Colombia’s SATENA Welcomes First Twin Otter Aircraft to Boost Connectivity

SATENA, Colombia’s state-owned airline focused on regional routes, will close 2024 with historic figures and ambitious expansion plans, increasing its relevance in integrating remote communities. This year, it has transported over 1,223,000 passengers, operating in 27 of the country’s 32 departments and reaching 52 domestic destinations.

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Major General Óscar Zuluaga, the airline’s president, emphasized that “at SATENA, we understand that connecting the country is much more than transporting passengers; it is about uniting communities and offering new opportunities to millions of Colombians who have no other mobility options. Our work aims to contribute to regional progress and equal opportunities for all citizens.”

This year, SATENA has been recognized at the Fenalco Awards for its work in Corporate Social Responsibility and at the Xilópalo Awards for its contributions to tourism and the promotion of the country’s cultural richness. The airline will receive accolades in the categories of «Innovation» and «Colombia in Images» during ceremonies scheduled for November 14 in Bogotá.

 

Operations in remote regions face challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and difficulties in accessing fuel, which result in additional costs. Despite this, SATENA remains committed to national connectivity and equal access to air transport, working on a long-term plan that includes 228 routes and a projected 100% national coverage.

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The departments where SATENA doesn’t operate are:

• Caldas: La Nubia Airport (Manizales).
• La Guajira: Riohacha, La Mina Airport, and Puerto Bolívar Airport.
• Magdalena: Santa Marta.
• Quindío: Armenia.
• Risaralda: Pereira.

SATENA’s first Twin Otter arrives in Colombia

On November 19, the first DHC-6 Twin Otter from an order of eight units landed in Colombia. The aircraft had already been unveiled earlier this month at De Havilland Canada’s facilities alongside the airline’s president, General Óscar Zuluaga.

This aircraft will carry the registration FAC 1400 and commercial HK-5412. A second plane will arrive in the coming weeks, with four more expected in 2025 and another two in 2026. This addition will also replace the airline’s current operations using LET 410 and Beechcraft 1900D aircraft leased from other Colombian companies.

The HK-5414/FAC 1400 departed Calgary on November 14, making stops in Oklahoma and Belize before arriving in Bogotá.

«The arrival of this aircraft strengthens our operations and transforms the way we connect Colombians, improving the lives of thousands in remote regions and opening new economic opportunities,” said Major General Zuluaga, highlighting the significance of this addition.

The crews that delivered this aircraft, mostly composed of military pilots from the Colombian Air Force, underwent rigorous training in Calgary, including advanced D-class simulators, ensuring operations meet the highest safety standards.

Renowned for their robustness, the arrival of the DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft will provide essential air connectivity in Colombia, enabling new destinations in remote communities. At the same time, they offer operational and maintenance cost efficiency for the airline.

On November 21, the aircraft will be officially presented at SATENA’s hangars at El Dorado International Airport (BOG), where Aviacionline will be present.