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Friday, January 9, 2026

Air Greenland and TAAK enter historic partnership

Air Greenland has signed a five-year partnership agreement with Timersoqatigiiffiit Assammik Arsartartut Kattuffiat (TAAK) – the Greenlandic Handball Federation. The agreement supports talent and elite development and the long-term goal of qualifying Greenland’s national handball teams for international championships.

 

When Greenland’s national team competes on the international stage, it’s about more than sports – it’s about community, identity, and dreams. A national team provides role models for children and youth and unites the entire country around a common cause – Greenland.

 

We saw this when the women’s team qualified for the World Championship in Norway in 2023, and when the men’s team fought for a World Championship spot on home soil in 2018. Those moments of pride and unity will never be forgotten.

 

Building competitive national teams requires time, continuity, and significant volunteer efforts in local clubs. TAAK has therefore developed a long-term strategy to strengthen both grassroots and elite levels through talent development, partnerships with other federations, and more international matches and training camps.

 

In this context, Air Greenland sees clear value in supporting the Handball Federation by reducing travel costs when national teams gather for training and matches. This frees up resources for both talent development and grassroots work, where healthy communities and the joy of sport are created.

We Lift Greenland – Together
Jacob Nitter

“At Air Greenland, we believe strong communities can lift Greenland – just as sports do. Through our Ilik program, we support activities that create social value, so it is natural for us as the national airline to back the national teams. Like us, they represent Greenland under our flag, Erfalasorput, on the international stage and unite the population around shared experiences,” says Jacob Nitter Sørensen, CEO of Air Greenland.

The Handball Federation already uses the Ilik program when organizing, for example, the Greenland Championships in collaboration with local clubs – and will continue to do so. But with a multi-year partnership agreement, the federation can plan long-term activities without compromising grassroots development.

 

This is something the chairman of Timersoqatigiiffiit Assammik Arsartartut Kattuffiat is very pleased about:

WEB Carsten Til AG Presse

“This agreement is a historic step for Greenlandic handball. With Air Greenland’s support, we can strengthen talent development and elevate the national teams by organizing more training camps and gaining match experience. Beyond giving Greenland the chance to make its mark internationally, this is about more than sport – it’s about uniting the nation and giving our youth hope and opportunities. Every match tells a story of pride and togetherness,” says Carsten Olsen, Chairman of TAAK.

The Handball Federation’s long-term strategy also includes closer cooperation with the Faroese and Icelandic handball federations, leading to training camps and more matches. These West Nordic island nations have extensive experience in building national teams and competing in international tournaments.

Facts about the Partnership between Air Greenland and TAAK

  • The partnership is based on the following values:

    • Promoting sport and health: More young people get the opportunity to play handball and learn healthy values.


    • Inclusion and community: TAAK creates an open and inclusive environment.


    • Talent development: Investment in coach education and talent programs strengthens the next generation.

    • Strengthening identity and culture: Handball unites the nation and reinforces Greenlandic pride.

     

    The agreement runs for five years, from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2030. It includes travel worth DKK 500,000 annually, totaling DKK 2.5 million.

ILIK

  • Ilik – More Than a Discount

     

    Ilik – which means “ally” or “teammate” in Greenlandic – is part of Air Greenland’s social responsibility program. Civil society actors such as volunteer organizations, associations, and NGOs can apply for discounted airfare for activities that create social value.

    Ilik is divided into three areas: Sport, Culture, and Education.ou can read more about Ilik here

     

    In 2024, more than 15,000 people traveled on an Ilik ticket. Read more about this also in our Sustainability report 

     

  • Ilik – Partner


    Ilik – Partner is a sponsorship between Air Greenland and a partner who commits to regularly communicating about the initiative publicly and providing documentation of activities.


    To enter an Ilik partnership agreement, approved financial statements, statutes, a budget, and a motivated application describing how the initiative creates social value in collaboration with Air Greenland are required.