“Yes, we confirm the interest. In practice, there is not yet a handling company of SATA; what exists is an economic handling area, and Gestavia has a deep interest, already expressed to the Regional Government of the Azores, in participating in a hypothetical privatization process should it occur,” explained João Noronha Leal, Gestavia’s administrator.
This company was established in 2018, with its headquarters in the Azores, and currently provides handling services for military aircraft at Lajes Base and for private jets at various airports across the country.
It now aims to expand into commercial aviation, although no financial figures have been defined yet.
“Nothing is defined for now. These processes are inherently complex and require diligence from both the seller and the potential buyer, therefore a thorough analysis process is necessary before any actual operation,” stated João Noronha Leal.
The Government of the Azores, undertaking a privatization process of Azores Airlines (SATA’s company responsible for international flights), announced in September a decision to separate handling from the airline to also divest this business component.
According to the government led by social democrat José Manuel Bolieiro, this decision follows the SATA Restructuring Plan, approved in 2022 by the European Commission, which mandates a range of measures to make the Azorean airline more financially balanced.
If it acquires SATA’s handling services, Gestavia guarantees to assume the entire staff of the company to be acquired.
“We are fully aware of SATA’s importance in the regional economy across the different islands, and we aim to enhance SATA and also value the existing jobs, people, and their careers. We have no intention of carrying out dismissals,” he stated.
Gestavia, currently employing over 200 workers, half of whom are in Lisbon, holds licenses to operate in 12 airports and aerodromes across the country, and is awaiting the completion of the licensing process for six more.
“Specifically, in the Azores archipelago, we are present in four islands where we are licensed to operate, and are obtaining licenses to operate in the remaining ones,” emphasized João Noronha Leal, who noted the company’s “extensive experience” in handling.
Alongside the potential privatization of SATA’s handling, the Government of the Azores is also negotiating the privatization of Azores Airlines with the Newtor/MS Aviation consortium, the only one expressing interest in acquiring the airline’s share capital.
In June 2022, the European Commission approved Portuguese state aid to support the airline’s restructuring with 453.25 million euros in loans and guarantees, with measures including structural reorganization and divestment of a controlling stake (51%).
