Satena (9R, Bogotá) will acquire eight 19-seater turboprops as part of a USD80 million Colombian government-backed injection into the airline, Chief Executive General Óscar Zuluaga told Reuters.

"[The recapitalisation] will allow us greater mobility, generate growth and, above all, bring hope to the most remote regions," Zuluaga said.

The military-run regional carrier is still committed to adding ATR42s, although Zuluaga did not offer any details regarding the number to be acquired or when. Previously, he outlined plans to acquire two 19-seaters and two 48-seater ATR - Avions de Transport Régional turboprops.

Satena is set to receive USD80 million from the government in four equal annual tranches running from 2023 through 2026. The left-wing government of Gustavo Petro is pushing the airline to play a greater role in the domestic market by connecting more underserved remote towns and villages. Satena currently operates four ATR42-500s, four ATR42-600s, two ATR72-600s, and three E145s, the ch-aviation fleets module shows.

While its main mission is to serve the domestic market, Satena launched flights to Caracas Simón Bolivar, Venezuela, earlier this year and could also add flights to Peru, Brazil, and Ecuador as its fleet grows, Zuluage said.