Bogotá based Colombian airline SATENA announced the addition of the first Twin Otter DHC-6 Series 400 aircraft, registration FAC-1400 and HK-5452-X to its fleet.
The reception ceremony took place on October 31 in Calgary, Canada, and marked the beginning of a fleet of eight aircraft designed to improve connectivity in remote regions of the country.
The aircraft has capacity for 19 passengers and arrives in Colombia as part of a fleet of eight new aircraft that will operate in regions with limited airport infrastructure, according to the airline's executives.
Major General Oscar Zuluaga, president of SATENA, received the aircraft, highlighting its importance in the airline's mission to reach out to Colombians.
"The arrival of this aircraft not only strengthens our operations, but also transforms the way we connect the most distant communities, improving the lives of thousands of people and opening new economic opportunities," said Zuluaga.
This aircraft has PBN capabilities, which allows it to fly more direct routes, reducing flight time and fuel consumption. More than 990 Twin Otters in their different versions are currently in operation around the world, belonging to nearly 205 clients, including the Armed Forces and airlines.
The crew that will fly this equipment, mostly composed of military pilots from the Colombian Air Force, have received rigorous training in Calgary, which included advanced class D simulators, ensuring that operations are carried out under the highest safety standards.
“Our pilots and technicians are fully trained to operate the Twin Otter in any conditions, which will allow us to continue leading regional connectivity in Colombia,” added Zuluaga.
The aircraft is expected to land in Colombia the first week of November, with a transfer flight scheduled to take off on Monday, November 4, flying the Calgary-Belize-Bogotá route.
These aircraft will be responsible for continuing the expansion of Satena that has been implemented since the beginning of this year, where priority will be given to the Pacific region in the departments of Antioquia, Chocó, Valle del Cauca, Cauca, Huila and Nariño.
Founded in the year 1962, Satena has played a key role in air connectivity in the most remote and hard-to-reach regions in Colombia.
Throughout its 62-year history, the carrier has managed to expand its route network, connecting destinations that were previously inaccessible.
Source and Pictures : Satena
