Growth trend requires strategic assessment to "consolidate success," says José Manuel Bolieiro - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

On Tuesday, as part of the statutory visit, the President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, met with the São Jorge Island Council, accompanied by his Government, to assess the projects that have been developed, are underway and are planned for the island's future.

The event followed meetings with the municipalities of Velas and Calheta, highlighting the importance of collaboration between the Azorean Government and local partners for the Region's progress.

One of the key themes addressed was improved accessibility, both by air and sea, for passengers and goods. On this matter, José Manuel Bolieiro highlighted the positive evolution of the indicators, stating that "São Jorge's development and progress and the success of this Government's policy on accessibility in the Azores has given much more ambition to all islands."

The figures confirm this trend, with a significant increase in the volume of passengers and cargo transported compared to previous years.

In 2024, the number of embarked passengers totalled 53,406, compared to 51,502 in 2023 and 43,226 in 2022. Similarly, disembarked passengers increased to 52,873 in 2024, compared to 50,665 in 2023 and 44,096 in 2022. Regarding air cargo transport, there was an increase of 11 tonnes of goods loaded and nine tonnes of cargo unloaded from 2023 to 2024. Maritime transport also showed a positive trend, with 54 thousand disembarked passengers and an increase of 59% in cargo loaded and 22% in goods unloaded.

The head of the Regional Government acknowledged the concerns expressed by the Island Council, stressing that "the Government will not remain insensitive to this concern, which is in line with the goal of this Government: wanting more and better for all Azorean islands."

The President of the Government also assured that there will continue to be an increase in air frequencies for the summer period while, for the winter, a strategic assessment will be made to determine future availability.

With this commitment, the Azorean Government reiterates its focus on the sustained development of São Jorge, in partnership with municipalities and other local entities, to guarantee better accessibility and economic growth for the Region.