Has anyone flown with Air Greenland?
The recent much-needed expansion of the airline’s home base at Nuuk (GOH) has heralded a renewed optimism at the flag carrier, by opening a door to the rest of the world.
Here’s several facts about the airport. The runway has been extended from 3,117ft to 7,218ft, meaning that wide-bodied jets are able to land there for the first time. The upgraded facilities and modern terminal building means that Nuuk can move its focus from the former USAF base at Kangerlussuaq (SFJ). International flights into Greenland had used it as a primary hub since the early 1990s. This also marks the beginning of openings at 2 other airports, Ilulissat (JAV) and Qaqortoq during 2026. Initially they will be operated by Air Greenland and Icelandair, but there will be opportunities for new airlines such as United and SAS. Both have already announced new services from EWR (B737-MAX8) and CPH (A320neo) respectively. Qaqortoq is yet to be assigned its ICAO and IATA codes.
The first flight from the new facility on 28 November 2024. Operated by Dash8-200, reg OY-GRP. Later that day, the first wide-body service departed. The airline’s sole A330-8(neo), OY-GKN doing the honours. The Rolls Royce Trent 7000 powered jet will be key to opening new opportunities for tourism, trade and economic development.
Now for some information about Air Greenland. Buying shares from the Danish state and SAS in 2019 has meant expansion plans could go ahead. The entire helicopter fleet replaced with more fuel-efficient types and investment in a brand new A330neo. There are future plans to operate to routes to North America and Europe. Expansion will also follow, with 8 domestic routes served by 8 Dash8-200 turboprops. Joining the fleet in 2026 will be an A320neo, leased for 6 years from Carlyle Aviation Partners. It’s due to enter service in Spring 2027 and based at JAV. A Jettime B737-800 has been leased to provided additional tour operator capacity during the summer season. Codeshare and interline agreements put in place, together with tour operator and cruise company co-operation.
Operating an airline in this part of the world is not without its problems. Weather remains the primary cause of flight cancellations and diversions. A slippery runway can still be used by the Dash8-200 but is too dangerous for jets.
Air Greenland is very keen to establish its home as a new tourist destination, not just for the Northern Lights, but also to encourage better understanding of its diverse culture and environment.
In other news….
United – today (8 June) marked the US carrier’s inaugural flight EWR-FNC. Operated by B737-MAX8, it spent around 1.5 hours on the ground. The aircraft was met by many airport workers and appeared to have a healthy passenger load, despite a one-way ticket costing around $1300!
Airbus – the company did not receive any new orders in May. No cause for alarm given their healthy order books….
And finally…
Standing Seats – first attributed to Michael O’Leary, it appears a company has developed the concept to generate more revenue on aircraft. In 2012, Italian aircraft seat manufacturer Aviointeriors showcased a rather controversial standing seat. “SkyRider” is like those on some roller coasters where you’re saddled to the seat, in an almost standing position. With seat pitch reduced to just 23 inches, airlines could potentially gain up to 20% additional space, making it cheaper for passengers to fly. Several tabloids suggested introduction as early as 2026, but given the vigorous testing required for any aircraft seat, the manufacturer was forced to make a swift denial via their social media channels.
Airlines would then have to ask themselves other questions. Will they still be able to evacuate all passengers in under 90 seconds? Where would passengers store their personal items? Would they require additional crew members to cover the additional passengers? Realistically, trying to implement these seats is not worth the time and effort. Also trying to reconfigure aircraft to meet today’s safety standards would end up costing more than the potential savings gained from implementing standing seats.
Information courtesy of Airliner World (May 2025), gatechecked.com
Images courtesy of Travel Trade-Visit Greenland, Business Traveller
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