Greenland Airports Responds to Criticism from Mads Petersen
Sermitsiaq has brought to light sharp accusations levied by Mads Petersen of Greenland Airports. In a recent statement to the newspaper, Greenland Airports has categorically rejected these claims.
“The assertion that Greenland Airports should engage in a competing drone business or stifle private initiatives is entirely unfounded and stems from significant misunderstandings,” the organization stated. In further detail, they outlined their position:
“Greenland Airports has no commercial interests in drone operations and neither currently runs, nor plans to initiate, any drone ventures. There is no intent to create competition or conspire against private enterprises.”
The drone operations within Kangerlussuaq fall under the airport’s controlled airspace, which must be managed in accordance with existing regulations. The Danish Transport Agency oversees the granting of permits for commercial drone flights, including the use of restricted areas. Meanwhile, Greenland Airports takes charge locally to uphold safety standards and ensure compliance with regulations among all users.
The organization clarified that the airspace is not reserved for any single operator, and exclusive permits are a thing of the past. “We treat all operators equally,” they noted, while highlighting their collaboration with various drone companies, including UAS Denmark based in Odense and Arctic Unmanned from Egtved, near Vejle. This partnership aims to facilitate safe and professional test activities under equitable terms.
Transition to AFIS Plans Halted
Greenland Airports also addressed the shift from air traffic control (ATC) to Aerodrome Flight Information Service (AFIS) management that had been considered for Kangerlussuaq. After extensive discussions with stakeholders, a decision was reached about a month ago to maintain ATC at the airport. This administrative reversal has been communicated to all users, meaning there will be no changes to the drone airspace or its usage conditions.
In closing, Greenland Airports reiterated their commitment to ensuring that the drone airspace remains operational and accessible to all, irrespective of the air traffic control system employed. “The allegations made are incorrect, and our focus remains steadfast: to create a safe, equitable, and consistent framework for all operators while managing Kangerlussuaq Airport with responsibility and care,” they concluded in their response to Petersen’s critique.