Air Greenland takes delivery of the Airbus A330-800, bearing the registration F-WWCR, this afternoon. The new aircraft bears the nickname Tuukkaq and will reduce operating costs, improve environmental efficiency, and offer an updated passenger experience. The delivery flight (GL6338) departed Toulouse shortly after noon local time and is currently en route to Greenland's main international airport at Kangerlussuaq. The airport serves as the hub for the airline as the airport presently serving the capital of Nuuk cannot handle large aircraft.

The incoming A330neo will replace a previous generation A330ceo aircraft nicknamed Norsaq in the company's fleet. Today's flight is powered using a 30% blend of sustainable aviation fuel and is scheduled to land in Greenland at 13:37 following a slight delay in departure.

Delivery of the Air Greenland A330-800
Photo: Radarbox.com

What does the new aircraft bring?

Air Greenland's shiny new A330neo will comfortably accommodate 305 passengers in two cabins. The aircraft features the award-winning Airspace cabin, which offers more personal space, larger overhead bins, a new lighting system, updated in-flight entertainment systems, and full connectivity. In total, the plane provides 42 premium class seats and 263 seats in economy class.

The next-generation aircraft is equipped with the latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, new wings, and various aerodynamic innovations. Tuukkaq offers a direct 25% reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions over Norsaq, the airline's sole A330ceo it is replacing. The previous aircraft was listed for sale earlier this year with British firm Skytech AIC.

Tuukkaq the Air Greenland A330neo
Photo: Airbus

Air Greenland will first deploy the A330neo on its current sole long-haul service to Copenhagen, with goals to add North American and European routes at a later date. The A330-800 is capable of flying 8,150 NM (15,094 km) non-stop, which includes most North American and European destinations.

The arctic island is currently in the process of developing several new international airports capable of handling widebodies. The airport serving Greenland's capital of Nuuk (GOH) is getting a lengthy runway extension, an Instrument Landing System (ILS), and new terminal facilities.

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Major tourism center Ilulissat will also be upgraded to a 2,200 meter (7200 ft) runway, allowing for direct flights to and from North America and Europe, and be fitted with an ILS.

Air Greenland A330neo
Photo: Airbus

In addition, the Government of Greenland has commissioned a new airport in Qaqortoq, a town in southern Greenland set within a system of fjords.

Billund is on the way

The airline announced a brand new service to Western Denmark will commence in Summer 2023. Seasonal flights from Kangerlussuaq Airport to Billund Airport will begin on March 29th for the Easter holidays and end on October 11th. The route will be operated by Jettime using Boeing 737-800 aircraft with a capacity of 189 passengers.

The new flight to the birthplace of LEGO and home of major tourist attraction theme park Legoland will allow customers to avoid overnight stays when traveling to and from Greenland. Billund was in Greenland's top five unserved markets in 2019, alongside Aalborg, Aarhus, Oslo, and Hamburg. Around 15% of all people in Billund Airport's catchment area have a relationship in the form of either family members or friends in Greenland, so visiting friends and relatives will be a vital source of demand. Jan Hessellund, CEO of Billund Airport, expressed his excitement for the route to begin:

"It is fantastic news that Air Greenland has chosen to open a route to Billund Airport. It will be a successful route because our area has a large base to fill the planes. Many Greenlanders live in our catchment area, but there are also many who have other connections there - or just want to visit and experience the beautiful scenery. So this is a very attractive route that we are proud to present together with Air Greenland."

Air Greenland A330-800 at the gate
Photo: Airbus

Air Greenland has also contracted with Airbus on Flight Hour Services (FHS) to cover component supply and maintenance services. Airbus FHS is based on a circular economy model and focuses on reducing the carbon footprint and increasing sustainability throughout the aircraft's life cycle.