Last night, one of Air Greenland’s Dash 8 aircraft carried out not just one, but several successful test flights at Qaqortoq Airport.

The tests are a central part of Greenland Airports’ preparations ahead of the opening of the new airport on Thursday, April 16. Emergency readiness, check-in, security, boarding and a range of other processes were tested in practice.

Ahead of the test flights, the aircraft – nicknamed Qooqa – operated a scheduled flight from Nuuk to Narsarsuaq, with Captain René and First Officer Isak in the cockpit and Cabin Attendant Najaaraq in the cabin. For both crew and passengers, it became a special flight: their final landing in Narsarsuaq.

The day was particularly emotional for Najaaraq, whose career as a Cabin Attendant began in Narsarsuaq, back when she flew on the S-61 helicopter. She felt a lump in her throat as she welcomed passengers to Narsarsuaq – for the last time.

On the ground, Station Manager Suulut and his colleagues were busy. In addition to assisting passengers, they were packing down parts of the station. Some of the equipment was loaded onto the aircraft as ballast for the flight to Qaqortoq.

Despite a busy schedule, the station manager took the time to greet the crew, and they met in an embrace. Everyone is aware that relocating a station that has been part of the traffic programme for generations brings a sense of melancholy. But the decision has been made, and for now, focus is on the upcoming tests.

Once Greenland Airports’ ground staff had prepared the aircraft, the crew took over. For the test flight, Chief Fleet Pilot for turboprop aircraft, Ove, was in command, with René as First Officer. A representative from the Danish Transport Authority occupied the jumpseat, while Cabin Attendant Najaaraq, First Officer Isak, and two Greenland Airports employees were seated in the cabin.

At 19:21, Qooqa departed Narsarsuaq bound for Qaqortoq. A large number of local residents had gathered to witness the landing – an impressive turnout, especially as the test programme had not been announced in advance.

Just under 20 minutes after takeoff, the aircraft appeared on the horizon. The weather showed its best side, with blue skies and almost no wind. Excitement grew as the aircraft approached the runway, and when the wheels touched down, cheers erupted.

A spontaneous triple cheer rang out as the aircraft taxied toward the new terminal, where staff from both Air Greenland and Greenland Airports stood ready to welcome the aircraft and its crew.

Months of intense preparations culminated in that moment, and the sense of joy was evident all around. However, the work was far from over. Additional test landings and takeoffs awaited, and it was not until around 00:30 that Qooqa departed back to Nuuk after a series of successful test flights.

Already today, April 15, the aircraft returns to Narsarsuaq with a new crew to operate the very last flight from Nuuk. The occasion will be marked with an open house at the terminal, where fixed-wing operations will be bid farewell after more than 67 years of service.

Afterwards, the airport will change its status to a heliport. Air Greenland employees will continue operations using an H125 helicopter to the heliport in Qaqortoq, which will also close.

Today, our full attention is on these two locations, and we extend our sincere thanks to everyone who has travelled with us over the past six decades – both passengers and employees – via Narsarsuaq Airport and the heliport in Qaqortoq.