SATA state support approved but probe continues into earlier measures

Portuguese carrier SATA Air Acores has been cleared to take government compensation and liquidity support worth over E267m, but a previous investigation into suspected illegal support measures is being extended. EC regulators have cleared a E12m state grant to SATA Air Acores, as compensation for pandemic-related travel restrictions over March-June last year, plus a further E255.5m in additional liquidity. Any public support in excess of the damage will need to be returned to the government, the Commission states. The government is intending additionally to grant E122.5m to SATA – through public loans or a guarantee – to address urgent liquidity needs until the end of November this year, on top of a E133m liquidity-support package cleared by the Commission in August last year. This is being provided to maintain essential services including public-obligation routes. SATA Air Acores operates inter-island flights while its sister carrier, SATA Group’s Azores Airlines, primarily serves mainland Portuguese and international destinations.<br/>