The regional government of the Azores, owner of Grupo SATA, is looking to convert EUR160 million euros (USD182 million) into equity in future Azores Airlines (S4, Ponta Delgada) owner SATA Internacional to allow improved conditions for potential investors in the airline, Bloomberg reported. “We want to give investors a clean asset, with full management control,” the airline's chief executive Tiago Santos said. The European Commission requires the sale to be finalised by the end of 2026 as part of the earlier restructuring aid conditions. SATA plans to cut jobs at Azores Airlines, with some employees being moved within the group, Santos added when speaking to Bloomberg. SATA Internacional will become the formal owner of Azores Airlines after the split, with SATA Group formally selling at least a 75% stake in that entity.