SATA, the Azorean based airline, started renewing their airplane fleet back in 2004. Initially replacing their two Boeing 737-400 (CS-TGZ and CS-TGW) and one Boeing 737-300 (CS-TGP) by three Airbus A320 (CS-TKJ, CS-TKL and CS-TKK), and now replacing the regional fleet of five BAe ATP and one Dornier 228 by four Bombardier Dash 8-400Q and two Dash 8-200. The 1997 built Dash 8-200 (sn 476 and 480) are expected to arrive at Ponta Delgada (Sao Miguel island) on May 15th. Here are some photos also showing the new colour scheme…

Photos by Bill Fawcett

The remaining four Dash 8-400 are factory new and will be delivered next year. Also this month SATA will receive another factory new Airbus A320. I’m glad to see SATA’s expansion plans are clear and that they are coping well with the current economic crises.