Inauguration ceremony and first commercial flight of Bombardier Q400 NextGen

Before the flight, an inauguration ceremony was held for the aircraft, which was given the name “Manuel de Arriaga” after the first president of the Portuguese Republic. The inauguration ceremony was conducted by the President of the Regional Government of the Azores, Carlos César, who was among the 52 passengers who embarked on the inaugural flight bound for Terceira Island.

During the Q400 NextGen’s inaugural flight, the aircraft, registration CS‐TRD, in addition to Ponta Delgada and Terceira, also had the opportunity to operate in São Jorge and Horta (Faial).

The second Q400 NextGen, registration CS‐TRE, is scheduled to begin commercial flights this week.

This March, the remaining two Bombardier Q400 NextGen aircraft will arrive in the Azores to complete the renewal of the SATA Air Açores fleet, with their commercial operation scheduled before the end of the first half of this year.