Iceland review - 2013, Qupperneq 88

86 ICELAND REVIEW
ArcTic speciALisTs
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Since its establishment in 1960—for more than 50 years—Air
Greenland has been the country’s lifeline. Only about 57,000
people live in Greenland, the world’s largest island, which is com-
parable in size to all of Western Europe. The small towns scat-
tered across the island’s coastline aren’t connected by roads and
so the local communities depend on the arrival of the national
airline’s helicopters and airplanes. Air Greenland has decades of
experience in flying in Arctic conditions. “It can be challenging
but we always get people to their destinations,” says director
for commercial operations Christian Keldsen. “European carriers
don’t have the same obligation.” Keldsen states that locals are
fond of the company and he himself describes it as a “fun work-
place,” because, “we work with everything from a small five-seat
helicopter to a large Airbus—no other airline in the world has
such a diverse fleet.”
pioNeer iN sociAL coNTriBuTioN
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Air Greenland takes its social responsibility seriously. In addition
to being one of Greenland’s largest employers and an important
contributor to the national economy, the airline is involved in social
development, sponsoring education for young people and funding
cultural activities. Those who fly with Air Greenland take part in
supporting the airline’s varied CSR (corporate social responsibility)
programs.
THe BesT of GreeNLANdic HospiTALiTy
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While budget airlines are cutting down on services, passengers on
Air Greenland can expect luxury treatment. “Three-course meals
are served on the Copenhagen flights and everything is included,
something usually only available on long hauls,” says Keldsen.
Vestnorden
gateway to greenlanD
Air Greenland serves as the only supplier of goods and
means of transport to many of the miniscule local communities
of the world’s largest island. To visitors, Air Greenland is the
gateway to the ultimate Arctic experience.
seeing the vast inland icecap from the air is sure to leave you awestruck. Land on the icecap as part of a helicopter tour,
or feel the ice under your feet by joining a half-day excursion.