Air Greenland

Air Greenland. It is the flag carrier of Greenland, owned by the Government of Greenland. The airline operates a comprehensive domestic network connecting remote settlements and major towns, alongside international flights primarily to Denmark and Iceland. Its fleet includes a mix of fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, essential for serving communities without runways.

History

The airline was established in 1960 as **Grønlandsfly**, initially a joint venture between the Government of Denmark, SAS, and Cryolite mining interests. Early operations focused on serving the United States Air Force base at Thule Air Base and supporting the Kangerlussuaq facility. A significant early aircraft was the Douglas DC-4, used for long-range transport. In 1962, helicopter operations began with the Sikorsky S-61, dramatically improving access to remote villages. The company was renamed **Air Greenland** in 2002, consolidating its brand. A major shift occurred in 2021 with the opening of Nuuk Airport's new runway, allowing direct international flights from the capital and reducing reliance on the traditional hub at Kangerlussuaq Airport.

Fleet

The fleet is specialized for Arctic conditions and short, rugged airstrips. The primary jet is the Airbus A330-200, used for transatlantic routes to Copenhagen Airport. Regional fixed-wing services are operated with De Havilland Canada Dash 8 aircraft, including the Dash 8-200. For gravel and ice runways, the airline utilizes the robust DHC-7 Dash 7. The helicopter division, critical for settlement traffic, flies the Airbus H225 and the smaller Bell 212. Contracted services sometimes employ the Beechcraft King Air. Fleet renewal programs often involve partnerships with Airbus and De Havilland Aircraft of Canada.

Destinations

The domestic network is extensive, with key hubs at Kangerlussuaq Airport and Nuuk Airport. Major towns served include Ilulissat, Sisimiut, and Qaqortoq. Helicopter services connect numerous smaller settlements like Uummannaq, Tasiilaq, and Ittoqqortoormiit. Internationally, the airline maintains a vital year-round link to Copenhagen Airport in Denmark. Seasonal and year-round services also operate to Keflavík International Airport in Iceland. From spring to autumn, it offers direct flights from Copenhagen to Ilulissat Airport and Narsarsuaq Airport, catering to the tourism market. Charter operations occasionally serve destinations like Baltimore/Washington International Airport.

Services

The airline provides a full spectrum of services, from scheduled passenger flights to critical Search and rescue missions across the Arctic. Its cargo division transports essential goods, machinery, and Royal Danish Air Force supplies. A dedicated contract supports the United States Space Force operations at Thule Air Base. For passengers, business class is offered on the Airbus A330-200, featuring SAS EuroBonus partnership benefits. The airline also operates Air Greenland Charter, handling specialized tourist group travel and expedition logistics. Medical evacuations are a core function, coordinated with the Greenlandic health service.

Corporate affairs

The sole shareholder is the Government of Greenland, with its head office located in Nuuk. The current Chief Executive Officer is Jacob Nitter Sørensen. The airline is a member of the International Air Transport Association and maintains interline agreements with carriers like SAS and Icelandair. Its operations are closely tied to the economic development strategies of the Naalakkersuisut (Greenland Cabinet). Major maintenance is performed at its technical base in Kangerlussuaq, with support from Airbus and Pratt & Whitney Canada. The airline plays a pivotal role in national infrastructure, often discussed in the Inatsisartut.

Category:Airlines of Greenland Category:Companies based in Nuuk Category:Airlines established in 1960