Colombia’s SATENA Adds 8 DHC-6 Twin Otter Planes to Reach Remote Destinations

De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (De Havilland Canada) announced that Servicio Aéreo a Territorios Nacionales SA (SATENA) signed an agreement to purchase eight DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft to support the growth plans of the state airline of Colombia.

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Known for their robustness, the purchase of the DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft will provide essential air connectivity in Colombia, allowing the addition of new destinations in remote communities of the country. At the same time, it offers operational and maintenance economy to the airline.

Deliveries are scheduled to begin in late 2024 with two aircraft, followed by four more in 2025, and two more in 2026. This will also mean replacing their current operations with LET 410 and Beechcraft 1900D through wet-leasing with other Colombian companies.

“The De Havilland Canada Twin Otter, with its modern cabin, robust structure, and proven reliability, is the right addition to our fleet and will support our mission to exceed expectations, expand our routes, and reach new destinations,” said Major General Óscar Zuluaga Castaño, president of SATENA. “The exceptional air service of SATENA, combined with the DHC-6 aircraft, will be the catalyst to ensure mobility, growth, and access to the most remote regions of Colombia,” he added.

The versatile DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft transport passengers, cargo, perform medical evacuation operations, and conduct special missions in the most inhospitable environments in the world. The DHC-6 family allows access to communities that are normally inaccessible by other means, thanks to its short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities along with multiple landing gear options.

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“We are excited and proud that SATENA has chosen the Twin Otter to serve the growing South American market, and we look forward to working with them,” said Ryan DeBrusk, vice president of sales and marketing at De Havilland Canada.

SATENA’s Growth

For several months, SATENA has been negotiating the incorporation of aircraft with a capacity for 19 passengers. Among its goals, it seeks to double the number of passengers transported in the next four years, reaching 2.5 million, and expanding its network of destinations by more than 150%, reaching a total of 231 routes nationwide, with the possibility of continuing to expand internationally.

In 2023, it transported 1.22 million passengers, representing an 18% increase compared to the previous year. Its operations for the same period recorded 25,059 flight hours. Currently, it markets 48 national destinations.

Another step to follow is to add new ATR turboprops through leasing. Currently, its fleet consists of eight ATR 42, two ATR 72, and two Embraer ERJ 145.