Business seminar in Ilulissat

Before the new Atlantic airport in Ilulissat is put into use at the end of the year, a seminar on business in Ilulissat will be held, the municipal council of Avannaata Municipality decided in mid-February.

This was based on a proposal from municipal council member Heidi Møller from the Democrats.

The proposal suggests that the various influences of the airport on the city should be discussed between the business community and politicians.

The employers' association in Ilulissat welcomed the proposal to hold a business seminar.

Preparations in advance

When the new international airport in Ilulissat comes into use later this year, it will have a major and far-reaching impact on the town with around 5,200 inhabitants, says Heidi Møller.

To be ready for this, the business community, citizens and politicians must meet as soon as possible, she says.

- When the airport opens, development will undoubtedly proceed quickly, and if it is to happen safely, the conditions must be in place to do so.

- We know that the business community is already preparing, but a seminar could uncover the possibilities for further development.

The development will not only affect the business community, but will also have a major impact on the daily lives of citizens, she says.

More residents are expected in the city, and therefore it is important to have an overview of the housing conditions and the capacity of kindergartens, schools, hospitals, dental clinics and shops in advance, says Heidi Møller.

To be restored

The Ilulissat Business Council has currently come to a standstill. There have been previous attempts to revive the council without success, but the goal is now to get it restarted before the business conference.

A minute from the municipal council meeting shows that a plan for revival will soon be launched with the involvement of both the municipality and the citizens.

An urgent need

Director of Tankeeraq ApS, Nick Bagger, who is also vice-chairman of the employers' association in Ilulissat, believes that Avannaata Kommunia's initiative for a business seminar is positive.

- It is good that the municipality is taking the influence of the airport seriously.

- There is a need to prepare and support both existing local businesses and those who want to start, he says.

Nick Bagger also believes that the business seminar should have a special focus on construction, tourism and fishing.

A positive effect is already being felt

Although the new airport in Ilulissat has not yet been put into operation, it has already had a positive effect on the city's business community, says Nick Bagger.

- The business community in Ilulissat, including construction, tourism and the hotel industry, has already been given more to do.

- New business opportunities are opening doors, and we are already seeing more entrepreneurs establishing themselves in the city, he says.

Tankeeraq ApS is owned by brothers Frank and Tommy Bagger, who are also behind Hotel Ilulissat. According to Nick Bagger, the company employs between 60 and 80 people depending on the season, and he emphasizes that the shortage of labor is currently a major challenge.