I had heard whispers about the changes occurring on Air Greenland’s Airbus. The A330 – 200, which flies the 4.5 hour journey between Copenhagen and Kangerlussuaq, was undergoing an internal makeover. Small tricklings of information dripped through the grapevine: hints of a brand new design concept, incorporating Greenland further into the cabin experience and the launch of a new In-Flight Entertainment system was coming soon. And finally, it did!
Nothing beats trying out something for yourself, so during a recent trip to Greenland I grabbed the chance to fly on Business class.
It’s always nice to be greeted with a smile. The Air Greenland ground staff handled my check in swiftly and cheerfully, directing me to use the Fast Track service through security. On Business class you can check in with 30 kilos of luggage.
Due to its small aircraft carriers and the limited logistical options in Greenland, Air Greenland is very strict with baggage limits. If you have much more than 20 kilos of luggage, consider upgrading your flight. While you’re definitely paying for the extra service, you then receive the comforts of Business class plus 10 kilos extra of check in luggage. You can assess whether it is worth it by researching the kilo price for overweight baggage according to flight route.
Nothing beats trying out something for yourself, so during a recent trip to Greenland I grabbed the chance to fly on Business class.
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Air Greenland has access to Copenhagen Airport’s Aviator Lounge, where it is possible to get refreshments and take a break ‘away from the masses’. It was early in the morning, so you could choose from a small assortment of ham, bread and cheese. Non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks were also available. It was only 8.00am in Copenhagen, but that didn’t stop some guests from taking a glass of red wine (it’s always wine-time in one time zone or another, right?).
Air Greenland stewardesses welcome you with a drink upon arrival and a selection of newspapers to read. Apparently the lighting has been adjusted so that it is a cooler tone upon arrival, to reflect the icy blue shades of Greenland’s landscape. Honestly, I didn’t notice much difference, but I did observe a subtle implementation of the Inuit mythology design on the bulkhead seats.
After takeoff, I was served more drinks and a snack of rye bread chips peppered with angelica. Rye bread is a staple in Nordic bread cuisine, and angelica grows wild all over Greenland. It might not be everyone’s cup of tea as the ryebread provides a sharp flavour to the tongue, but I thought it was delicious!
Many passengers bring their own headphones these days, but for those flying in business class, you can be sure you are going to enjoy a clear sound experience with Bose noise reduction headphones. I felt rather indulgent with these over-ear headphones as they are lined with the softest ear cushions and transmit the highest quality of sound.
The new In-Flight Entertainment system is a vast improvement from the previous system available on Air Greenland. With its touch screen interface and ability to choose movies, it brings Air Greenland up to speed with other airline standards. The entertainment system has a simple and clear interface that is easy to navigate. I usually go straight to the movie section when flying, but there were also apps, games, TV, music and flight information. Passengers can choose from around 10 movies, which is around 8 more movies than what passengers could previously see. There’s a mix of brand new and old movies available.
Note that currently the In-Flight Entertainment system is only available in Business class, but will be implemented across Economy class by the year end.
If you’re the type of person who likes to research a destination prior to arrival, then you’ll be happy to know that there is a lot of Greenland content available on the In-Flight Entertainment system! From movies about Sume, Greenland’s most significant rock band, to documentaries about dog sledding (only available in Greenlandic with Danish subtitles), and short video clips showcasing the Big Arctic Five from Visit Greenland, there’s a lot of content to digest.
Even the kids are not forgotten, with Inuit myth storytelling books, games, and colouring-in apps with motifs from Greenlandic culture. The system is easy to navigate and user friendly!
Although it is only a mid-haul flight, the meal service in Air Greenland’s Business class is on par with full-service airlines. A classy seal fur lined menu presents the three course menu. Lunch on this flight was gravad laks (cured salmon) with asparagus for starters, and sliced turkey with vegetables on cream Chanterelle sauce. I licked my fingers clean with cheese and cake for dessert – and a shot of Baileys in my coffee!
The Air Greenland cabin crew provide attentive and warm service, but they always have. The biggest change one should look forward to when flying with Air Greenland is the new In-Flight Entertainment system. It dramatically improves the quality of the flight, and for those who have the luxury of flying Business class, the Bose headphones just enhances the experience tenfold.
The internal cabin changes are minor when observed independently, but when seen from a collective perspective, all the changes make a difference. If you’re a regular passenger on Air Greenland, see if you notice the adjustments in lighting, mood music, and the introduction of Inuit mythology design elements. Your journey to Greenland begins already on the flight!
