Three of the most significant airlines in the Arctic region are playing nicely. This week at the Arctic Circle Assembly in Reykjavik, Icelandair signed a codeshare agreement with Air Greenland and the Faroe Island’s Atlantic Airways.
One-stop shop
The agreements will allow passengers to book flights via Iceland to Greenland and The Faroe Islands on a single ticket. Given the autonomous territories of the Kingdom of Denmark are currently some of the most challenging places to reach by commercial air travel, the new agreements are destined to improve access.
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Icelandic carriers Icelandair and PLAY give passengers the unique opportunity to tour the island before continuing their journey.
The codeshares will serve as a tool to position Iceland’s Keflavik International Airport (KEF) as the key connector from Greenland and the Faroe Islands to both North America and the rest of Europe. Icelandair CEO Bogi Nils Bogason expressed his excitement for the new partnerships:
“What we have in common is that we are all island nations that rely on efficient air transport to connect with the world and for the prosperity of our countries.
“By joining forces and formalizing our partnerships, we will further strengthen air connectivity in the West Nordic region and in the Arctic, which is an important foundation for future development in this part of the world
“We are also pleased to connect Greenland and the Faroe Islands to our extensive sales and distribution networks in North America, Europe and in other global markets, such as Asia.”
Photo: Icelandair
Icelandair and Atlantic Airways are expected to fully implement the codeshare flights in the first quarter of 2025, with Air Greenland coming online in the middle of next year.
Air Greenland is all in
The addition of Air Greenland is significant, as the airline is opening up a world of new opportunities as a new runway comes to Nuuk. Set to open next month, a new 2200-meter runway at Nuuk International Airport will enable the home carrier to fly longer flights with larger planes.
The codeshare agreement will make airlines’ routes available on each other’s sales channels and allow passengers to create more coherent itineraries from the point of departure to the final destination. Speaking on the new agreement, Air Greenland CEO Jacob Nitter Sørensen explained how the new codeshares will increase connectivity in the region:
“With this landmark codeshare agreement, Air Greenland is thrilled to enhance connectivity across the Nordics and the Arctic. By collaborating with Icelandair and Atlantic Airways, we’re bridging our communities and opening new doors for travelers, making it easier than ever to explore the rich cultures and breathtaking landscapes of our northern regions,
“With Icelandair’s route network and now also their agreement with Atlantic Airways we’re creating seamless travel opportunities and strengthening ties throughout the in the Westnordic region and the Arctic, from the Faroe Islands and Iceland to Greenland and beyond to Nunavut, Arctic Canada.
“This partnership marks an exciting chapter in our mission to connect the North like never before.”
Photo: Airbus
The first route to benefit from the new deal will be Air Greenland’s service from Nuuk to Billund (BLL) via Keflavik. The one-stop routing allows the carrier to provide additional seats between its hub, Greenland, and Central Denmark, which can be sold individually to increase connectivity.
The route was initially intended to be operated by Jettime’s Boeing 737-800 and will run from March 18th to October 23rd, 2025.
Atlantic Airways is ready to fly
The other airline to sign an agreement with Icelandair is Atlantic Airways, the flag carrier of Faroe Island. The two airlines have been working together in other capacities, and both are set to operate flights from Keflavik to Vágar Airport (FAE) in the Faroe Islands.
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The small airline has begun modernizing its fleet in recent years.
Thanks to the new codeshare agreement with Icelandair, passengers can now book seamless trips from Vágar to destinations in the USA and Canada in a single booking. This will make it significantly easier for Faroese travelers to explore North America and for North American visitors to access the stunning Faroe Islands (famous for having more sheep than people). The CEO of Atlantic Airways, Jóhanna á Bergi, emphasized the new opportunities the collaboration will bring to the Faroe Islands:
“This agreement is vital both commercially and for our countries, fostering deeper connections and mutual growth. Joining Icelandair’s diverse route network offers significant advantages, enabling us to collectively provide better and more flexible services to our passengers.
“By linking our air routes, we enhance our visibility and work towards establishing our North-Western nations as prominent travel destinations in the international market.”
Photo: Atlantic Airways
The agreement further strengthens regional connectivity by enabling direct, same-day travel to Nuuk via Copenhagen. This will allow Faroese workers in Greenland to return home without the need for overnight layovers in Copenhagen.
Stepping up the codeshare game
Icelandair has been steadily expanding its airline partnerships this month. Just this week, the airline announced a codeshare agreement with Star Alliance carrier TAP Air Portugal, which covers flights from the Icelandic capital to Lisbon and onward. Both carriers are known for their robust stopover programs and transatlantic connections.
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Some airlines allow a long layover at their base airport for no extra cost; let’s take a deep dive into the Portuguese flag carrier’s option.
This follows the news that Iceland Air will become the first airline partner of a US carrier. The news complements Icelandair’s upcoming route to Nashville. The new link to Tennessee will open the Home of Country music to connection opportunities across Icelandair’s network of more than 30 European destinations. Plus, beginning next year, passengers can book flights through to Greenland and the Faroe Islands on a single ticket.
Earlier in the summer, the carrier signed a memorandum for a codeshare with Emirates, which opens up even more long-haul destinations for passengers.
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Publish date : 2024-10-18 11:55:00
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