Stay informed with our newsletter.
.webp){kind=spacer}
EN
Boston Brand Research & Media Reports on Colombian State Airline's Transformative Year with Fleet Modernization, New Routes, and Strategic Social Partnerships.
Boston Brand Research & Media LLC announces the remarkable operational achievements of SATENA, Colombia's state-owned airline and 2024 Global Brand Frontier Awards winner in the category of "Leader in Enhancing Accessibility in Colombian Air Transport." Throughout 2025, SATENA has demonstrated exceptional growth, projecting a 17% increase in passenger traffic and expanding its network to 172 domestic routes plus one international connection. The airline's strategic fleet modernization, coupled with new route inaugurations and enhanced digital infrastructure, exemplifies its commitment to connecting the nation's most remote territories while maintaining economic sustainability.
The third and fourth quarters of 2025 have witnessed significant route network expansion. The airline successfully launched the Bogotá-Nuquí-Bogotá route, opening Colombia's Pacific coast to increased tourism. The newly established Ipiales-Puerto Asís-Ipiales connection provides critical air service linking the southwestern border region with interior communities, while the reopening of the Bogotá-Girardot-Bogotá route restores vital connectivity to central Colombia.
SATENA has announced an ambitious northern expansion initiative set to launch in December 2025, introducing four strategic routes from Barranquilla: Barranquilla-Montería-Barranquilla, Barranquilla-Valledupar-Barranquilla, Barranquilla-Bucaramanga-Barranquilla, and Barranquilla-Aguachica-Barranquilla. This expansion will transform regional connectivity in Colombia's Caribbean and northeastern regions, facilitating air connections between municipalities facing geographic isolation.
The expansion strategy reflects SATENA's core mission of territorial integration across the 28 departments of Colombia. This comprehensive network currently encompasses more than 172 regular routes, many linking departmental capitals with difficult-to-access municipalities where commercial airlines do not operate. Critical regions including Amazonas, Chocó, Guaviare, Putumayo, Vaupés, and Arauca depend on SATENA's consistent service.
SATENA has incorporated three state-of-the-art ATR 72-600 aircraft into its fleet during October and November 2025. Each aircraft offers seating capacity for approximately 70 passengers and represents a substantial technological advancement, positioning SATENA at the forefront of regional aviation modernization in Colombia.
The ATR 72-600 fleet addition delivers greater passenger capacity per flight, substantially lower fuel consumption compared to older models, and extended range capability. Modern navigation systems and digital maintenance protocols significantly improve punctuality and operational reliability. For passengers, the aircraft deliver renovated interiors with comfortable seating, improved air conditioning, and substantially reduced cabin noise.
SATENA's operational metrics throughout 2025 demonstrate strong performance. The airline's average load factor started the year near 80% during the first semester and increased to approximately 85% during the third quarter. The annual average load factor has remained above 82%, significantly exceeding industry averages for regional carriers.
From January through October 2025, SATENA mobilized approximately 1,205,423 passengers, representing a 17% increase compared to 2024. With new aircraft, route expansions, and strong fourth-quarter demand, the airline projects it will transport 1,502,000 passengers by year-end 2025, representing an impressive 18% annual growth rate.
Route network expansion has been notable. SATENA currently operates 172 active domestic routes plus one international connection. This growth reflects sustained progress: in 2022 the airline had 88 one-way routes; in 2023, 108; in 2024 it reached 144, and in 2025 it reached 172. This increase demonstrates SATENA's strategic focus and commitment to fulfilling its constitutional mandate to integrate and connect the country.
SATENA has confirmed the opening of a new Contact Center in Medellín, which began operations on November 18, 2025. The center is staffed by 15 to 20 professionals specializing in customer service, sales operations, and information management. This gives SATENA two fully operational Contact Centers, in Bogotá and Medellín, substantially increasing response capacity and improving service times across all regions.
Throughout 2025, SATENA has developed multiple partnership initiatives demonstrating its commitment to cultural, social, and sporting engagement. The airline collaborated with Sony Pictures Colombia for the premiere of "Karate Kid Leyendas," enabling over 400 children in Cali, Medellín, and Villavicencio to enjoy special film screenings.
In sports, SATENA was an official ally of the Gran Fondo Nairo Fest 2025, providing crucial support for over 20 paralympic cyclists. The airline also supported the Harold Tejada Route, celebrating one of Colombia's most outstanding professional cyclists.
SATENA reached more than 30 municipalities across Colombia through its partnership with SMARTFILMS, bringing film production training and screenings to communities. SATENA also served as the official airline of the prestigious Macondo Awards, supporting Colombian cinema. The airline participates in Fenalco Solidario for the second consecutive year and adheres to the United Nations Global Compact.
SATENA maintains social connectivity programs supporting vulnerable populations and remote communities, providing essential transport services for patients requiring medical treatment, students, public officials, and indigenous communities. In departments such as Chocó, Guainía, and Amazonas, SATENA often represents the only reliable transportation option.
SATENA's operational model successfully balances social mission with financial sustainability. The airline strategically complements essential social service routes with profitable commercial operations on high-demand corridors, using cross-subsidization to support services to isolated communities. Fleet modernization with fuel-efficient ATR 42 and ATR 72-600 aircraft substantially reduces operating costs while maintaining high load factors that maximize revenue.
SATENA (Servicio de Aeronavegación a Territorios Nacionales) is Colombia’s state-owned airline, founded with the mission of connecting and integrating the nation’s most remote territories with departmental capitals and major urban centers. Operating since 1962, SATENA serves all 28 departments across Colombia through a comprehensive network of more than 172 routes, many reaching communities where no other airline operates. The airline strategically combines commercial operations on high-demand routes with essential social service flights to isolated regions, fulfilling a constitutional mandate of territorial integration while maintaining economic sustainability.
Boston Brand Research & Media LLC is a global publication company specializing in identifying and recognizing excellence in business leadership, innovation, and market impact. Through the prestigious Global Brand Frontier Awards program, the company honors organizations demonstrating exceptional achievement in their industries.
Media Contact:
Boston Brand Research & Media LLC
Awards Team
Phone: +1 (617) 935-8890
Email: awards@bostonbrandmedia.com
Website: www.bostonbrandmedia.com
.jpg)
