Air Greenland Logo PNG
Air Greenland: Brand overview
Air Greenland started on May 7, 1960, as Grønlandsfly A/S. The Danish government founded the airline to serve the isolated communities scattered throughout Greenland. Initially, it operated seven small piston-engine planes like the Catalina and Noorduyn Norseman, ideal for flights up to 400 km.
In the 1970s, Grønlandsfly upgraded its fleet with larger turboprop planes, such as the Dornier Do 28 and DHC-6 Twin Otter, increasing passenger capacity to 20. This decade marked the beginning of international flights to Denmark and Iceland.
The 1980s introduced the DHC-7 Dash 7, a larger turboprop that could carry 50 passengers, enhancing the airline’s ability to transport more people. By 1992, Grønlandsfly had acquired the Fokker 50 regional jets, enabling longer and more direct international routes from Greenland.
A major update came in 1995 when the airline added Boeing 737-200 and 737-500 jets. These jets established new routes to Denmark, Norway, and Iceland, with technical stops in the Faroe Islands.
The airline was rebranded as Air Greenland in 2002, reflecting its operations and services better. Between 2003 and 2013, Air Greenland modernized its fleet with the advanced DHC-8 Dash 8 and Boeing 737-700/800 aircraft, improving service reliability and expanding its route network.
Today, Air Greenland has a fleet of 35 aircraft, including 24 turboprop Dash 8 Q200 and Q300 for domestic flights and 11 Boeing 737-700/800 jets for international routes. Nuuk Airport is the central hub, supported by Ilulissat Airport and others like Qaqortoq and Narsarsuaq.
The airline serves 24 domestic and 13 international destinations, primarily connecting Greenland with Denmark, Iceland, and Norway. It transports approximately 500,000 passengers annually, crucial for Greenland’s transportation needs.
Over 63 years, starting as Grønlandsfly and evolving into the national airline of Greenland, Air Greenland has expanded its operations while maintaining Danish ownership. The airline continues to connect Greenland’s remote regions with mainland Europe, navigating challenging terrains to keep distant communities linked.
Meaning and History
What is Air Greenland?
Air Greenland, formerly known as Grønlandsfly, is Greenland’s flagship carrier. Also known as Greenlandair, it operates a substantial fleet of 28 aircraft. These helicopters serve passengers from smaller towns, directing them to the domestic network of airports. The airline flies to heliports in remote areas.
2002 – today
The base of the Air Greenland logo is a large dark red trapezoid with one sharp corner. On the right side is the “ice flower,” symbolizing 26 varying-sized white dots. These mini-circles are arranged to form a figure resembling a downward-pointing arrow or jellyfish. The flower with ice spikes indicates that the airline is adapted to work in difficult Arctic conditions, as it operates flights between populated areas in Greenland. The brand name is written in lowercase white letters with curved ends, creating a serif-like pattern.
The dark red trapezoid conveys strength and stability, emphasizing the airline’s adaptability to harsh conditions. The white dots symbolize ice and are a contrasting element that increases the logo’s visibility. Arranging the dots in the shape of an arrow or jellyfish gives the logo an element of direction and movement, subtly alluding to the airline’s experience in Arctic navigation.
FAQ
Does Air Greenland fly to us?
Air Greenland does not currently offer direct flights to the United States. Instead, the airline focuses on flights within the North Atlantic region. One of their main services is the year-round flight from Keflavík Airport in Iceland to Kangerlussuaq in Greenland. Kangerlussuaq is a key hub in Greenland’s aviation network, mainly because it used to be a military base, and its weather conditions make it one of Greenland’s most accessible airports.
For U.S. travelers wanting to visit Greenland, the easiest way usually involves flying to Iceland first. Once there, passengers can connect to an Air Greenland flight to Kangerlussuaq. Although this means an extra leg in their travel, Keflavík Airport offers good connections to several major U.S. cities, making the trip to Greenland quite manageable.
What is the code for Air Greenland?
Air Greenland uses several codes that help identify and manage its flights worldwide. These codes are used to book flights, create schedules, and track planes.
- IATA Code: GL
The IATA code for Air Greenland is GL. This two-letter code appears on tickets and schedules and helps passengers and the airline organize flights.
- ICAO Code: GRL
Air Greenland’s ICAO code is GRL. This three-letter code is used globally to manage international flights and air traffic control. While it’s crucial for airline operations, passengers generally do not need to know it.
- Callsign: GREENLAND
The airline’s callsign is GREENLAND. Air traffic controllers use this name when they talk to Air Greenland planes.
These codes are important because they help ensure Air Greenland’s operations run smoothly and safely. They make scheduling flights, selling tickets, and tracking aircraft locations easier.
Who owns Air Greenland?
Air Greenland is owned by the Greenland Self-Government, which holds all the shares, making it a public limited company. This means the local government fully controls the airline. It is managed through six parts, each likely covering areas like daily operations and long-term planning. This structure helps the airline support Greenland’s transportation needs and economic goals, ensuring it connects locally and internationally well.
Where is Air Greenland based?
Air Greenland’s headquarters are at Nuuk Airport in Nuussuaq, Greenland. This airport is the main center for the airline’s operations, where it manages its flights and fleet. The airline uses nine fixed-wing aircraft and 19 helicopters to fly to 16 destinations, which helps connect Greenland internally and with other countries.
Leading Air Greenland are Bodil Marie Damgaard, the Chairwoman of the Board, and Jacob Nitter Sørensen, the CEO. They guide the airline’s strategy and ensure it achieves its goals in service and growth.
