Island, at 08:30 a.m., establishing the first-ever direct connection between the two Portuguese island destinations.
To commemorate the launch of this new service, passengers were welcomed on board with a selection of traditional regional products, including broas de mel, a typical Madeira delicacy, and D. Amélia pastries, a speciality from Terceira. This symbolic gesture highlighted and celebrated the cultural heritage of both archipelagos.
Upon arrival in Terceira, passengers travelling from Funchal were welcomed by an official reception, in a joint initiative between the airline and regional authorities, underscoring the historic and symbolic significance of the new route.
The Terceira–Madeira service will operate twice weekly throughout the summer season, with flights departing Terceira for Funchal on Mondays and Thursdays, and return services from Funchal to Terceira on Tuesdays and Fridays.
This new route complements existing connections via Ponta Delgada, enabling Azores Airlines to offer a total of 12 weekly frequencies between the Azores and Madeira during the peak summer period.
The Lajes–Funchal route follows the revision of the Public Service Obligations (PSO), which now incorporates this service within the air connectivity framework between the two Portuguese archipelagos.
By introducing this direct connection, passengers will benefit from improved access to the Azores through two gateways — Ponta Delgada and Lajes, enhancing flexibility in travel planning while broadening the range of available options.