Air Service One talks with… Raquel Soares Pacheco, Manager, Aviation Development, ANA/VINCI Airports, Ponta Delgada Airport
Air Service One had the pleasure of talking with Raquel Soares Pacheco, Manager, Aviation Development, ANA/VINCI Airports, Ponta Delgada Airport ahead of this years Routes Europe conference as part of the Air Service One talks with series.
Raquel talked about the main entry point into the islands of the Azores, she gave us the low down on the airports performance the opportunities for LCC’s and how North America is a key market for the airport.
Being Air service One talks with… we also found out a little more about the aviation enthusiast!
How has the year started off for Ponta Delgada Airport in terms of passenger numbers and what are your expectations for 2025 following last year’s 2.7 million travellers?
We are very pleased with the performance at Ponta Delgada Airport in 2024, with 2.7 million passengers—an achievement that not only reflects a strong year but also highlights the positive momentum we have experienced in recent years.
This growth is part of an ongoing dynamic trend, driven by sustained demand and the increasing attractiveness of the Azores as a destination.
We are now operating 35% above pre-COVID levels, which underlines the resilience and strength of our market.
For the first quarter of 2025, we are pleased to report a 5% increase in traffic compared to the same period last year. This positive result is largely driven by the performance of SATA/Azores Airlines on the routes to mainland Portugal, as well as continued growth in traffic flows from North America.
We are confident that 2025 will follow the path of previous years – it will be marked by sustainable growth!
Do you see room for greater LCC presence at Ponta Delgada Airport?
Diversifying our traffic and airline portfolio remains a key objective for Ponta Delgada Airport. Ensuring a healthy balance of carriers—both full-service and low-cost—is central to our long-term strategy and resilience. While our current exposure to low-cost carriers remains relatively limited, there are structural reasons behind this.
The Azores are a truly niche, high-end destination that offers a product centred around its core element—nature—which sets it apart from typical mass-market destinations.
Additionally, the geographical distance from mainland Europe can pose operational challenges for some airlines, particularly from a cost-efficiency standpoint.
That being said, the growing popularity of the Azores and the consistent demand we are witnessing make Ponta Delgada Airport on São Miguel Island an increasingly attractive opportunity for more airlines, including low-cost carriers.
I believe we will soon see new players entering the market, contributing to the continued growth and diversification of our airport.
North America is becoming an important and growing market for Ponta Delgada. Do you see potential for other destinations on the continent?
North America is a booming market for the Azores, with 146,000 tourists in 2024 (+69% vs 2019 and +17% vs. 2023), leading the growth in the Azorean Archipelago.
This market plays a central role in our current route development strategy for PDL. Passenger flows from the United States and Canada—our first and second-largest international markets—have increased by +56% in 2024 compared to 2019, and by 20% compared to 2023.
Ponta Delgada Airport is strategically positioning itself as a key transatlantic hub with growing connectivity to North America. As of today, we offer year-round direct flights to New York JFK, Boston, Toronto, and Montreal with Azores Airlines, as well as seasonal flights with United to New York EWR – routes that continue to perform well and demonstrate the strong demand between the Azores and North America.
A significant driver of this demand is the vibrant Azorean diaspora across the United States and Canada. The Azorean community plays a key role in fostering connections and ensuring consistent demand between the Azores, Europe and North America.
While there is clear potential for expanding into more destinations across the market, our priority remains to further strengthen and optimize our existing network between Europe and the Americas.
Are there any other geographic areas you want to secure flights to?
We have observed a growing demand for the Azores from Eastern European countries like Poland and Hungary, which suggests a strong interest from this region. Additionally, I believe the Nordic countries would be a natural fit for the Azores, as their travellers often seek unique, nature-driven destinations like ours. Expanding to these regions could further enhance the connectivity and appeal of the Azores as a year-round destination.
That said, our focus remains on strengthening our existing network. We are committed to ensuring that our current routes continue to mature into year-round services.
ANA/VINCI Airports, Ponta Delgada Airport has high seasonality. Are there any steps being taken to extend the flying season?
The Azores are often seen as a seasonal destination due to the surge in tourist activity during the summer months. However, in reality, the islands offer a year-round experience. From hiking through volcanic landscapes in spring to relaxing in natural hot spring baths during the winter, the Azores provide opportunities for travellers regardless of the season.
Ponta Delgada Airport’s seasonality is a natural consequence of the destination’s strong focus on tourism, and promotion plays a key role in shifting perceptions and driving demand throughout the year.
As an airport, we work closely with airlines and tourism partners to reduce seasonality and foster more balanced year-round traffic. To support this, we provide airlines with important data and implement targeted marketing campaigns aimed at increasing demand and period of operations.
At PDL, when a carrier enters the market, it typically starts with the high-season months. Year after year, airlines tend to extend their period of operations, and we are already seeing some airlines tapping into the winter shoulder months!
ANA/Vinci Airports, Ponta Delgada Airport is currently undergoing an expansion project which aims to increase its size by 30%. Could you tell us what the project involves and when is it expected to be completed?
To support sustained traffic growth and maintain high operational standards, ANA/VINCI Airports is implementing a comprehensive infrastructure and technology investment program across all airports under its management. At Ponta Delgada Airport, the first phase of works began in 2024, focused on improving public areas. This includes upgrades to exterior facades, finishes (flooring, walls, ceilings), new furniture, enhanced security and border control technologies, LED lighting, and modernized sanitary facilities, aiming to improve passenger flow and comfort.
This phase will also involve relocating the VIP Lounge at PDL to prepare for future works.
In the next phase, terminal capacity will be increased by 30%, adding 4,400 m² and two additional floors. This expansion will improve the check-in area by 70%, the boarding gates and commercial areas by 50%, and triple the security control area, resulting in smoother passenger circulation.
Further medium and long-term investments are planned in the airport’s Master Plan (up to 2062), to accommodate traffic growth and achieve ambitious sustainability goals for the region.
What is the long-term vision for ANA/Vinci Airports, Ponta Delgada Airport, and how do you see its role evolving over the next decade?
Our long-term vision is to continue developing Ponta Delgada Airport as the key gateway to the Azorean islands, focusing on expanding point-to-point connectivity and strengthening direct services to PDL from a broader range of European and North American cities. We aim to ensure that the Azores are accessible to both leisure and VFR markets, while also providing locals with greater access to destinations beyond the islands.
We also see potential in further developing the airport’s role as a mid-Atlantic hub, leveraging its geographic position to facilitate transatlantic connections between Europe and North America. We are also proud of our environmental achievements. Ponta Delgada Airport has earned Level 5 ACI, the highest level in Airport Carbon Accreditation, in recognition of our exceptional efforts in achieving and maintaining a net-zero balance on our direct emissions. This makes us one of the first airports in the world to obtain such recognition, emphasizing our ongoing commitment to sustainability.
With the ongoing works and planned terminal expansion, we are confident that Ponta Delgada Airport will continue to evolve over the next decade into a forward-looking, passenger-oriented, and sustainable facility—serving the needs of both the local community and international travellers.
Air Service Fun:
What was your most memorable flight and why?
My most memorable flight was one where I fell asleep before take-off and woke up after landing—It was the shortest flight of my life!
Favourite airline livery?
My favourite airline livery is Azores Airlines – it reminds me of home. The bird on the tail illustrates the nine islands of the Azores in the shape of an Açor. This design is deeply symbolic, as the Azores are named after the bird, Açor.
On the tail, each island is represented by a part of the bird’s body, symbolizing the islands’ connection to their culture and history.
The choice of the Açor bird carries even more meaning, as it symbolizes freedom and strength. The blue colors of the livery also reflect the deep blue of the surrounding ocean.
What is the best thing about living in Ponta Delgada?
The best thing about living in the Azores is the constant connection to nature. It is not just about the views, but how deeply nature is woven into daily life. The clean air, the sound of the waves, and the vibrant greenery create a peaceful atmosphere that reminds you how important it is to live in harmony with the environment.
Was it always going to be aviation or was there another career path opportunity?
Aviation has always been a passion of mine, something I inherited from my family. However, if I hadn’t gone down this path, I likely would have pursued something related to art. I’ve always had a deep appreciation for creativity and aesthetics, whether through design, visual arts, or anything that involves expressing beauty and attention to detail.
Favourite place to visit abroad and why?
Paris – there is something timeless about the city. Whether it is walking along the Seine, discovering a hidden café in a quiet neighbourhood, or visiting one of the many museums, it always feels inspiring. The blend of history, culture, and everyday life is so rich. Even after many visits to the French capital, there is always something new to explore. It is a place that never loses its charm.
Your favourite day out on the island?
I would start the morning with a swim in the ocean. For lunch, I would enjoy some fresh seafood by the coast. In the afternoon, I would take a hike that leads to one of the many beautiful waterfalls São Miguel Island has to offer. To end the day, I would go for a dip in the hot springs at Ferraria or Terra Nostra, and for dinner, I would have the famous “Bife à Regional” – our traditional dish featuring a tender steak!
