The deadline for the submission of proposals ended today, according to the timeline set by the jury, which will now evaluate the consortium’s request.
This marks the second delay for submitting a proposal, as the jury, led by economist Augusto Mateus, originally set the deadline for October 24, which was later extended to today (November 10).
On October 22, the Secretary of Finance, Planning, and Public Administration of the Azores Government (PSD/CDS-PP/PPM) explained that the postponement was intended to allow the consortium “more time” to present an “improved proposal,” ensuring the process would be “clearly defined by the end of November.”
“The jury’s president decided to give one more opportunity and extend the time for the consortium to present its firm proposal,” stated Duarte Freitas.
Since then, Newtour/MS Aviation has initiated negotiations with unions after criticizing SATA for its “unacceptable blocking stance” that “hindered” dialogue between the consortium and workers, a criticism the group’s board of directors rejected.
On November 9, the Civil Aviation Pilots’ Union (SPAC) disclosed to the Lusa agency that at the Azores Airlines Company Meeting, the agreement negotiated between SPAC’s management and Newtour/MS Aviation was approved with 75% of the votes.
The privatization of Azores Airlines (a company under the SATA group operating from the Azores archipelago to external destinations) is being negotiated with the Newtour/MS Aviation consortium. The Regional Government (PSD/CDS-PP/PPM) has acknowledged the possibility of a direct negotiation or the closure of the company if an agreement cannot be reached.
Newtour/MS Aviation was the only bidder admitted in the jury’s final report, which expressed reservations concerning the consortium’s ability to ensure the company’s viability, as announced in April 2024.
On May 2, 2024, the Azores Government announced the cancellation of the privatization tender for Azores Airlines and the launch of a new one, but ultimately authorized SATA’s management to negotiate with the consortium.
In June 2022, the European Commission approved a Portuguese state aid to support the airline’s restructuring amounting to 453.25 million euros in loans and state guarantees, including measures such as a structural reorganization and the divestment of a controlling stake (51%).
