Uk- Azores

[Diver_Dave]

Ok,

I'm not a total numpty using the web but....

I'm looking to book a trip to go diving the Azores
later this year (before Oct 09) or after May next (10)

Now, at the moment it's not too critical where we arrive there but...

I'm having a nightmare finding anyone doing the route!

We can do MAN - LGW/LHR - Lisbon (BMI-TAP) and onward but it's a bit
of a haul doing it that way.

Via FRA would be nice and easy,

Any suggestions welcome. (USAF Transport flight via Lajes etc...)

UK charter is possibly lower on the list due to the excessive costs of
transporting diving equipment, although Lufthansa and a German Charter
(20Kg extra free for diving kit), would be great.

Any help greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

DaveA

[ATNotts]

Obvious option is SATA Internacional from LGW or MAN to Ponta Delgada. There are no direct services to Terceira, Santa Maria or the other lesser islands.

Via Germany try Air Berlin over Nürnburg - but that would involve an overnight at the airport hotel both ways (though their rates aren't extortionate compared with airport hotels in UK - even at €1 = £1)

PM me if you would like any more info - we did it ourselves, without a tour operator a couple of years ago).

[VICKERS VC10]

SATA Operate from Manchester and Gatwick to Ponta Delgada ( the flight from Manchester goes via Gatwick). Plenty of onward connections too.

www.sata.pt (http://www.sata.pt)

VC10

[Deeko01]

As far as l am aware TAP fly Lisbon to Lajes with the A319 or you could book SATA who fly the ATP.

Grupo SATA (http://www.sata.pt)

[ATNotts]

Correct, the connections from PDL are regular - but if you want to fly directly to the Islands SATA from LGW and MAN to Ponta Delgada is the only easy option.

I don't know how SATA would handle diving equipment on the inter island services they only operate the ATP, and, if they've been delivered yet DHC8 aircraft.

[Diver_Dave]

By diving kit I ment 2 bags, not cylinders etc..

None of the main sites (Expedia etc...) seem to mention SATA.

Loads of useful info so far!

Thanks all....

Regards

DaveA

[ATNotts]

We booked via Opodo - fares were pretty well identical to booking direct with SATA, but at the time the on-line reservation system on the airline website was in portuguese only, and my portuguese is not up to scratch - to put it mildly!

[matkat]

When I used to go it was LHR-LIS then to TER do not know of any other way.