This website uses cookies
More information
European Business Aviation Association
European Business Aviation Association
The monthly news publication for aviation professionals.

Why visit ACE ’25?

Related background information from the Handbook...
The monthly news publication for aviation professionals.

Request your printed copy

Nordurflug's charter demand explodes into life
Nordurflug, as a leading helicopter operator in Iceland, has been flying frequently to the eruption site of a Geldingardal valley volcano, using a fleet of AS350B2s and EC130B4s. All of a sudden, flights have taken off.
Large cabin windows offer stunning views of the site. Photo by Benjamin Hartman.
Read this story in our August 2021 printed issue.

Icelandic operator Nordurflug has been operating flights around a volcano, which started erupting on 20 of March in the Geldingardal valley just north east of Grindavík. The full force eruption has launched lava up to 20 metres into the air. In the latter part of June activity was reduced and the volcano became dormant for several hours before resuming once more.

“As Iceland has been successful in vaccinating its population, it is classed as a safe destination by most countries,” says CEO Birgir Omar Haraldsson. “As a result there has been an explosion in the number of tourists, mostly from America and even Israel. The Airbus AS350B2 and the EC130B4 have proven to be very popular as the cabins have large windows. The EC130B4, with its exceptional windows, provides passengers with a stunning view of the eruption site.”

Nordurflug, as a leading helicopter operator in Iceland, has been flying frequently to the eruption site with a fleet of AS350B2s and EC130B4s. The eruption meant that the company's flights took off all of a sudden. “Such a sudden change of activities is a challenge to manage for any aviation operation,” Haraldsson continues.

Nordurflug's activities had been negatively affected by COVID-19. The company took cost cutting actions late in 2017 and early 2018 that enhanced liquidity, proving to be good for the devastating global pandemic that hit the airline business in March 2020.

Haraldsson concludes: “The COVID situation worldwide seems to be more manageable, not least in countries that have vaccinated most of their population. Still the will to travel remains uncertain at this time and thus it's not clear how this will affect the number of tourists coming to Iceland.”

Other News
 
REMSA's Care Flight 2 to cover Nevada territory
February 10, 2025
Care Flight has transported and treated critically ill and injured patients across the Nevada region for more than 40 years. Its new helicopter, an Airbus H125 B3E, offers innovative safety features to those in need.
Tropic in Tanzania opts for dynamic AS350B3
February 9, 2025
A new Airbus AS350B3 will enhance Tropic Helicopters Tanzania’s fleet by providing superior rescue capabilities. Renowned for its high-altitude performance, the aircraft will frequent Kilimanjaro.
CHC Helikopter Service negotiates lucrative Aker deal
January 14, 2025
Aker BP's choice of CHC Helikopter for this significant contract award reflects the experience, high-quality service and credibility that the CHC team has built in the region. CHC has supported Aker BP since 2014.