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Atlantic Airways
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Atlantic Airways (Faroese: Atlantsflog) is the airline of the Faroe Islands, operating domestic helicopter services and international passenger services as well as search and rescue operations from its base at Vágar Airport, on the Faroese island of Vágar.[2] Most of its pilots are members of the Faroese Pilot Association. Its 2021 revenue was 410.2mm DKK.[3]
Key Information
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History
[edit]Regular scheduled air links to the Faroes had been in operation with Icelandair from 1963, between the islands, Denmark, Scotland and Iceland.[4] Although the airport at Vágar had been constructed by the British Army during World War II, air traffic to the islands was limited in the 1960s. In 1971, more regular services to Copenhagen began with Maersk Air. Calls for the creation of a Faroese airline company began in the early 1980s. Passenger numbers were steadily increasing, and Danish carrier Maersk Air enjoyed the monopoly as the sole airline to serve the Faroe Islands.
As a result, Atlantic Airways was established in 1987, initially between the Faroese government (51%) and Danish airline Cimber Air (49%), though the Faroese government would assume full ownership in 1989. Flights commenced between Vágar and Copenhagen on 28 March 1988 using a British Aerospace 146. A hangar was built at Vágar by the Faroese government in order to secure Atlantic Airways' home base in the Faroes, ensuring maintenance facilities were available on the islands.
The new airline company aimed to build up a Faroese aviation industry on a commercial basis and to ensure the Faroe Islands an air connection with the outside world. Flight crews and management were Faroese.
Though load factors were high and the new service was popular, Atlantic Airways had a turbulent beginning economically. The Faroe Islands suffered a severe economic depression in the early 1990s, and at its nadir in 1992, the Faroese government delivered 75 m DKK in aid to the struggling carrier. Atlantic Airways would not become profitable until 1995.
Flights were launched to Reykjavík in 1995 in co-operation with Icelandair, and also to Narsarsuaq in Greenland in the summer months, in co-operation with Icelandair. The latter half of the 1990s saw Billund in Denmark and Aberdeen in the UK added to Atlantic Airways' flight schedule. In 2004, Icelandair ceased operating its own flights to Vágar, albeit retaining its partnership with Atlantic Airways.[5] Maersk Air also ceased flights to Vágar in 2004, leaving Atlantic Airways as the only regularly scheduled operator to the Faroe Islands.[6]
The growing list of destinations and increasing passenger numbers, together with the stabilisation of the airline's finances, saw a second BAe 146 added to the fleet in 2000. This new aircraft meant services to London Stansted in England and the Norwegian capital Oslo added to the network. Growth in tourism on the islands has also enabled flights to Aalborg, Stavanger, Stord and Edinburgh. However, for the 2006 season, services to Stord have been discontinued, and Edinburgh replaced by the Shetland Islands. Atlantic Airways also entered the UK domestic market in 2006, becoming the only carrier to offer a direct service between Shetland and London, which it did on a twice-weekly basis. The UK domestic operation ceased in 2008.
Atlantic Airways also operates a domestic service by helicopter, in many instances a vital connection to many of the islands, which otherwise can only be reached by sea. The helicopter has proved a vital tool on the islands since the 1960s, when helicopters from Danish coast guard vessels patrolling the Faroes undertook a variety of tasks, including ferrying equipment and supplies between the islands. The government hired a helicopter in 1978 for these tasks, but in the 1980s, a commercial public helicopter service was launched linking each of the islands using two Bell 212 helicopters.
Initially, the helicopter service was a standalone company, SL Helicopters, but the decision to concentrate Faroese aviation into one firm led to the helicopter department becoming part of Atlantic Airways in 1994. The helicopters provide a round-trip 'hopper' service to each of the islands, which is also ideal for tourists looking for aerial views. The company is required to have at least one helicopter operational and ready for search and rescue duties.
From approximately 2002 to 2007, Atlantic Airways produced profits of between 8 and 13 million DKK. The company has increased its turnover from 120 million in 1998 to 520 million DKK in 2006. Atlantic Airways employed 177 people in January 2007. Atlantic Airways was listed on the Iceland Stock Exchange on 10 December 2007.
The Faroese government has decided on a privatisation process and has sold off 33% of the company in the first bidding round. The first day of trading was 10 December 2007.
The government had planned to sell 33% more in 2008, but this was cancelled due to the 2008 financial crisis.[7][8]
The first Airbus A319 for Atlantic Airways, registered OY-RCG, entered service in March 2012, with a modified livery. The runway at Vágar required an extension to properly accommodate this aircraft. The second and third Airbus 319s (OY-RCH and OY-RCI) entered service in May and October 2013, respectively. As the leases of these ran out by the end of 2016, only one was renewed while a brand new Airbus A320 was delivered.
On 3 June 2015, Jóhanna á Bergi became CEO of the company.[9] She is the first woman to become CEO of a Nordic airline.[10]
In December 2018, the airline submitted an application for commercial services to the United States.[11] As Atlantic Airways transitioned their fleet from Airbus A319s to A320s, they moved their Iceland flights to Keflavík International Airport in 2018, due to aircraft size restrictions at Reykjavík Airport.[12]
On 13 March 2020, Atlantic Airways announced the suspension of all routes until 13 April 2020 except the route to Copenhagen due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[13]
On 22 August 2023, Atlantic Airways started to operate seven-hour flight weekly scheduled nonstop service between the U.S. and the Faroe Islands with service to the Faroe Islands on Wednesdays and flights to Stewart International Airport on Tuesdays.[14] The carrier, which operates the route with Airbus A320neo, is the only one to use the aircraft type on transatlantic flights.[15] As of November 2024, flights to North America have been terminated, with no plans to restart.[16]
Destinations
[edit]International services
[edit]
As of November 2024[update], Atlantic Airways serves the following scheduled destinations:[17]
Charter operations
[edit]Atlantic Airways also operates charters for Danish tour operators to destinations such as Italy, Portugal (Porto Santo), Croatia, Greece, Bulgaria, France, Scotland, Norway and the Czech Republic, out of Copenhagen Kastrup and Billund airports.
Domestic services
[edit]There is domestic helicopter service[23] to the islands. The helicopters depart from Vágar Airport on Sunday, Monday (only in June, July, & August), Wednesday, and Friday.
The flights visit the capital Tórshavn and second largest town Klaksvík, the southern islands Skúvoy, Stóra Dímun, Suðuroy (Froðba), the northern islands Svínoy and Fugloy (Hattarvík and Kirkja) and the western island Mykines.
Codeshare agreements
[edit]Atlantic Airways currently has codeshare agreements with the following airlines:
Interline agreements
[edit]- Hahn Air[26]
Fleet
[edit]As of August 2025[update], Atlantic Airways operates the following aircraft:[27]
Fixed-wing fleet
[edit]
| Aircraft | In service | Orders | Passengers | Refs | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Y | ||||||
| Airbus A320-214 | 2 | — | 174 | [28] | — | |
| Airbus A320neo | 2 | 2 | 174 | [28] | — | |
| Total | 4 | 2 | ||||
Helicopter fleet
[edit]
The AgustaWestland AW139 is the only primary helicopter used for flights to district villages. With a capacity to seat 15 passengers, the helicopter is used to shuttle passengers in the Faroe Islands.
| Aircraft | In fleet | Orders | Passengers | Routes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | ||||||
| Leonardo AW139 | 2 | — | 15 | Domestic Charter SAR[29] | ||
| Total | 2 | — | ||||
Former fleet
[edit]
10 BAe 146-200 - One crashed in Atlantic Airways Flight 670
Accidents and incidents
[edit]- 1989: an Atlantic Airways BAe 146–200 (registration OY-CRG) aircraft failed to stop at the end of the runway and was subsequently out of service for three weeks. This aircraft would later be destroyed in the crash of Flight 670.
- On the night 16–17 December 1992, a Bell 212 helicopter being used as an air ambulance crashed due to poor visibility. All five people on board were killed.[30][31]
- On 10 October 2006, Atlantic Airways Flight 670, a BAe 146–200 (registration OY-CRG) skidded off the runway at Stord Airport in Norway. Of the 12 passengers and four crew, four people were killed and 12 of them survived with injuries. The aircraft had been chartered by Aker Kværner to fly personnel from Stavanger (Sola Airport) to Molde via Stord. The aircraft appeared to have been unable to stop on the runway when its spoilers failed to extend during landing. The aircraft crossed the threshold and continued down a slope before coming to rest and catching fire.[32][33]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "IATA – Airline and Airport Search". iata.org. Retrieved 11 April 2015.
- ^ Flight International, 27 March 2007
- ^ "Group Consolidated Annual Report 2021" (PDF). Atlantic Airways. 1 (1) (1st ed.): 1–60. 7 November 2021.
- ^ Jósefsdóttir, Kristján Már Unnarsson, Sólrún Dögg (5 January 2024). "Icelandair flýgur til Færeyja að nýju - Vísir". visir.is (in Icelandic). Retrieved 16 October 2024.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Heiðarsson, Jón Þorvaldur; Hjalti, Jóhannesson (July 2004). "FLUG OG SJÓFLUTNINGAR Á VESTURNORÐURLÖNDUM GREINING OG FRAMTÍÐARSPÁ" (PDF). Rannsóknastofnun Háskólans Á Akureyri.
- ^ "Faroe Island-based Atlantic Airways has excelled in mastering unaccommodating operational challenges". CAPA - Centre for Aviation. Retrieved 16 October 2024.
- ^ "Atlantic Airways". Archived from the original on 13 December 2007. Retrieved 5 December 2007.
- ^ "Atlantic Airways". 13 December 2007. Archived from the original on 13 December 2007. Retrieved 7 November 2022.
- ^ "Jóhanna á Bergi nýggjur stjóri í Atlantic Airways | Kringvarp Føroya". Kvf.fo (in Faroese). 7 March 2014.
- ^ Baumgarten, Henrik (3 June 2015). "Kvinde i spidsen for Atlantic Airways | Stand By - Morgennyheder til rejse-, hotel- og turistbranchen". Standby.dk. Retrieved 17 September 2016.
- ^ Nick Wenzel (15 December 2018). "Atlantic Airways applies for Faroe-US flights = International Flight Network".
- ^ Unnarsson, Kristján Már (26 October 2018). "Síðasta flug til Færeyja frá Reykjavíkurflugvelli - Vísir". visir.is (in Icelandic). Retrieved 16 October 2024.
- ^ "Flogferðslan munandi skerd". Kringvarp Føroya. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
- ^ "Atlantic Airways is launching nonstop U.S.-Faroe Islands service". www.travelweekly.com. Retrieved 19 August 2023.
- ^ Miguens, Agustín (18 May 2023). "Atlantic Airways is now marketing its flights between the Faroe Islands and New York". Aviacionline.com (in Spanish). Retrieved 19 August 2023.
- ^ "Atlantic Airways ends US service". 18 November 2024.
- ^ "Routes". Atlantic Airways. Retrieved 22 March 2024.
- ^ "Apollo Rejser - Bestil ferie-rejser til hele verden på apollorejser.dk".
- ^ "Atlantic Airways Faroe Islands NW23 Ras al Khaimah / Sharm el Sheikh Charters".
- ^ a b "Atlantic Airways announces scheduled flights to 10 destinations for 2022 - Aviation24.be". 20 October 2021.
- ^ "Atlantic Airways - Book ticket, check your reservation, online check-in, tax-free, book hotel, rent a car". atlantic.fo. Retrieved 5 November 2018.
- ^ "Atlantic Airways apre i voli tra Londra Gatwick e Faroe/Vagar". 8 January 2024.
- ^ "Timetable - Atlantic Airways". Archived from the original on 14 June 2012. Retrieved 18 December 2012.
- ^ a b "Súlubonus - Atlantic Airways". www.atlanticairways.com. Retrieved 7 November 2022.
- ^ "Icelandair Begins Atlantic Airways Faroe Islands Codeshare Service in NS25".
- ^ "Partner Carriers | Hahnair".
- ^ "Global Airline Guide 2025 - Atlantic Airways". Airliner World. September 2025. p. 58.
- ^ a b "Atlantic Airways Fleet". Atlantic Airways Fleet (Press release).
- ^ "Search & Rescue - Atlantic Airways". 2 December 2020. Archived from the original on 2 December 2020. Retrieved 7 November 2022.
- ^ Ranter, Harro. "Accident Bell 212 OY-HEA, 16 Dec 1992". aviation-safety.net. Retrieved 7 November 2022.
- ^ "Rapport om Uddannelser og Udstyr indenfor det Færøske Præhospitalsberedskab" (PDF) (in Danish). Almanna- Heilsumálaráđiđ. 15 March 2007. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
I forbindelse hermed må der nævnes den tragiske helikopterulykke ved Klaksvík i 1992, hvor helikopterne efter en patienttrasnport til Landssygehuset styrter på en fjeldside i en snebye. (In connection with this, the tragic helicopter accident at Klaksvík in 1992 must be mentioned, where the helicopters crashed on a mountain side in a snowstorm after a patient transport to the National Hospital.)
- ^ "Norway runway blaze kills three people". BBC News. 10 October 2006. p. 1. Retrieved 7 November 2022.
- ^ Ranter, Harro. "ASN Aircraft accident British Aerospace BAe-146-200A OY-CRG Stord-Sørstokken Airport (SRP)". aviation-safety.net. Retrieved 7 November 2022.
External links
[edit]
Media related to Atlantic Airways at Wikimedia Commons
Atlantic Airways
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Overview
Company profile
Atlantic Airways is the flag carrier of the Faroe Islands, serving as the primary airline that connects the remote archipelago to major European destinations while also operating essential domestic helicopter services between the islands.[1] The airline's IATA designator is RC and its ICAO code is FLI.[7] Established on 10 November 1987 as a joint venture between the Faroese government (51% stake) and Danish carrier Cimber Air (49% stake), Atlantic Airways achieved full government ownership by 1989 following the acquisition of the remaining shares.[3] Today, it operates as a limited company that is 100% owned by the Faroese government, a structure solidified through renationalization efforts in the 2010s that returned control to public hands.[8] Headquartered in Sørvágur on Vágar Island, the airline had an average of 280 employees in 2024.[6] In that year, it transported 368,696 passengers on scheduled flights, with projections indicating further growth in passenger numbers for 2025.[6] Jóhanna á Bergi was appointed CEO on 3 June 2015, becoming the first woman to lead a Nordic airline.[9]Operational hubs
Atlantic Airways operates primarily from Vágar Airport (IATA: FAE, ICAO: EKVG), located in Sorvágur on the island of Vágar in the Faroe Islands, which serves as the airline's headquarters, main operational base, primary international gateway, and hub for domestic helicopter services.[10][11] The airport's runway was extended in 2011 from 1,250 meters to 1,799 meters, enabling the accommodation of larger jet aircraft and supporting expanded international operations.[12][13] Line maintenance for the airline's fleet is conducted at Vágar Airport facilities, including a dedicated hangar built to support home-based operations, while heavy maintenance, such as C-checks, is outsourced to partner organizations, including sites in Denmark.[4][14] Helicopter operations are centered at Vágar Airport, with additional heliports facilitating connections, such as in Tórshavn on Streymoy Island for domestic and emergency services.[15][16] Atlantic Airways maintains no secondary international hubs, though Copenhagen Airport (Kastrup, CPH) serves as the primary seasonal gateway with up to four daily flights during peak summer months.[17] To address the challenging weather conditions at Vágar, including frequent fog and strong winds, the airline employs Required Navigation Performance Authorization Required (RNP AR) 0.1 technology for precision approaches, a GPS-based system that enables landings with 0.1 nautical mile accuracy and was the first such implementation in Europe by Atlantic Airways.[5][18][19]History
Founding and early operations (1987–2000)
Atlantic Airways was established on 10 November 1987 as a joint venture between the Faroese government, which held a 51% stake, and the Danish airline Cimber Air with 49%, aiming to create a national flag carrier for the Faroe Islands and challenge the Danish monopoly on air routes to the archipelago. This founding followed negotiations with the Danish government that permitted competition, driven by the need for improved connectivity during an emerging economic depression in the islands' dominant fishing industry. The initiative sought to foster self-reliance in aviation, replacing reliance on foreign carriers like Maersk Air.[20][21][22] The airline's operations began with its maiden flight on 28 March 1988 from Vágar Airport to Copenhagen, marking the first service by a Faroese carrier and celebrated as a national milestone. This debut route to Denmark became the initial focus, operated under a monopoly arrangement, with a single leased British Aerospace BAe 146-200 jet serving as the sole aircraft in the early fleet. In its first full year of 1989, the airline transported 43,000 passengers, establishing a foundation for regional connectivity despite operational hurdles posed by the islands' remote location and weather.[4][23] In 1994, Atlantic Airways expanded into domestic services by incorporating SL Helicopters, which operated a Bell 212 twin-engine helicopter, thereby taking over scheduled inter-island flights previously managed by the national transport company Strandfaraskip Landsins. This addition enhanced connectivity among the Faroe Islands' dispersed communities, using the helicopter for short hops between islands. Throughout the 1990s, the airline pursued route growth, introducing services to Reykjavík in 1995 through a partnership with Air Iceland, alongside seasonal flights to Narsarsuaq in Greenland; by 1997, destinations such as Billund in Denmark and Aberdeen in the UK were added to the schedule.[24][20][21] Early operations were challenged by financial difficulties amid the broader national recession, which limited expansion and required ongoing support from the Faroese government to sustain viability. By rationalizing routes and improving efficiency, the airline navigated these pressures, laying the groundwork for stability into the new millennium.[24][25]Expansion and modernization (2001–present)
Following the early years of operation, Atlantic Airways experienced significant growth in its route network beginning in the early 2000s. The airline added services to London Stansted and Oslo in 2000, marking initial expansions into key European markets beyond its core Scandinavian connections. This period of development continued into the 2010s with further additions, including seasonal routes to Paris Charles de Gaulle and Barcelona–El Prat, the latter launching in summer 2012 as part of the airline's "SÓL" initiative to boost summer tourism. These expansions enhanced connectivity for the Faroe Islands, leveraging improved operational capabilities to serve growing passenger demand from continental Europe. In a pivotal move toward privatization, the Faroese government sold a 33% stake in Atlantic Airways to the public on December 10, 2007, with shares listing on the OMX Nordic Exchange Iceland (now Nasdaq Iceland). This initial public offering aimed to broaden ownership and inject capital for further growth. However, amid economic challenges in the late 2000s and early 2010s, the government pursued partial renationalization; by 2014, Atlantic Airways repurchased the publicly traded shares, leading to delisting from the Copenhagen and Reykjavik exchanges and restoring full government control. This shift allowed greater strategic flexibility while maintaining state support for the national carrier. Modernization efforts accelerated with infrastructure upgrades at Vágar Airport, where the runway was extended from 1,250 meters to 1,799 meters, completed in December 2011. This enhancement enabled operations with larger, more efficient aircraft, addressing previous limitations on long-haul potential. Concurrently, the airline began transitioning its fleet from aging BAe 146 jets to the Airbus A320 family with the delivery of its first A319 in March 2012. This process continued with the order of its first A320 in June 2015 and delivery in December 2016. The shift improved fuel efficiency and capacity, supporting expanded services; by 2019, Atlantic Airways ordered two A320neo aircraft for delivery in 2023 and 2024, further optimizing operations for environmental and cost benefits.[26][27][28] The airline faced substantial challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, suspending most international routes from March 13 to April 13, 2020, while maintaining limited service on the essential Copenhagen route for medical transport and essential travel. Borders remained closed until at least mid-April, severely impacting demand. Post-pandemic recovery involved a gradual resumption of scheduled flights and emphasis on seasonal charter operations to leisure destinations, aiding financial stabilization. In a brief foray into North America, Atlantic Airways launched weekly service from Vágar to New York Stewart International (SWF) on August 22, 2023, using an A320neo to meet seasonal demand from the Faroese diaspora and tourists; however, the route was terminated in November 2024 due to insufficient load factors and economic unviability. As of early 2025, CEO Jóhanna á Bergi expressed interest in potentially resuming North American services, contingent on market conditions and fleet availability.[29][30]Destinations
Domestic services
Atlantic Airways operates scheduled helicopter services within the Faroe Islands as part of a long-term government contract that ensures connectivity to remote communities, serving as a critical lifeline subsidized by the Faroese authorities.[31][32] The service links Vágar Airport, the primary operational hub, to various islands across the archipelago, including key destinations such as Tórshavn on Streymoy, Klaksvík on Borðoy, Suðuroy in the south, and Mykines in the west, along with more isolated locations like Skúvoy, Stóra Dímun, Svínoy, and Fugloy.[33][34] These domestic flights utilize two Leonardo AW139 twin-engine helicopters, each configured to carry up to 15 passengers, enabling efficient transport over short distances in the rugged terrain.[35] Services run four days a week—typically Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday—with frequencies varying by season and route; for instance, the popular Vágar–Tórshavn leg operates multiple times daily during peak periods and takes about 15-20 minutes.[36] As of 2022, the service has transported approximately 15,000 passengers annually, supporting essential travel for residents in areas without road or ferry alternatives.[8] Beyond standard passenger transport, the helicopters integrate charter flights and search-and-rescue (SAR) missions into their operations, with crews on 24/7 standby as part of the national emergency response system, allowing seamless transitions between scheduled services and urgent tasks.[37] This dual role underscores the service's importance, funded through government subsidies to maintain reliability despite economic challenges in low-density regions.[31] Operations occur in the challenging North Atlantic environment, characterized by frequent harsh weather, high winds, fog, and low visibility, necessitating advanced avionics for safe approaches to remote heliports.[24][38] The fleet's capabilities, including instrument flight systems and rescue hoists, enable continued service even under adverse conditions that often disrupt alternative transport modes.[39]International services
Atlantic Airways operates scheduled international passenger services primarily from its hub at Vágar Airport (FAE) in the Faroe Islands to various European destinations, focusing on connectivity to Scandinavia and key tourism centers. The airline's core year-round routes include daily flights to Copenhagen Airport (CPH) in Denmark, with additional year-round services to Billund Airport (BLL) (3–7 times weekly depending on the season), Oslo Airport (OSL) in Norway (twice weekly), and Keflavík International Airport (KEF) in Iceland (2–3 weekly). Seasonal services to Aalborg Airport (AAL) in Denmark operate twice weekly in summer (May–October) and limited flights around Christmas and New Year. These Scandinavian and North Atlantic routes form the backbone of the network.[40][41][42] In addition to these permanent connections, Atlantic Airways offers a range of seasonal routes to enhance tourism access, with schedules adjusted for peak demand periods as of November 2025. Summer services include flights to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in France (up to three weekly from April to October), Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN) in Spain (weekly from June to August), Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) in Spain (weekly during the same summer window), and London Gatwick Airport (LGW) in the United Kingdom (twice weekly from June to August). Peak-season extensions cover Edinburgh Airport (EDI) in the United Kingdom (twice weekly from March to December) and winter "SÓLUMVETURIN" services to Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) and Tenerife South Airport (TFS) in Spain (from December to April, with limited additional flights to TFS in October–November). These routes underscore the airline's emphasis on linking the Faroe Islands to major European leisure and business hubs.[40][41][43] All international scheduled flights are operated using the Airbus A320 family of narrow-body aircraft, ensuring efficient short- to medium-haul operations across the network. In total, Atlantic Airways serves 13 international destinations spanning 8 countries, with frequencies on main routes ranging from 2 to 7 weekly to balance reliability and capacity. This setup prioritizes seamless connections for Faroese residents and visitors to Scandinavian gateways while supporting inbound tourism from broader Europe. A recent development includes the year-round Oslo route, enhancing direct Norwegian connectivity.[40][41] A notable recent development is the termination of the airline's transatlantic service to New York Stewart International Airport (SWF) in the United States, which ended in November 2024 due to insufficient demand; as a result, Atlantic Airways currently maintains no long-haul operations beyond Europe.[29]Charter operations
Atlantic Airways engages in non-scheduled charter operations to optimize excess aircraft capacity, focusing on ad-hoc and series flights that support tourism groups, tour operators, and specialized sectors across Europe. These activities include fixed-wing charters for Danish tour operators to various destinations, enhancing revenue during off-peak periods for scheduled services.[44] The airline provides seasonal wet-lease (ACMI) services to partner carriers, particularly for overflow demand in peak seasons, such as the 2014 agreement to lease an Airbus A319 to WOW air in Iceland. Similar arrangements with Scandinavian and other European operators allow Atlantic Airways to deploy aircraft efficiently during high-demand periods.[45][22] Helicopter charters form a core component, serving offshore oil rigs for transport to exploration sites in Faroese and North Sea waters, as demonstrated by the 2014 tender win with Statoil for oil-related services. These operations also encompass search and rescue (SAR) missions using AW139 helicopters, alongside sling-load cargo transports for items like vehicles, timber, and equipment via cargo hooks. Fixed-wing charters extend to Mediterranean resorts beyond scheduled routes, such as seasonal services to Spanish islands and other European hotspots for tourism and sports teams. Cargo is handled through belly holds on passenger aircraft during charters and dedicated helicopter slings.[46][47][48] Charter operations represent a significant portion of the airline's activities, accounting for about 30% of total passengers (160,137 in 2023) and 36% of fleet production (4,238 block hours in 2023), with a slight increase to 4,392 hours in 2024. Representative examples include a series of charters to Berlin using Airbus A320 aircraft in January 2024, and ongoing ad-hoc flights for oil industry support.[44][6][49]Partnership agreements
Atlantic Airways maintains a network of codeshare and interline agreements with select international carriers to facilitate through-ticketing, baggage handling, and seamless connections, particularly for routes connecting the Faroe Islands to European and Arctic destinations. These partnerships, primarily established since the 2010s, enable passengers to book multi-leg journeys on a single ticket and earn frequent flyer miles across programs, thereby improving load factors and expanding reach beyond direct flights.[50] A notable codeshare agreement exists with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, initiated in January 2019, under which KLM places its "KL" code on Atlantic Airways-operated flights from key hubs including Copenhagen and Billund. This arrangement allows global passengers to connect effortlessly to the Faroe Islands via KLM's network, with through-check-in and baggage transfer to the final destination.[51] Similarly, Air France operates a codeshare with Atlantic Airways, permitting bookings of Atlantic's routes directly on airfrance.com and enabling Súlubonus members—Atlantic's frequent flyer program—to earn and redeem points on these services. These SkyTeam-affiliated partnerships provide reciprocity for mileage accrual and enhance connectivity to over 200 destinations through Paris and Amsterdam hubs. In October 2024, Atlantic Airways entered codeshare and interline agreements with Icelandair and Air Greenland, implemented in early 2025. These pacts support single-ticket bookings for itineraries spanning the Faroe Islands, Iceland, and Greenland, including baggage transfer and coordinated schedules for Arctic routes.[52] Through these ties, passengers gain access to Icelandair's transatlantic services to North America, allowing seamless onward travel from Vágar Airport to more than 50 international destinations without rechecking luggage.[53] While Atlantic Airways is not a member of any global alliance, its interline arrangements—such as those outlined on its website for expedited documentation and full-journey boarding passes—extend benefits like protected connections and frequent flyer reciprocity with partner programs.[50] This framework, bolstered post-2010, has significantly improved passenger convenience for worldwide journeys via primary hubs like Copenhagen and Reykjavík, contributing to higher utilization of Atlantic's capacity.[54]Fleet
Fixed-wing fleet
As of November 2025, Atlantic Airways operates a fixed-wing fleet consisting of four Airbus A320 family aircraft, configured in single economy class layouts. These narrowbody jets are used exclusively for scheduled international passenger services, seasonal charters, and occasional cargo operations from its hub at Vágar Airport in the Faroe Islands. The fleet does not include any regional jets, focusing on medium-haul routes to Europe. OY-RCJ is configured with 168 seats, OY-RCM with 178 seats, and the two A320neo aircraft with 174 seats each.[5][2][55][27] The airline's two Airbus A320-214 aircraft, delivered in 2016 and 2023 respectively, provide a maximum range of 4,800 to 5,700 km and are powered by CFM56-5B4/3 engines. The first, registered OY-RCJ and named William after Faroese author William Heinesen, entered service in December 2016. The second, OY-RCM named Elinborg after artist Elinborg Lützen, joined the fleet in March 2023 on lease from Avolon. Both aircraft support key routes such as Vágar to Copenhagen and London.[2][27] Complementing these are two more fuel-efficient Airbus A320neo variants, delivered in 2019 and 2020, offering an extended range of approximately 6,500 km thanks to CFM LEAP-1A engines that provide 15-20% better fuel efficiency compared to the ceo models. OY-RCK, named Ingálvur after musician Ingálvur av Reyni, arrived in July 2019 on lease from Air Lease Corporation, while OY-RCL, named Tita Vinther after singer Tita Vinther, was delivered in June 2020. These neo aircraft enable longer routes within Europe.[5][2][56] All four aircraft are equipped with HEPA filters to enhance cabin air quality by capturing over 99.97% of airborne particles, bacteria, and viruses, with air refreshed every 2-3 minutes. The fleet's average age stands at 8.6 years, reflecting Atlantic Airways' emphasis on modern, efficient operations. Additionally, the airline has two Airbus A320neo aircraft on firm order for delivery in 2026 and 2027, which will expand capacity for international growth.[5][2][57]| Aircraft Type | In Service | Registrations & Names | Delivery Years | Seats | Range (km) | Engines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbus A320-214 | 2 | OY-RCJ William (168 seats), OY-RCM Elinborg (178 seats) | 2016, 2023 | 168–178 | 4,800–5,700 | 2 × CFM56-5B4/3 |
| Airbus A320neo | 2 | OY-RCK Ingálvur (174 seats), OY-RCL Tita Vinther (174 seats) | 2019, 2020 | 174 | 6,500 | 2 × CFM LEAP-1A |
Helicopter fleet
Atlantic Airways operates a fleet of two Leonardo AW139 twin-engine helicopters as of November 2025, dedicated to short-haul domestic services, search and rescue (SAR), and offshore operations in the Faroe Islands.[35][58] The helicopters are registered as OY-HIH, named "Ruth" after Faroese artist Ruth Smith, and OY-HIL, named "Sámal" after painter Sámal Joensen-Mikines; both were delivered in 2015 to replace older Bell 412 models.[35][39][59] Each AW139 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C-67C turboshaft engines, providing 1,862 shaft horsepower each for enhanced safety and reliability in challenging offshore environments.[35] The aircraft measure 16.42 meters in length with a main rotor diameter of 13.80 meters, have a maximum takeoff weight of 7,000 kg, and accommodate up to 15 passengers in standard configuration or a crew of four—including a captain, first officer, hoist operator, and rescue swimmer—for SAR missions.[35] Key performance metrics include a maximum speed of 310 km/h, a cruising speed of 259 km/h, and a range of approximately 1,000 km, enabling efficient coverage of the Faroe Islands' rugged terrain and surrounding waters.[35][24] These helicopters are specifically equipped for emergency medical services (EMS) and SAR duties, featuring a rescue hoist, advanced medical kits, and instrumentation for night and adverse-weather operations to support the airline's 24/7 government-contracted SAR commitments.[37][60][39] The twin-engine design ensures redundancy for safe operations over water and in high winds, common in the North Atlantic region.[58][24] In operations, the AW139 fleet primarily serves domestic island-hopping routes between Vágar Airport and remote outlying islands, providing vital connectivity where fixed-wing services are impractical due to terrain.[61][62] It also handles patient transport under HEMS contracts and shuttle services to offshore oil rigs, leveraging the fleet's relatively young age—averaging about 10 years—for improved fuel efficiency and reduced maintenance compared to prior generations.[39][24]Former fleet
Retired fixed-wing aircraft
Atlantic Airways operated the BAe 146 series as its primary fixed-wing aircraft from 1991 until 2014, relying on these short-haul regional jets for domestic and international services from Vágar Airport. The fleet included a total of 10 aircraft across various variants, such as the BAe 146-100, 146-200, 146-200A, Avro RJ85, and RJ100, with configurations accommodating 70 to 100 passengers depending on the setup. These aircraft were particularly valued for their short-field performance, enabling operations on Vágar's original 1,200-meter runway, which limited the use of larger jets at the time.[63][64][2] One notable example was the BAe 146-200A registered OY-CRG (MSN E2075), delivered in 1987 and operated by Atlantic Airways until its involvement in a fatal runway overrun accident at Stord Airport, Norway, on October 10, 2006, which resulted in four fatalities.[65][66] In 2009, Atlantic Airways began transitioning toward larger narrow-body aircraft by leasing Airbus A319-100 jets, later acquiring ownership of three units (registrations OY-RCG, OY-RCH, and OY-RCI) for enhanced capacity on European routes. These A319-100s, configured with 141 seats in a single-class layout, entered regular service in 2012 following the extension of Vágar's runway to 1,830 meters, allowing for more efficient operations. The aircraft supported expanded international connectivity, including flights to major European hubs, before being supplemented by longer-range A320 variants.[67][68] The retirement of the BAe 146 series was completed by 2014, with the remaining aircraft phased out to make way for the incoming Airbus fleet starting in early 2012, driven by the need for improved fuel efficiency and higher passenger capacity amid growing demand. Similarly, the A319-100s were fully retired by December 2022, replaced by more modern A320 models to further optimize operational costs, range, and environmental sustainability as part of ongoing fleet modernization efforts. All retired fixed-wing aircraft were transferred to other operators or scrapped, marking the airline's shift to an all-Airbus narrow-body operation.[69][70][71]| Aircraft Type | Quantity | Operation Period | Key Registrations | Configuration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAe 146 series (various: 146-100, 146-200, 146-200A, Avro RJ85, RJ100) | 10 | 1991–2014 | OY-CRG, OY-RCA, OY-RCB (examples) | 70–100 seats | Short-field capable; OY-CRG involved in 2006 accident |
| Airbus A319-100 | 3 | 2009–2022 | OY-RCG, OY-RCH, OY-RCI | 141 seats | Leased initially, then owned; used for European routes |