Avannaata Kommunia held an August 27 business seminar at Ilulissat’s Sermermiut cultural center to examine those opportunities. Carlo Lennert, head of the municipality’s Business Department, told GreenlandEnergy.com that housing, workforce capacity and local services were among the key issues raised.
Separately, Larry Swets, executive chairman of Greenland Energy Company, told GreenlandEnergy.com that improved connections could soon lead to a company office in Ilulissat.
The airport is scheduled to open on October 29, 2026, when Air Greenland plans to launch its direct Copenhagen–Ilulissat route.
“The new airport will dramatically reduce the logistical friction of the business we do in the Disko Bay area,” Swets said. “Travel logistics is our biggest constraint.”
Lennert said approximately 80 people were invited from Greenland, Denmark, Canada and Alaska. The seminar brought together business representatives, public authorities and development organizations, with tourism and business development particularly well represented.
Canadian participants contributed perspectives on tourism development, visitor services and improved international access. The invited Alaska participants were unable to attend.
A Potential Office in Ilulissat
Asked whether Greenland Energy Company was considering an office or operating base, Swets pointed to a former office used by its joint venture partner and proposed merger partner.
“You can still see Blue Jay Mining in Dundas on one of the buildings when you travel from the airport into town,” he said.
“With the new airport allowing for much better connections I suspect we will have an office there quite soon.”
Swets gave no opening date or staffing figures.
“I think it’s important to have an actual presence in the community, you can’t run a business without a connection to the community,” he said. “Greenlandic employment and contracts will be a priority for us.”
Asked about housing and infrastructure, Swets said:
“You have to have a long-term perspective when thinking about doing business in Greenland because you may have to help participate in the development of the infrastructure rather than just the unique business opportunity or investment.”
Swets outlined no specific housing project or financial commitment.
“You have to think about years and decades not months and quarters like so much of the rest of the world is focused on,” he added.
Preparing Local Businesses for Growth
For Lennert, the seminar’s greatest value was giving participants from different sectors and regions the chance to exchange knowledge and better understand the opportunities and challenges ahead.
He identified workforce development, service quality, capacity planning and partnerships as practical priorities for local businesses preparing for increased visitor numbers and commercial activity.
Lennert said Naalakkersuisut had indicated that a further infrastructure seminar for the Disko Bay region was expected in early 2027, covering developments after the airport opening and wider infrastructure needs.
“The airport opening is expected to create new opportunities, and early preparation may help local businesses position themselves to benefit from future growth,” Lennert said.
The seminar has given that preparation a practical starting point: stronger connections between the people and businesses who will help shape Ilulissat’s future.
GreenlandEnergy.com provides independent analysis of Greenland’s energy landscape, critical minerals development, and Arctic geopolitics. For corrections or feedback: press@greenlandenergy.com
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