SATENA
Encyclopedia
SATENA is an Colombian military
airline
based in Fontibón
, Bogotá
, Colombia
. It operates regional, domestic and international routes. Its main hub is El Dorado International Airport
.
, Alberto Lleras Camargo
, who created the airline
using Decree 940 in order
"to form an aerial transport service for the benefit of the underdeveloped regions of the country, with the object of promoting the welfare of educational campaigns, agricultural and pastoral development and the economic and social progress of such territories."
In order to achieve this under government auspices, the airline was then entrusted to the control of the Colombian Air Force
, initiating its first operations with the routes Bogotá
- Leticia and Leticia - Tarapacá
- El Encanto
- Puerto Leguízamo
. The Government equipped the company with one C-54, two C-47
, two Beaver L-20 aircraft, and later added two PBY Catalina
amphibious aircraft, property of the Rotatory Fund of the Colombian Air Force
. Later, in 1964, it added three additional C-47
and two more C-54 aircraft, all of them donated by the United States
International Development Agency.
In 1965, SATENA, in coordination with the Bank of Bogotá, began a new service named AeroBanco, which was created to facilitate air travel to other areas largely or completely inaccessible by road.
Due to great success in the areas served by the airline, President Carlos Lleras Restrepo
put into effect Law 80 of December 12, 1968 where it was decreed that SATENA would be treated as a public establishment, with all legal functions controlled by the Ministry of National Defence.
In 1972, SATENA acquired newer British-Built
AVRO HS-748 turboprop
aircraft capable of carrying 48 passengers. Between 1984 and 1985, the airline incorporated two Fokker F28
jet aircraft with the capacity to transport 65 passengers.
Since its creation, the airline has performed many public services on behalf of the Colombian people
, having provided service during crises in the country's history, as was the case of the Huila
and Cauca
earthquake of June 6, 1994, when SATENA performed search and rescue operations, airlifted local residents, as well as transporting needed medicines, foods and aid in general to the site of the tragedy.
In 1996, the largest modernisation of the airline began, with the arrival of six Dornier Do328
turboprop
aircraft capable of carrying 32 passengers. These aircraft represent the new generation of equipment for regional routes.
In 2002, SATENA incorporated into its fleet one Embraer ERJ 145 with capacity for 50 passengers which arrived to replace the departing Fokker F28
, which was reaching its maximum airframe hours.
In 2004, SATENA became the airline with the newest and most modern aerial fleet in Colombia
, when it incorporated two new Embraer ERJ 145 aircraft, allowing it to perform faster and more efficient services to its mostly isolated destinations.
, Leticia, La Primavera
, El Encanto
and Yopal
, Corozal
Military of Colombia
The Military Forces of Colombia are the armed forces of the Republic of Colombia.-Services:The Military of Colombia consists of:* National Army of Colombia * Colombian National Armada - Marines, Navy and Coast Guard attached* Colombian Air Force...
airline
Airline
An airline provides air transport services for traveling passengers and freight. Airlines lease or own their aircraft with which to supply these services and may form partnerships or alliances with other airlines for mutual benefit...
based in Fontibón
Fontibon
Fontibon is a former municipality located at the westernmost side of Bogotá, Colombia.-History:Founded on May 10, 1954; Fontibon was the gate to the current Bogotá City also known as Santa Fe de Bogotá, to the conquistador Gonzalo Jimenez de Quesada and his fellow expeditioners.The origin of the...
, Bogotá
Bogotá
Bogotá, Distrito Capital , from 1991 to 2000 called Santa Fé de Bogotá, is the capital, and largest city, of Colombia. It is also designated by the national constitution as the capital of the department of Cundinamarca, even though the city of Bogotá now comprises an independent Capital district...
, Colombia
Colombia
Colombia, officially the Republic of Colombia , is a unitary constitutional republic comprising thirty-two departments. The country is located in northwestern South America, bordered to the east by Venezuela and Brazil; to the south by Ecuador and Peru; to the north by the Caribbean Sea; to the...
. It operates regional, domestic and international routes. Its main hub is El Dorado International Airport
El Dorado International Airport
El Dorado International Airport is an international airport located in Bogotá, Colombia. It is the largest Latin America airport in terms of cargo movements with 593,946 tons and the third in terms of passenger traffic, only behind São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport and Mexico City's...
.
History
SATENA was first established on April 12, 1962 by the President of the RepublicPresident of Colombia
The President of Colombia is the head of state and head of government of the Republic of Colombia. The office of president was established upon the ratification of the Constitution of 1819, by the Congress of Angostura, convened in December 1819, when Colombia was part of "la Gran Colombia"...
, Alberto Lleras Camargo
Alberto Lleras Camargo
Alberto Lleras Camargo was an important Colombian diplomat and political figure.He was a member of the Liberal Party of Colombia; he served as congressman , Minister of Education, Minister of the Interior and Minister of Foreign Affairs, during the governments of Alfonso López Pumarejo and Eduardo...
, who created the airline
Airline
An airline provides air transport services for traveling passengers and freight. Airlines lease or own their aircraft with which to supply these services and may form partnerships or alliances with other airlines for mutual benefit...
using Decree 940 in order
"to form an aerial transport service for the benefit of the underdeveloped regions of the country, with the object of promoting the welfare of educational campaigns, agricultural and pastoral development and the economic and social progress of such territories."
In order to achieve this under government auspices, the airline was then entrusted to the control of the Colombian Air Force
Colombian Air Force
The Colombian Air Force or FAC is the Air Force of the Republic of Colombia.The Colombian Air Force is one of the three institutions of the Armed Forces of Colombia, charge according to the 1991 Constitution of the work to exercise and maintain control of Colombia's airspace to defend the...
, initiating its first operations with the routes Bogotá
Bogotá
Bogotá, Distrito Capital , from 1991 to 2000 called Santa Fé de Bogotá, is the capital, and largest city, of Colombia. It is also designated by the national constitution as the capital of the department of Cundinamarca, even though the city of Bogotá now comprises an independent Capital district...
- Leticia and Leticia - Tarapacá
Tarapacá, Amazonas
Tarapacá is a town and municipality in the Colombian Department of Amazonas.-External links:...
- El Encanto
El Encanto
El Encanto is a town and municipality in the Amazonas Department, Colombia. It is located in the mouth of the Caraparaná River, tributary of the Putumayo River ....
- Puerto Leguízamo
Puerto Leguízamo
Puerto Leguizamo is a town and municipality located in the Putumayo Department, Republic of Colombia.-External links:...
. The Government equipped the company with one C-54, two C-47
C-47 Skytrain
The Douglas C-47 Skytrain or Dakota is a military transport aircraft that was developed from the Douglas DC-3 airliner. It was used extensively by the Allies during World War II and remained in front line operations through the 1950s with a few remaining in operation to this day.-Design and...
, two Beaver L-20 aircraft, and later added two PBY Catalina
PBY Catalina
The Consolidated PBY Catalina was an American flying boat of the 1930s and 1940s produced by Consolidated Aircraft. It was one of the most widely used multi-role aircraft of World War II. PBYs served with every branch of the United States Armed Forces and in the air forces and navies of many other...
amphibious aircraft, property of the Rotatory Fund of the Colombian Air Force
Colombian Air Force
The Colombian Air Force or FAC is the Air Force of the Republic of Colombia.The Colombian Air Force is one of the three institutions of the Armed Forces of Colombia, charge according to the 1991 Constitution of the work to exercise and maintain control of Colombia's airspace to defend the...
. Later, in 1964, it added three additional C-47
C-47 Skytrain
The Douglas C-47 Skytrain or Dakota is a military transport aircraft that was developed from the Douglas DC-3 airliner. It was used extensively by the Allies during World War II and remained in front line operations through the 1950s with a few remaining in operation to this day.-Design and...
and two more C-54 aircraft, all of them donated by the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
International Development Agency.
In 1965, SATENA, in coordination with the Bank of Bogotá, began a new service named AeroBanco, which was created to facilitate air travel to other areas largely or completely inaccessible by road.
Due to great success in the areas served by the airline, President Carlos Lleras Restrepo
Carlos Lleras Restrepo
Carlos Lleras Restrepo was a Colombian lawyer and political figure, President of Colombia .- Biographic data :...
put into effect Law 80 of December 12, 1968 where it was decreed that SATENA would be treated as a public establishment, with all legal functions controlled by the Ministry of National Defence.
In 1972, SATENA acquired newer British-Built
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
AVRO HS-748 turboprop
Turboprop
A turboprop engine is a type of turbine engine which drives an aircraft propeller using a reduction gear.The gas turbine is designed specifically for this application, with almost all of its output being used to drive the propeller...
aircraft capable of carrying 48 passengers. Between 1984 and 1985, the airline incorporated two Fokker F28
Fokker F28
The Fokker F28 Fellowship is a short range jet airliner designed and built by defunct Dutch aircraft manufacturer Fokker.-Design and development:...
jet aircraft with the capacity to transport 65 passengers.
Since its creation, the airline has performed many public services on behalf of the Colombian people
Colombian people
Colombian people are from a multiethnic Spanish speaking nation in South America called Colombia. Colombians are predominantly Roman Catholic and are a mixture of Europeans, Africans, and Amerindians.-Demography:...
, having provided service during crises in the country's history, as was the case of the Huila
Huila
Huila may refer to:* Huila Department, in Colombia* Atlético Huila a first division Association football team in Colombia.* Huíla Province, in Angola* Nevado del Huila, volcano in Colombia...
and Cauca
Cauca Department
Cauca is a Department of Colombia. Located in the south-western part of the country, facing the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Valle del Cauca Department to the north, Tolima Department to the northeast, Huila Department to the east and the Nariño Department to the south, covering a total area of...
earthquake of June 6, 1994, when SATENA performed search and rescue operations, airlifted local residents, as well as transporting needed medicines, foods and aid in general to the site of the tragedy.
In 1996, the largest modernisation of the airline began, with the arrival of six Dornier Do328
Dornier 328
|-See also:- References :* Swanborough, Gordon. "Dornier 328: A Daimler for Commuters". Air International, March 1992, Vol. 42 No. 3. pp. 123–128. ISSN 0306-5634....
turboprop
Turboprop
A turboprop engine is a type of turbine engine which drives an aircraft propeller using a reduction gear.The gas turbine is designed specifically for this application, with almost all of its output being used to drive the propeller...
aircraft capable of carrying 32 passengers. These aircraft represent the new generation of equipment for regional routes.
In 2002, SATENA incorporated into its fleet one Embraer ERJ 145 with capacity for 50 passengers which arrived to replace the departing Fokker F28
Fokker F28
The Fokker F28 Fellowship is a short range jet airliner designed and built by defunct Dutch aircraft manufacturer Fokker.-Design and development:...
, which was reaching its maximum airframe hours.
In 2004, SATENA became the airline with the newest and most modern aerial fleet in Colombia
Colombia
Colombia, officially the Republic of Colombia , is a unitary constitutional republic comprising thirty-two departments. The country is located in northwestern South America, bordered to the east by Venezuela and Brazil; to the south by Ecuador and Peru; to the north by the Caribbean Sea; to the...
, when it incorporated two new Embraer ERJ 145 aircraft, allowing it to perform faster and more efficient services to its mostly isolated destinations.
Destinations
The new Embraer 170 will be used to increase frequencies on existing routes and to open new domestic destinations. These will include BarranquillaBarranquilla
Barranquilla is an industrial port city and municipality located in northern Colombia, near the Caribbean Sea. The capital of the Atlántico Department, it is the largest industrial city and port in the Colombian Caribbean region with a population of 1,148,506 as of 2005, which makes it Colombia's...
, Leticia, La Primavera
La Primavera, Vichada
La Primavera is a town and municipality located in the Department of Vichada, Colombia.-Geography:...
, El Encanto
El Encanto
El Encanto is a town and municipality in the Amazonas Department, Colombia. It is located in the mouth of the Caraparaná River, tributary of the Putumayo River ....
and Yopal
Yopal
Yopal is a municipality and capital city of the department of Casanare in Colombia.- Geographic information :*Population: 84 293 inhabitants*Elevation: 350 m*Extensión: 2,771 km²*Distance from Bogotá: 387 km*Median temperature: 26 °C-External links:...
, Corozal
Corozal
Corozal may mean:* Corozal American Cemetery and Memorial, Panama City, Panama* Corozal District, Belize* Corozal Town, Belize, capital of the district* Corozal, Puerto Rico* Corozal, Sucre, a city of Colombia...
Fleet
As of 27 November 2010, the SATENA fleet consists of the following aircraft with an average age of 13.3 years:| Aircraft | In Fleet | Orders | Passengers (Economy) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dornier 328-120 | |||
| ATR 42-500 | |||
| Embraer ERJ 145LR | |||
| Embraer E-170-100SL | |||
| Total | 15 | 3 |
Accidents and incidents
- On 8 September 1969, Douglas C-47 FAC-685 crashed near Apiay Air Force BaseApiay Air Force BaseCaptain Luis Fernando Gómez Niño Air Base , is a Colombian military base assigned to the Colombian Air Force Combat Air Command No. 2 . It also hosts members of the Colombian Army and Colombian Navy...
killing all 32 people on board. The aircraft was operating a domestic scheduled passenger flight from Monterrey Airport to Apiay.
- On 21 January 1972, Douglas DC-3Douglas DC-3The Douglas DC-3 is an American fixed-wing propeller-driven aircraft whose speed and range revolutionized air transport in the 1930s and 1940s. Its lasting impact on the airline industry and World War II makes it one of the most significant transport aircraft ever made...
FAC-661 crashed at San Nicolas whilst operating a domestic non-scheduled passenger flight from Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport, MedellínMedellínMedellín , officially the Municipio de Medellín or Municipality of Medellín, is the second largest city in Colombia. It is in the Aburrá Valley, one of the more northerly of the Andes in South America. It has a population of 2.3 million...
to Gerardo Tobar López AirportGerardo Tobar López AirportGerardo Tobar López Airport is an airport in Buenaventura, Colombia....
, BuenaventureaBuenaventura, ColombiaBuenaventura is a port city and municipality located in the department of Valle del Cauca, Colombia . Buenaventura is the main port of Colombia in the Pacific Ocean....
.
- On 8 January 1975, Douglas DC-3 FAC-688 crashed shortly after take-off from Benito Salas AirportBenito Salas AirportBenito Salas Airport is an airport that serves the city of Neiva, the capital of the Huila Department in Colombia. It was named after Benito Salas Vargas, a military and social leader during Colombia's independence war . Actually is in a rebuilding process, that includes a new control tower, and...
, Neiva on a flight to Gustavo Artunduaga Paredes AirportGustavo Artunduaga Paredes AirportGustavo Artunduaga Paredes Airport is an airport in Florencia, Colombia.- Airlines and destinations :-Accidents and incidents:*On 2 April 1976, Douglas DC-3 FAC-676 of SATENA crashed on approach. The aircraft was on a flight from Tres de Mayo Airport, Puerto Asís...
, FlorenciaFlorencia-Places:*Florencia de Benito Juárez, a municipality in the state of Zacatecas, Mexico*Florencia, Caquetá, a town and municipality in the Department of Caqueta, Colombia*Florencia, Cauca, a town and municipality in the Department of Cauca, Colombia...
. All 30 people on board were killed.
- On 3 May 1975, Douglas DC-3 FAC-663 crashed at SardinataSardinataSardinata is a Colombian municipality and town located in the department of North Santander.-References:...
. The aircraft was on a domestic scheduled passenger flight from Aguas Claras AirportAguas Claras AirportAguas Claras Airport is an airport serving Ocaña, a municipality of the Norte de Santander Department of Colombia.- Facilities :The airport resides at an elevation of above mean sea level. It has one runway designated 01/19 with an asphalt surface measuring .-Accidents and incidents:*On 30 April...
, OcañaOcañaOcaña may refer to:*Ocaña, Colombia, a city in Norte de Santander department*Ocaña, Spain, a town in the province of Toledo, site of:**Battle of Ocana, during the Peninsular War*Luis Ocana, a Spanish cyclistSee also:...
to Camilo Daza Airport, CúcutaCúcutaCúcuta is a Colombian city, capital of Norte de Santander, in the northeast of the country. Due to its proximity to the Colombian-Venezuelan border, Cúcuta is an important commercial center. The city has the constitutional category of Special District. It is located at the most active...
. Three of the six occupants were killed.
- On 2 April 1976, Douglas DC-3 FAC-676 crashed on approach to Gustavo Artunduaga Paredes AirportGustavo Artunduaga Paredes AirportGustavo Artunduaga Paredes Airport is an airport in Florencia, Colombia.- Airlines and destinations :-Accidents and incidents:*On 2 April 1976, Douglas DC-3 FAC-676 of SATENA crashed on approach. The aircraft was on a flight from Tres de Mayo Airport, Puerto Asís...
, FlorenciaFlorencia-Places:*Florencia de Benito Juárez, a municipality in the state of Zacatecas, Mexico*Florencia, Caquetá, a town and municipality in the Department of Caqueta, Colombia*Florencia, Cauca, a town and municipality in the Department of Cauca, Colombia...
. The aircraft was on a flight from Tres de Mayo AirportTres de Mayo AirportTres de Mayo Airport is an airport in Puerto Asís, Colombia.- Airlines and destinations :...
, Puerto AsísPuerto AsísPuerto Asís is a Colombian municipality in the department of the Putumayo. It is located on the west bank of the Putumayo river, downstream from the mouth of the Guamúez River, 75 km by road to the south of Mocoa...
. Five of the 16 people on board were killed.
- On 17 February 1977, Douglas C-47B FAC-1125 was damaged beyond economic repair in a take-off accident at Fabio Alberto León Bentley AirportFabio Alberto León Bentley AirportFabio Alberto León Bentley Airport in is an airport in Mitú, Colombia. It is located next to the Vaupés river and runs along the entire length of the city. It has an asphalt runway sufficient for medium sized passenger jets and military transport aircraft. The passenger terminal is small but...
, MitúMitúMitú is the capital city of the department of Vaupés in Colombia. The town of Mitu is the most remote Capital of Department in Colombia.In November, 1998 an estimated 1,900 FARC guerrilla members of the Eastern Bloc of the FARC-EP tried to take over the town by force, against 120 National Police...
. All 28 people on board survived.
- On 20 November 1977, Douglas C-47B FAC-1127 crashed in Colombia.
- On 20 November 1977, Douglas C-47A FAC-1120 crashed at Llanos del Yori, Colombia.
- On 21 February 1978, Douglas DC-3 FAC-668 crashed at an unknown location in Columbia.
- On 25 June 1981, Douglas C-47 FAC-1129 was damaged beyond repair in an accident. The aircraft was subsequently withdrawn from use and stored at La Vanguardia AirportLa Vanguardia Airport-Accidents and incidents:*On 6 June 1985, Douglas C-53D HK-1340 of LACOL Colombia crashed shortly after take-off after the starboard engine failed while the aircraft was on a cargo flight. The aircraft was probably overloaded and it caught fire after crashing into trees...
, VillavicencioVillavicencioVillavicencio is a city and municipality in Colombia, capital of the Department of Meta, with 361,058 inhabitants. The city is located at 4°08S, 73°40W, 75 km southeast of the Colombian capital city of Bogotá by the Guatiquía river...
.
- On 3 May 1983, Douglas C-47B FAC-1126 was damaged beyond repair in an accident at Palmaseca Airport, CaliCalìCalì, also written in English as Cali, is an Italian surname, widespread mainly in the Ionian side of Sicily.For the surname Calì is assumed the origin of the Greek word kalos , or from its Sanskrit root kali, "time."The surname refers to:...
.
- On 5 May 2010, SATENA Flight 9634, an Embraer ERJ-145 overran the runway at Fabio Alberto León Bentley AirportFabio Alberto León Bentley AirportFabio Alberto León Bentley Airport in is an airport in Mitú, Colombia. It is located next to the Vaupés river and runs along the entire length of the city. It has an asphalt runway sufficient for medium sized passenger jets and military transport aircraft. The passenger terminal is small but...
, MitúMitúMitú is the capital city of the department of Vaupés in Colombia. The town of Mitu is the most remote Capital of Department in Colombia.In November, 1998 an estimated 1,900 FARC guerrilla members of the Eastern Bloc of the FARC-EP tried to take over the town by force, against 120 National Police...
, ColombiaColombiaColombia, officially the Republic of Colombia , is a unitary constitutional republic comprising thirty-two departments. The country is located in northwestern South America, bordered to the east by Venezuela and Brazil; to the south by Ecuador and Peru; to the north by the Caribbean Sea; to the...
. The aircraft crashed through the airport fence and then came to rest in a field, suffering substantial damage. None of the 37 passengers and 4 crew were injured or killed. The runway at the time of the accident was wet as it had recently rained in the area.