Air Greenland has just sealed the deal with Carlyle Aviation to bring on board a brand new Airbus A320neo. The sleek narrowbody jet is expected to take off as part of the airline’s 2027 summer schedule. The ink on the lease agreement, signed by Air Greenland’s CEO, Jacob Nitter Sørensen on February 14, 2025, hasn’t even dried yet. Scheduled for delivery in December 2026, the A320neo will undergo special adaptations to navigate the unique conditions of Greenland. This exciting addition comes in tandem with the expansion of Ilulissat Airport (JAV) in North Greenland, set to unveil its 2,200-meter runway towards the end of 2026.

"The delivery timeline for new Airbus aircraft typically spans 6-7 years, so opting for a lease allows us to align perfectly with the opening of the new international airport in Ilulissat and maintain financial flexibility in this budding route," expressed Sørensen. The A320neo is slated to fly a fresh route connecting Ilulissat to Copenhagen in Denmark, complementing the airline’s existing A330neo service between Nuuk Airport and the Danish capital.

“We are optimistic about the prospects of the Ilulissat route and view this lease as a springboard for exciting growth opportunities within our network. This move will not only enable us to flexibly adjust capacity between the larger A330neo and the smaller A320neo but also enhance the connectivity we offer,” shared Sørensen. The existing maintenance partnership that SAS holds for Air Greenland’s A330-800 will extend to include servicing the A320neo once it hits the skies.

Both flight and cabin crews are gearing up to take on duties aboard the A320neo, in addition to their roles on the A330neo. To prepare for the arrival of the new aircraft, a group of Air Greenland’s Dash-8 pilots will undergo retraining. This strategic move underscores Air Greenland's commitment to enhancing their fleet and expanding their route network for the benefit of passengers and the airline alike.