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SATENA
SATENA
SATENA
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SATENA (Spanish acronym of Servicio Aéreo a Territorios Nacionales) is a Colombian airline based in Bogotá, Colombia.[1][2][3][4] It is majority-owned by the Government of Colombia which operates it to provide connectivity to less connected areas of the country.

Key Information

Its main hub is El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá. It also maintains a secondary hub at Olaya Herrera Airport in Medellín.

History

[edit]
A former SATENA Dornier 328 at El Dorado International Airport in 2009
A former SATENA Embraer ERJ 170 at La Vanguardia Airport in 2012

SATENA was first established on April 12, 1962, by the President of the Republic, Alberto Lleras Camargo, who created the airline using Decree 940 in order.

"to form an aerial transport service for the benefit of the underdeveloped regions of the country, with the object of promoting the welfare of educational campaigns, agricultural and pastoral development, and the economic and social progress of such territories."

To achieve this under government auspices, the airline was then entrusted to the control of the Colombian Air Force, initiating its first operations with the routes Bogotá - Leticia and Leticia – Tarapacá – El Encanto – Puerto Leguízamo. The Government equipped the company with one C-54, two C-47, two Beaver L-20, and later added two PBY Catalina amphibious, the property of the Rotary Fund of the Colombian Air Force. Later, in 1964, it added three additional C-47 and two more C-54 aircraft, all of them donated by the United States International Development Agency.

In 1965, SATENA, in coordination with the Bank of Bogotá, began a new service named AeroBanco, which was created to facilitate air travel to other areas largely or completely inaccessible by road. Due to great success in the areas served by the airline, President Carlos Lleras Restrepo put into effect Law 80 of December 12, 1968, where it was decreed that SATENA would be treated as a public establishment, with all legal functions controlled by the Ministry of National Defence.

In 1972, SATENA acquired newer British-Built AVRO HS-748 turboprops capable of carrying 48 passengers. Between 1984 and 1985, the airline incorporated two Fokker F28 jet aircraft with the capacity to transport 65 passengers.

Since its creation, the airline has performed many public services on behalf of the Colombian people, having provided service during crises in the country's history, as was the case of the Huila and Cauca earthquake of June 6, 1994, when SATENA performed search and rescue operations, airlifted residents, as well as transporting needed medicines, foods and aid in general to the site of the tragedy.

In 1996, the largest modernization of the airline began, with the arrival of six Dornier 328s capable of carrying 32 passengers. These aircraft represent the new generation of equipment for regional routes.

In 2002, SATENA incorporated into its fleet one Embraer ERJ 145 with a capacity for 50 passengers which arrived to replace the departing Fokker F28, which was reaching its maximum airframe hours. In 2004, SATENA became the airline with the newest and most modern aerial fleet in Colombia, when it incorporated two new Embraer ERJ 145 aircraft, allowing it to perform faster and more efficient services to its most isolated destinations.

At the end of 2010, SATENA suffered a financial crisis, consisting of bank debts amounting to 120 billion pesos and losses totaling 25 billion pesos. Due to this, the National Government proposed a law that would allow the commercial airline to get out of said crisis and compete in the air transport market in the country. This law consists of capitalizing this company at 98 billion pesos, where 49% of the company's shares will be put up for sale in a democratic process and within two years, while the remaining 51% would continue in the hands of the state, something that was never done in the end.

On April 29, 2018, the airline moved all its routes to Terminal Puente Aéreo belonging to El Dorado International Airport, to facilitate the service to passengers on regional flights.[5]

Destinations

[edit]

SATENA operates to the following airports (as of December 2024):[6]

Country City Airport Notes Refs
Colombia Acandí Alcides Fernández Airport [7]
Aguachica Hacaritama Airport
Apartadó Antonio Roldán Betancourt Airport
Arauca Santiago Pérez Quiroz Airport
Bahía Solano José Celestino Mutis Airport
Barranquilla Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport
Bogotá El Dorado International Airport Hub
Bucaramanga Palonegro International Airport
Buenaventura Gerardo Tobar López Airport
Cali Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport
Cartagena Rafael Núñez International Airport [8]
Cartago Santa Ana Airport
Caucasia Juan H. White Airport
Condoto Mandinga Airport [7]
Corozal Las Brujas Airport
Cúcuta Camilo Daza International Airport
El Bagre El Bagre Airport
Florencia Gustavo Artunduaga Paredes Airport
Girardot Santiago Vila Airport
Guapi Guapi Airport
Ipiales San Luis Airport
La Chorrera La Chorrera Airport
La Macarena La Macarena Airport
La Pedrera La Pedrera Airport
Leticia Alfredo Vásquez Cobo International Airport
Medellín Olaya Herrera Airport Hub
Mitú Fabio Alberto León Bentley Airport
Montelíbano Montelíbano Airport
Nuquí Reyes Murillo Airport
Paipa Juan José Rondón Airport
Pitalito Contador Airport
Popayán Guillermo León Valencia Airport
Providencia Island El Embrujo Airport
Puerto Asís Tres de Mayo Airport
Puerto Carreño Germán Olano Airport
Puerto Inírida César Gaviria Trujillo Airport
Puerto Leguízamo Caucayá Airport
Quibdó El Caraño Airport
San Andrés Gustavo Rojas Pinilla International Airport
San José del Guaviare Jorge Enrique González Torres Airport
San Vicente del Caguán Eduardo Falla Solano Airport
Santa Cruz de Mompox San Bernardo Airport [8]
Saravena Los Colonizadores Airport
Tame Gabriel Vargas Santos Airport
Tarapacá Ipiranga Airport
Timbiquí Timbiqui Airport
Tolú Golfo de Morrosquillo Airport
Tumaco La Florida Airport
Villagarzón Villa Garzón Airport
Villavicencio La Vanguardia Airport
Yopal El Alcaraván Airport
Venezuela Maracaibo La Chinita International Airport Terminated
Valencia Arturo Michelena International Airport [9]

Fleet

[edit]

Current fleet

[edit]
A SATENA Embraer ERJ-145 at El Dorado International Airport in 2014
ATR 42-500 seen at Gustavo Artunduaga Paredes Airport in Florencia, Caquetá, Colombia

As of October 2025, Satena operates the following aircraft:[10]

SATENA fleet
Aircraft In
service 		Orders Passengers (economy) Notes
ATR 42-500 4 — 48
ATR 42-600 5 — 48
ATR 72-600 4 — 70
Embraer ERJ-145 2 — 50
De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter 1 — 19
Viking DHC-6-400 Twin Otter 1 7[11] 19
Total 17 7

Former fleet

[edit]

SATENA had formerly operated the following aircraft:

Accidents and incidents

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

SATENA

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
SATENA is a state-owned Colombian headquartered in , founded in 1962 to provide air connectivity to remote and underserved territories across the country. Operated under the auspices of the Colombian , it focuses on domestic routes, particularly to isolated regions in the Amazon, Orinoquía, and Pacific areas, facilitating passenger transport, mail, and services essential for national integration. The airline's origins trace back to military initiatives aimed at establishing regular flights to eastern and southern Colombia, including areas like Arauca and Puerto Carreño, initially using surplus aircraft to support settler communities and strategic outposts. Over decades, SATENA has expanded its network to over 35 destinations, primarily domestic, with its main hub at in . In 2023, it achieved record passenger numbers, averaging 101,333 monthly, reflecting an 18% growth and underscoring its role in of peripheral regions. SATENA operates a fleet of approximately 17 aircraft, including ERJ-145s, 170s, and ATR 42-600 turboprops suited for short runways in challenging terrain. While it maintains a strong record relative to its operational environment, incidents have occurred due to difficult landing conditions in remote areas. Notable achievements include resuming international services to in 2022 as the first Colombian carrier post-pandemic and recent route additions like Cartagena-Mompox to enhance regional access.

History

Founding and Military Origins (1962–1990s)

SATENA, or Servicio Aéreo a Territorios Nacionales, was established on April 12, 1962, via Decree 940 issued by President Alberto Lleras Camargo to provide air connectivity to Colombia's remote national territories, aiming to promote economic integration and social development in underdeveloped regions. The initiative addressed the challenges of Colombia's vast geography, including Amazonian and frontier areas with limited infrastructure, by leveraging air transport for passengers, mail, and freight. From inception, SATENA was subordinated to the Colombian Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Colombiana), ensuring military oversight in operations that often traversed security-sensitive zones. Operations launched on July 31, 1962, with an initial fleet of six aircraft: one C-54 Skymaster, two C-47 Dakotas (military variants of the DC-3), two PBY Catalina amphibians for riverine access, and one L-20 for short-field capabilities, all crewed by personnel as part of broader military civic action efforts. This setup underscored SATENA's dual civil-military function, supporting national development while maintaining readiness for defense tasks amid Colombia's internal security challenges. In 1965, SATENA partnered with the Bank of to introduce AeroBanco services, extending financial outreach to isolated communities via aerial routes. Through the 1970s and 1980s, SATENA expanded its network to over a dozen remote destinations, relying on rugged, propeller-driven suited to unpaved airstrips, and continued to integrate such as troop and supply transport alongside civilian services. By the , the airline had solidified its role in connecting peripheral regions, operating under command with a fleet emphasizing reliability over speed, though modernization pressures began emerging due to aging equipment and rising operational demands in conflict-affected areas. This period highlighted SATENA's enduring military imprint, with pilots and maintenance drawn from FAC ranks, prioritizing national sovereignty and accessibility over commercial profitability.

Commercial Expansion and Modernization (2000s–Present)

In the early 2000s, SATENA pursued commercial growth by introducing its first , the Embraer ERJ-145, in 2002, which marked a shift toward a more modern fleet capable of serving expanded domestic routes. This addition supported a 15.78% increase in passenger traffic in 2003, prompting the airline to boost frequencies and inaugurate new services on select routes within . By 2003, further route enhancements were announced to capitalize on rising demand, reinforcing SATENA's role in connecting remote regions while operated under Colombian oversight. International ambitions emerged in 2006, with plans to launch operations to , , and other nearby destinations starting in 2007, though implementation remained limited initially. Commercial expansion accelerated in the 2020s amid domestic market shifts, including the 2022 closure of low-cost carriers like Viva Air, enabling SATENA to fill gaps in regional connectivity. In March 2023, it began commercial flights from to , , as its first consistent international service. That year, SATENA committed $80 million to fleet expansion and modernization, targeting short- and medium-range aircraft acquisitions to support broader route development despite a reported loss exceeding $500,000 in 2022. Fleet renewal intensified from 2024 onward, with the incorporation of eight new announced in 2024, including ATR 42-600 and ATR 72-600 models for improved efficiency on short-haul routes. A new ATR 42-600 joined the fleet in October 2024, bringing the total ATR count to ten (two ATR 72-600, four ATR 42-600, and four ATR 42-500), enhancing operational reliability. By September 2025, a second ATR 72-600 arrived, expanding the overall fleet to 16 and enabling projections for 20 new routes, primarily to the , Orinoquía, , and La Guajira regions. Three additional ATR 72-600 units were slated for delivery starting in 2025, further bolstering connectivity from hubs like to southern and areas. These upgrades prioritize and access to underserved airstrips, aligning with SATENA's mandate for national integration.

Ownership and Governance

Military Affiliation and State Control

SATENA operates as a state-owned enterprise fully controlled by the Government of Colombia, with its primary mandate to ensure air connectivity to remote and underserved regions of the country. Established under Decree No. 940 of 1962, the airline was designated as a special air transport service organized and managed by the Colombian Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Colombiana, FAC), reflecting its integral role within the nation's military aviation framework. The FAC maintains operational oversight of SATENA, including fleet management, pilot training, and route planning, which stems from its founding as a division of the to support national integration and security objectives. This military affiliation ensures that SATENA's activities align with strategic government priorities, such as territorial control and development in conflict-affected or isolated areas, while adhering to standards under civil regulatory bodies like the Aeronautica Civil. State control is exercised through direct funding and policy directives, with the receiving capital injections—for instance, an planned $80 million in 2023 for fleet expansion—to sustain its obligations without reliance on private shareholders. Despite proposals under President Gustavo Petro's administration to reposition SATENA as a potential carrier with international ambitions, its core remains tethered to , preserving its non-commercial, connectivity-focused mission.

Recent Recapitalization and Strategic Shifts

In March 2023, the Colombian government under President announced plans to recapitalize SATENA to enable its transition into an international airline, aiming to open routes to , , and despite the company's reported losses. This initiative sought to position SATENA as a competitor in regional markets, building on its domestic focus while leveraging state support for fleet and operational expansion. By July 2023, SATENA detailed a targeted of $80 million to finance the purchase of at least eight 19-seat twin-engine for short routes and additional 48-seat models for medium-haul operations, with the goal of serving smaller airports and remote areas more efficiently. The funds were intended to drive international expansion into , , , and , alongside a domestic passenger target of 1.2 million for the year, up from prior levels amid projected losses of 2 billion Colombian pesos (approximately $506,000). Actual injections fell short of the $80 million goal, with 98 billion Colombian pesos (roughly $24 million USD at prevailing exchange rates) allocated in mid-2023, prompting efforts to attract a private strategic partner potentially acquiring up to 49% of shares following congressional approval of financial . Complementary measures included annual state investments of $20 million to sustain operations, fleet growth, and new international services. These shifts marked a departure from SATENA's traditional military-linked domestic role toward commercialization and global outreach, though execution has emphasized subsidized tickets and route subsidies to maintain national connectivity amid fiscal constraints. By late 2024, the achieved a 45% rise in connectivity, transporting over 1.27 million passengers and offering nearly 1.58 million seats, reflecting partial realization of expansion goals.

Operations

Destinations and Network Coverage

SATENA operates an extensive domestic route network within , serving approximately 45 destinations as of October 2025, with a primary focus on connecting remote and underserved regions that lack adequate road or river infrastructure. Its main hub is in , supplemented by a secondary hub at in , enabling feeder services to major cities like , , , and Cartagena while prioritizing access to isolated areas in the Amazon, Pacific coast, Orinoquía, and border zones. Key destinations include Acandí, Aguachica, Apartadó, Arauca, Bahía Solano, La Macarena, Nuquí, Pitalito, and Puerto Carreño, often utilizing short takeoff and landing () capable aircraft for unpaved airstrips in challenging terrains. The airline's network emphasizes national integration, particularly in regions affected by geography or historical security issues, such as the Pacific and Amazonian municipalities, where it provides essential transport for passengers, cargo, and government operations. In , SATENA launched expansions under its Essential Air Transport Project, adding routes like to and enhancing Pacific coverage with new Twin Otter services to Juradó, supported by fleet additions including a second DHC-6 Twin Otter and an ATR 42-600. Internationally, SATENA maintains limited scheduled operations, with one primary destination: , , via a non-stop route from established to facilitate cross-border connectivity between the two nations. This represents its sole regular international service across two countries, though occasional charters extend to destinations in , , and ; the network's overall scope remains predominantly domestic to fulfill its mandate of bolstering Colombia's internal accessibility.

Role in National Connectivity

SATENA fulfills a critical function in Colombia's national connectivity by providing air transport services to remote and isolated regions where ground infrastructure is insufficient or absent. Founded in 1962 as the Servicio Aéreo a Territorios Nacionales, the prioritizes links to areas like the eastern plains, southern Amazonian territories, and Pacific coastal zones, including early routes to Arauca, Puerto Carreño, and settler communities. This role supports socioeconomic development, tourism, and access to basic services in communities that rely heavily on aerial mobility. The airline's network spans 26 departments, achieving coverage of approximately 81% to 84% of Colombia's territory through 164 domestic routes as of 2025. Many of these routes serve as the sole viable connection to urban centers, facilitating passenger transport exceeding 28 million since inception, alongside cargo and emergency medical evacuations. Recent fleet expansions, including ATR 42-600 deliveries in 2024, enable extension to additional underserved towns, enhancing reliability in regions such as the Pacífico, Costa Caribe, Orinoquía, and La Guajira. By maintaining operations to destinations like Nuquí, La Macarena, and Acandí—often inaccessible by road—SATENA bridges geographical divides, promoting and economic opportunities in Colombia's most challenging terrains. Its affiliation ensures subsidized access, underscoring its mandate to foster equitable national cohesion over purely commercial viability.

Fleet

Current Composition

SATENA's current fleet as of 2025 consists of 17 optimized for regional connectivity in 's diverse , including remote areas with short runways. The composition emphasizes for efficiency on shorter routes, supplemented by regional jets and specialized short-takeoff models. The core of the fleet comprises ATR 42 and turboprops, totaling 13 units: nine ATR 42 variants (including ATR 42-500 and ATR 42-600 models seating 48 passengers) and four (seating 70 passengers). These aircraft, manufactured by ATR, support medium-range operations with speeds up to 555 km/h and are suited for the airline's network of domestic destinations. Recent expansions included the delivery of three starting in September 2025, enhancing capacity for higher-demand routes. Three ERJ-145LR regional jets, each configured for approximately 50 passengers, provide faster transit times on select corridors. These jets enable efficient service where turboprops may be less optimal due to terrain or scheduling needs. Two DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft, with 19-passenger capacity, are dedicated to serving isolated communities via unpaved or short airstrips, underscoring SATENA's role in national accessibility. This renewal aligns with a strategic shift toward modernizing the fleet for improved reliability and expanded coverage.
Aircraft TypeQuantityTypical CapacityPrimary Role
ATR 42-500/600948 passengersRegional turboprop routes
ATR 72-600470 passengersHigher-capacity regional
Embraer ERJ-145LR350 passengersJet services on key routes
DHC-6 Twin Otter219 passengersRemote and short-field access

Evolution and Former Types

SATENA's fleet has undergone substantial evolution since 1962, transitioning from piston-engine military transports suited for rudimentary airstrips to regional jets and, ultimately, advanced turboprops optimized for Colombia's remote and short-field operations. Early operations relied on surplus Colombian Air Force aircraft, including variants and other piston-powered types, which provided basic connectivity to isolated territories. In the late 1970s and 1980s, the incorporated larger jet aircraft such as the Boeing 727-100, operated in combi configuration for mixed passenger and cargo services on longer routes. This period marked an expansion into more capable but less terrain-flexible aircraft, including the McDonnell Douglas DC-9-10, with two units operated before their phase-out. The 1990s and early 2000s saw the introduction of regional jets, beginning with the ERJ-145 in 2002 as SATENA's first purpose-built commercial jet type, enhancing speed on select routes. Concurrently, turboprops like the Dornier 328-100 (six units) and EMB-120 Brasilia (one to two units) were added to address operational demands in rugged areas, though these were later retired. The ERJ-170 (two units) represented a brief foray into larger regional jets but proved unsuitable for core short-field missions. From 2011 onward, SATENA prioritized fleet modernization by replacing jets with ATR 42 and turboprops, which offer superior performance on unpaved runways and lower operating costs for low-density routes. This shift led to the progressive retirement of ERJ-145s, Dornier 328s, EMB-120s, and the ERJ-170, culminating in the latter's full withdrawal by 2023. Remaining ERJ-145s are slated for phase-out, with recent additions of DHC-6 Twin Otters reinforcing capabilities for ultra-remote service. Over its history, SATENA has operated at least 17 distinct types, reflecting adaptations to national integration needs. Key former types include:
  • Boeing 727-100: Used for combi operations in the 1980s.
  • McDonnell Douglas DC-9-10: Two aircraft, retired post-1990s.
  • Dornier 328-100: Six turboprops, phased out for ATR models.
  • Embraer EMB-120 Brasilia: One to two units, retired in the 2010s.
  • Embraer ERJ-145: Initial jets from 2002, largely replaced by 2010s.
  • Embraer ERJ-170: Two jets, fully retired by 2023.

Safety Record

Major Accidents

On September 8, 1969, Douglas C-47 FAC-685-A, operating a SATENA passenger flight, crashed near Caño La Raya, , resulting in the deaths of all 35 people on board. A Douglas C-47 FAC-675 crashed into a mountainside near on January 9, 1966, during a SATENA operation, killing all 11 occupants. On January 8, 1975, another Douglas C-47, registration FAC-688, was involved in a fatal that claimed the lives of all 23 people aboard while flying for SATENA. The airline suffered a significant loss on January 10, 1974, when HS-748 FAC-1103 impacted Gabinete Peak, killing all on board in a incident. December 18, 1979, saw Douglas C-54 FAC-1106 destroy itself against a mountainside at 3,400 meters altitude en route from Arauca to , resulting in 21 fatalities among the five crew and 16 passengers (including an ). A Fokker F-28 Fellowship FAC-1140 crashed on March 28, 1985, near Florencia after departing with stops at Neiva and San Vicente del Caguán, killing 39 of the 42 people on board (six crew and 33 passengers). These early incidents, often linked to Colombia's rugged and weather challenges with propeller-driven , represent the bulk of SATENA's major accidents; no fatal crashes have been recorded since 1985.

Notable Incidents and Responses

On May 1, 2024, Satena flight 9R8806, an ATR 42-500 (registration HK-5104), experienced an inadvertent nose gear retraction while executing a 180-degree turn on the turn pad at San Andrés Islands Airport (ADZ) in , prior to commencing takeoff roll for a flight to . The settled onto its nose, resulting in structural damage to the forward but no injuries among the 45 passengers and 4 members, who evacuated safely following the crew's prompt declaration of an . Colombia's Aeronautica Civil initiated an investigation into the gear , focusing on mechanical factors such as hydraulic systems and structural , with preliminary reports attributing it to an unexpected retraction mechanism activation during low-speed maneuvering. Satena grounded the for inspections and repairs, emphasizing enhanced pre-flight gear checks in subsequent operational protocols. In a separate event on May 5, 2010, Satena ERJ-145 (registration FAC-1214) overran 20 at Airport (MVP) during landing from , sliding approximately 100 meters into grass beyond the runway end amid and an unstabilized approach. No injuries occurred to the 28 occupants, though the aircraft sustained substantial damage to its and lower . The Colombian Authority's investigation determined the primary cause as the 's decision to land despite excessive sink rate and height deviations, compounded by wet conditions reducing braking effectiveness. In response, Satena implemented crew training enhancements on approach stabilization criteria and wet-surface operations, contributing to no similar overruns in subsequent years on that route. Satena has also managed several emergency landings without incident, such as a October 31, 2022, diversion to Neiva's Benito Salas Airport due to unspecified technical issues on a , where the crew executed a safe and all passengers deplaned unharmed. These events underscore Satena's operational focus on remote and challenging airstrips, prompting ongoing collaboration with military oversight for rapid response drills and maintenance audits to mitigate recurrence risks.

Challenges and Reception

Operational Criticisms and Reliability Issues

SATENA has encountered complaints regarding operational reliability, particularly frequent flight delays and cancellations on remote and less-trafficked routes, often attributed to logistical challenges, understaffing, and poor communication. Aggregated user reviews on platforms such as and AirlineRatings highlight these issues, with reports of extended waits at airports and limited options for rebooking or compensation during disruptions. For instance, specific routes like those to Providencia Island have seen cancellations without adequate alternatives, impacting travelers' schedules for events or connections. On-time performance varies significantly by route, with some flights exhibiting low punctuality rates; for example, flight 9R8724 records only 43% on-time departures and arrivals, with average delays exceeding 2.5 hours. These problems are exacerbated by environmental factors, such as adverse weather in Colombia's rugged terrains, which disproportionately affect regional operations reliant on turboprop aircraft and short runways. Despite an overall low cancellation rate of 0.01% in recent 30-day data, passenger dissatisfaction persists due to inconsistent handling of disruptions and perceived deficiencies in customer service. Critics note that SATENA's military affiliation and mandate to serve isolated communities prioritize national connectivity over commercial efficiency, leading to reliability trade-offs compared to private carriers. Instances of systemic issues, such as a 2025 cybersecurity vulnerability exposing operational data, have raised additional concerns about internal processes supporting flight reliability, though no direct link to service disruptions was established. These operational shortcomings underscore the challenges of maintaining dependable service in underserved regions, where alternatives are scarce.

Achievements in Remote Access and National Service

SATENA has played a pivotal role in bridging Colombia's geographical divides by maintaining air services to remote regions inaccessible by road or other means, particularly in the , Orinoquía, and areas affected by terrain, security challenges, and low . As a state-operated carrier under the Colombian , it prioritizes over profitability, operating routes to locations like Arauca, Puerto Carreño, and settler communities in the east and south that lack alternatives from private airlines. This focus ensures continuity of essential transport for goods, medical evacuations, and personnel, supporting public order and development in underserved territories. In August 2023, SATENA expanded its network with 141 designated social routes targeting marginalized, vulnerable, and remote populations, facilitating passenger movement to and from isolated zones without viable ground alternatives. These routes underscore the airline's mandate to guarantee connectivity under rigorous protocols, as outlined in its operational , which emphasizes service to areas bypassed by commercial operators due to economic unviability. The acquisition and deployment of versatile aircraft, such as the DHC-6 Twin Otter in recent years, has further enabled access to short, unpaved airstrips in and highland communities, opening new destinations and enhancing reliability in adverse conditions. SATENA's contributions extend to broader national resilience, including support for government initiatives in and by linking peripheral regions to urban centers, thereby fostering trade, healthcare access, and administrative outreach. In recognition of these efforts, the received the "Leader in Enhancing Accessibility in Colombian – 2024" award from Global Brand Frontier Awards on May 2, 2025, for advancing regional connectivity and inclusive transport amid Colombia's diverse . Operational projections for 2025 anticipate over 1.5 million passengers served, reflecting scaled-up capacity to meet demand in these critical networks while upholding its role as the primary provider to Colombia's most isolated locales.

References

  1. http://www.fac.mil.co/es/noticias/satena-62-anos-conectando-las-regiones-mas-apartadas-de-colombia
  2. https://www.planespotters.net/airline/SATENA
  3. https://www.cgfm.mil.co/es/multimedia/noticias/satena-la-aerolinea-de-los-colombianos
  4. https://revistaaeronautica.com/satena-la-aerolinea-de-los-colombianos/
  5. https://www.cgfm.mil.co/en/multimedia/noticias/satena-airline-colombian-people
  6. https://www.kayak.com/SATENA.9R.airline.html
  7. https://www.atr-aircraft.com/presspost/satena-takes-delivery-of-new-atr-42-600/
  8. https://cielo.travel/satena-airline-review/
  9. https://airlinegeeks.com/2022/11/09/state-owned-satena-is-the-first-colombian-airline-to-fly-to-venezuela-after-the-pandemic/
  10. https://aeropuertocartagena.com.co/en/satena-inicio-operaciones-en-la-ruta-cartagena-mompox/
  11. https://volavi.co/aviacion/aerolineas-colombianas/satena
  12. https://www.senado.gov.co/index.php/el-senado/noticias/4300-satena-tiene-la-capacidad-para-competir-por-mejores-rutas-en-el-mercado-aereo-colombiano-senador-antonio-correa
  13. https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/ADA158207.pdf
  14. http://www.colombiainfo.org/en-us/transport/airplane/satena.aspx
  15. https://aviationweek.com/satena-continues-grow-colombia
  16. https://aviationweek.com/colombias-satena-increase-routes-flights
  17. https://aviationweek.com/colombias-satena-planning-07-launch-intl-ops
  18. https://www.riotimesonline.com/brazil-news/mercosur/colombia/satena-the-colombian-state-owned-airline-that-petro-wants-to-take-to-the-world/
  19. https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/colombia-state-airline-satena-plans-80-mln-investment-grow-fleet-2023-07-27/
  20. https://www.airdatanews.com/colombian-state-airline-satena-intends-to-expand-fleet-and-international-flights/
  21. https://es-us.finanzas.yahoo.com/noticias/satena-recibe-avi%25C3%25B3n-flota-cu%25C3%25A1ndo-230000805.html
  22. https://infoaviacion.com.mx/vuela/industria/satena-incorpora-a-su-flota-un-nuevo-atr-42-600/
  23. https://aviationclubcenter.com/index.php/2025/09/30/satena-incorpora-su-segundo-atr-72-600-y-fortalece-la-conectividad-regional/
  24. https://ennuestrocampo.co/satena-fortalece-su-flota-y-proyecta-20-nuevas-rutas-con-la-llegada-de-tres-atr-72-600/
  25. https://revistachoco.com.co/regional/satena-moderniza-su-flota-y-refuerza-conectividad-aerea-desde-cali-hacia-el-huila-y-el-pacifico-colombiano/2025/
  26. https://www.satena.com/documentos/informes/rendicion-cuentas/2009/02-Informe/INFORME_RENDICION_CUENTAS_2010-07-06.pdf
  27. https://www.aviacionline.com/the-government-of-colombia-will-inject-11-million-dollars-in-satena-to-guarantee-the-countrys-inner-connectivity
  28. http://www.fac.mil.co/es/node/51511
  29. https://forbes.co/2023/03/03/negocios/gobierno-capitalizara-a-satena-y-la-convertira-en-una-aerolinea-internacional/
  30. https://www.elcolombiano.com/negocios/empresas/gobierno-petro-inyectara-capital-a-satena-para-internacionalizarla-LF20702018
  31. https://www.larepublica.co/empresas/la-aerolinea-estatal-satena-invertira-us-80-millones-para-ampliacion-de-flota-3666872
  32. https://es-us.noticias.yahoo.com/aerol%25C3%25ADnea-estatal-colombiana-satena-invertir%25C3%25A1-144412279.html
  33. https://www.elpais.com.co/economia/graves-problemas-economicos-estaria-enfrentando-satena-la-aerolinea-estatal-que-petro-prometio-que-fortaleceria-2657.html
  34. https://volavi.co/aviacion/noticias/congreso-aprueba-ley-para-reestructuracion-financiera-de-satena
  35. https://www.infobae.com/colombia/2023/05/10/satena-volara-a-ecuador-y-peru-gobierno-invertira-20-millones-de-dolares-anuales-en-la-operacion-de-la-aerolinea/
  36. https://www.vanguardia.com/economia/nacional/2023/07/27/satena-invertira-us80-millones-para-la-ampliacion-de-su-flota/
  37. https://www.elcolombiano.com/negocios/empresas/balance-satena-2024-aerolinea-colombia-BC26249945
  38. https://www.flightconnections.com/route-map-satena-9r
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  42. https://www.atr-aircraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2024.09.27-ATR-Satena-EN.pdf
  43. https://www.aviacionline.com/satena-schedules-new-route-between-colombia-and-venezuela
  44. https://www.alternativeairlines.com/satena
  45. http://www.fac.mil.co/es/noticias/satena-celebra-63-anos-conectando-colombia
  46. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQHn__skgxF/
  47. https://www.presidencia.gov.co/prensa/Paginas/Satena-compro-tres-nuevas-aeronaves-y-proyecta-20-nuevas-rutas-hacia-250912.aspx
  48. https://avitrader.com/2024/09/30/columbian-carrier-satena-expands-fleet-with-new-atr-42-600/
  49. https://www.satena.com/comercial/rutas-destinos/
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  51. https://www.airfleets.net/flottecie/SATENA.htm
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  53. https://www.aviacionline.com/satena-deploys-second-twin-otter-aircraft-to-strengthen-regional-connectivity
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  84. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1757780223002482
  85. https://aviacionaldia.com/en/2023/08/satena-will-have-141-social-routes-to-connect-colombias-most-remote-regions.html
  86. https://www.satena.com/documentos/contratacion/invitacion-cotizar/2025/IC-1369-2025/29929.pdf
  87. https://www.aviacionline.com/colombias-satena-welcomes-first-twin-otter-aircraft-to-boost-connectivity
  88. https://www.cbs42.com/business/press-releases/ein-presswire/808855054/satena-honored-as-leader-in-enhancing-accessibility-in-colombian-air-travel-colombia-by-global-brand-frontier-awards
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