A new Icelandic airline based in Akureyri is set to begin operations in June. Niceair will offer flights from Akureyri Airport to three destinations: the UK, Denmark, and Spain.
A growing market
Niceair – a new airline startup based in Akureyri, North Iceland – has announced that it will embark on its maiden voyage on June 2, Vísir reports. The news comes just over six months since Play Air’s inaugural flight
As noted in a press release authored by CEO Þorvaldur Lúðvík Sigurjónsson, Niceair was established in response to a growing local market in Northern Iceland – and following two years of negotiations between local and foreign parties.
The airline has secured possession of a 150-seater Airbus A319 aircraft, suited to passenger and cargo operations, and will initially operate under the air license of an unnamed European carrier. Niceair hopes to create approximately twenty jobs with a crew comprised of Icelandic and foreign staff. Wages will reflect the standards of the Icelandic labour market.
“The company’s goal is to secure scheduled flights year-round to foreign destinations from Akureyri Airport. That will simultaneously improve the quality of life for residents in the area, improve the access of foreign tourists to North Iceland, and last but not least, greatly improve the competitiveness of companies in the area,” the press release reads.
Public offering around the corner
Among Niceair shareholders are numerous companies from North Iceland, including KEA, Höldur, Kaldbakur, Norlandair, Armar, Akureyri Travel, Kaldi, and more. No single company owns over 8% of Niceair.
“In the coming weeks, the public at large and other companies will be offered the chance of investing in Niceair,” CEO Þorvaldur Lúðvík stated in the aforementioned press release.
The airline’s destinations will be formally introduced over the coming weeks and ticket sales will be offered on Niceair’s website.
