Azores - so easy to explore

SATA INTERNATIONAL TO LAUNCH SECOND WEEKLY DIRECT FLIGHT TO THE AZORES FOR 2007 SEASON

Pristine islands of the Azores will become even more accessible to UK holidaymakers this year as SATA International launch its second weekly direct flight from London Gatwick to the capital of the Azores, Ponta Delgada on the island of Sao Miguel. The new flight will depart on an Airbus 320 at 11:45hrs from London Gatwick each Saturday from 5th May to the 29th September 2007 and will arrive in Ponta Delgada at 14:25hrs.   12 Executive class seats will be available on the flight and 149 economy seats.

This second flight will be in addition to the Tuesday service which will continue to operate from London Gatwick to Ponta Delgada for the 2007 summer season.  These direct flights to the Azores cut journey time by over half making travelling to the islands quicker and more convenient and allows for short weekend breaks. The addition of a second weekly flight is due to the growing demand to visit the nine emerald islands and the success of the Tuesday flight, which consistently achieved over 70% occupancy levels. 

With this in mind, it is no surprise that the number of UK visitors to these idyllic islands has increased substantially over the past couple of years.  UK visitor arrival figures for 2005 were up 93% year-on-year, with the number of holidaymakers increasing from 6,352 in 2004 to 12,256 in 2005.  Meanwhile, the total number of bed nights occupied by UK visitors increased by 48% during 2005, with 20,697 nights during 2004 and 47,109 occupied by UK visitors during 2005. 


With over 20 tour operators programming the Azores, these unspoiled islands are now becoming a haven for people looking to get away from it all in a truly enchanting setting.

Jose Antonio Preto da Silva, Director of the Portuguese National Tourist Office comments:

“We are delighted that SATA International has added a second flight to the Azores for the 2007 season, highlighting its continued commitment to the UK market. This additional Saturday flight will give clients more flexibility when making their travel plans and will also open up the Azores as a short break destination. Indeed, people with busy schedules will now be able to take a long weekend in the Azores, departing the UK on Saturday morning and arriving back in the UK on Tuesday morning.. As such, in 2007 we envisage that demand for visits to the Azores will continue to increase as more people experience their truly unique setting.”

27 March 2007