Single Point of Contact for the Nordics – how it Works
In a world where air traffic is constantly growing, the need for efficient solutions increases. Access Oslo acts as a single point of contact for the entire Nordic region, ensuring that all ground services, from catering to transport, run seamlessly. This simplifies daily operations for airlines, charter brokers, and crew, who avoid spending valuable time coordinating services across many different airports and suppliers.
“There are many small airports in Norway and the Nordics,” says Vidar Broks-Sjåstad, Key Account Manager and Senior Handling Coordinator who has worked at Access Oslo for over 8 years.
“Most of these airports are managed by commercial operators like Widerøe and Avinor. They are staffed based on scheduled air traffic, but are often not prepared for private jets and their specific needs.”
Local Airports with Variable Offerings
Airports have operating hours adapted to scheduled air traffic. For an aircraft operator, it can be challenging to contact a local handler – especially if the airport is closed for large parts of the day.
“In Northern Norway, for example, an airport might be open from 05:00 to 09:00, closed until 13:30, open again for a couple of hours, and then closed until evening. For a foreign operator, it can be extremely frustrating to get in touch with the right person,” says Vidar.
By using Access Oslo as a single point of contact, operators avoid this challenge. We ensure a quick response and forward all inquiries to the right people, so that local handling is prepared in the best possible way.
Simpler Logistics throughout the Nordics
Operating private jets in the Nordics can quickly become a logistical challenge. Not only are there varying operating hours, availability, and services at different airports, but cultural differences and language barriers can also make communication difficult for international operators.
“In the Nordics, we share the same language and a common culture,” says Vidar. “So it is much easier for us to communicate with a handler in Umeå than it is for an operator from China.”
Access Oslo acts as a link between the client and the local handler. We ensure that the client's expectations are matched with local conditions, while also motivating local handlers to go the extra mile.
“It's not certain that you'll get exactly the same service at a smaller airport as you would at our FBOs in Oslo and Torp, but we ensure they get the best possible experience,” says Vidar.
And furthermore, we have a solution when a stay at a small, local airport leaves no room for error.
On-site Trip Support – when Nothing Can Go Wrong
For some of our clients, it's not enough to know that things will be arranged – they want someone on-site to ensure everything runs smoothly. Access Oslo therefore offers On-site Trip Support, where we send our staff to the airport to meet the local handler, review the process, and look for areas of improvement.
“Our VVIP clients often request this,” explains Vidar.
“When nothing can go wrong with handling, catering, or transport, the operator sometimes requests our presence to ensure everything is done correctly.”
In addition to on-site support, we also offer off-site trip support. Here, we act as a representative on behalf of the client, continuously following up, communicating, and providing updates so that the operator or flight support team can relax.
More than a Handler – a Complete Solution
At Access Oslo, it's not just about booking services – we aim to be a proactive and solution-oriented partner for our clients. We go to great lengths to find solutions, even when requests are unusual or come at short notice.
“We've had state visits where guests suddenly wanted to play golf, but all the courses were fully booked. Then we had to talk to the owners and try to arrange it,” says Vidar.
“One client had a layover at Gardermoen on May 17th – what could we come up with? We arranged a champagne breakfast at Eidsvollbygningen and an exclusive tour.”
We do more than offer standard handling services such as fuel, catering, and de-icing, both at our FBOs and at local airports in the Nordics. We ensure that all details are in place, and that clients receive a seamless experience.
“There's nothing stopping you from doing this yourself,” says Vidar, “but then you'll need to be patient. You might get an answer for one thing, but not another, and then the difficult task of figuring out: who can help me with that, begins. By using Access Oslo as a single point of contact for the Nordics, clients avoid this frustration.”
We handle everything, from the smallest details to the most complex logistical tasks – quickly, easily, and professionally. That is why many clients prefer Access Oslo as their partner for handling and support in the Nordics.
Support for military operations in the Nordics
Conducting military exercises in Norway requires precision, logistics and efficient handling of aircraft routes. Access Oslo Executive Handling is the leading choice for military and NATO operations in the Nordic region, offering full-scale handling at Oslo and Torp Airport in addition to comprehensive trip support and handling services in the Nordic countries.
– The needs vary greatly, but we always ensure that everything is ready for the military when they have trainings, says Aleksander Strand Aaland, General Manager of Access Oslo, and pilot.
– We often receive military personnel at our own FBOs, other times we work directly at the Armed Forces’ airports to assist.
Flexible services tailored to the needs of the Armed Forces
Although the Norwegian Armed Forces have their own facilities, there are several important services that they do not offer in-house. For emptying toilets, refilling water, catering, efficient transport, de-icing and ground services, the military comes to Access Oslo. We like to provide a little extra service too, which they appreciate.
A good example is the Swiss Armed Forces, which returns to Norway every year for military training. They set up a base with four or five helicopters and two or three aircraft and train intensively for a week.
– They can go to many other places in the Nordic region to practice, but they choose us every year. They know that everything is in order, we know them and know what they need. When they arrive at five in the morning, we are ready with coffee and pastries. It is very nice to give them a place where they can feel at home, says Aleksander.
This service also extends beyond the bases. Access Oslo has experience with both small and large aircraft, including complex operations such as air-to-air refueling and handling on hangar ships.
– There is a wide range of what the military needs, says Vidar Broks-Sjåstad, our Key Account Manager and Senior Handling Coordinator.
– We work with everything from tiny propeller aircraft to some of the world's largest aircraft. The needs are different, but the goal is always the same – to ensure a seamless and efficient operation.
More than just logistics
Although military troops do not necessarily have the same demands for luxury and comfort as private VIP passengers, the staff at Access Oslo goes the extra mile for the troops.
Vidar has a varied background in service, and his basic attitude is to help our customers have the best experience.
– We can usually deliver what our customers ask for, but we also have a habit of asking if there is anything else we can help with. The answer is often yes, he says.
– The military is used to things taking time, but with us everything runs smoothly. They notice that, and they remember it.
– We don’t give up until we have turned over every stone, adds Aleksander.
– Other handlers say no because they don’t want to put in the time, but we do what is required. It pays off for both our customers and the suppliers, he explains.
This flexibility and willingness to find solutions has made Access Oslo a preferred partner for the Armed Forces and NATO.
One point of contact for the entire Nordic region
Access Oslo has extensive experience in supporting the Armed Forces – both at Oslo Gardermoen, Sandefjord Torp and other airports in Norway. Whether it concerns small propeller aircraft, Hercules transport aircraft or helicopters, we deliver services that simplify and improve operations.
We act as a single point of contact for the entire Nordic region, whether it is billionaires or military personnel who need assistance. Regardless of which airport in the Nordic region you are going to, Access Oslo’s concept means that operators only need one contact person. This reduces lead time and our customers can focus on other tasks while we coordinate effectively.
– We know how complicated it can be to get permits and services at some airports, but we have a large network of contacts and know how to make things happen, says Vidar.
The feedback from customers is often overwhelmingly positive.
– One of our customers wrote to me: “You’re one of the most helpful people I’ve experienced on the road, Vidar. Thank you for making this easy on us.” When people take the time to send messages like this, we know we've done something right, he concludes.
The FBO at Oslo Airport – an insight into our daily operations
It’s 10 in the morning and Svein Ove Brekke, operations manager at Access Oslo, has been at work since 7 a.m. The first of today’s operations has been completed: breakfast catering for a plane that was to land at the Norwegian Armed Forces base opposite Access Oslo’s FBO at Gardermoen.
The request came late in the evening, and Svein Ove's colleague working the night, sent an order to our supplier. On arrival at 9 a.m., everything the staff needed was ready at the base.
– It often happens that we have to arrange things at the last minute. But we’re used to that, and in the vast majority of cases we manage to arrange what the customers want, even if it comes at the last minute, says Svein Ove, and takes a sip of his coffee.
Planning for changes
A regular shift for Svein Ove, if it's even possible to speak of a “regular shift” in ths business, starts with checking that everything is in order and that our lounges are in top shape. Then he goes through the plan for the day. The schedule for what is to happen at what time is set. But what the plan says and what actually happens are two different things.
– Before someone lands here, many hours are spent planning. The day before and the same day, we go through the plans in detail to ensure that all flights are carried out as efficiently as possible, and we plan the route based on that. But then bookings, weather, needs, travel plans, really anything can change. In this industry, it is extremely important to plan so that things do not go as planned, says Svein Ove.
– We always go to great lengths to solve things the best way for our customers, and we often hear that they appreciate the flexibility and service they receive from us.
Full, seamless service
The most important thing is that everything works seamlessly.
– Everything should just work. From landing to take-off, says Svein Ove.
Access Oslo was founded in 2016, after Aleksander Strand-Aaland, a commercial pilot, saw an opportunity in the market for handling. In the years since, we have offered full-scale service at both our FBOs in Gardermoen and Torp Airport, which involves handling everything from small and private aircraft, ambulance, military, state and diplomatic flights.
And for the other Nordic Airports, we can arrange everything from handling passengers and luggage, to fuel, catering, transportation, quickly deliver clean towels and tablecloths, arrange activities and experiences - more or less anything the clients wants.
The FBO at Gardermoen has an open lounge with light snacks and a closed VIP and crew lounge. Our FBO at Torp Airport is located in a hangar in a quiet area of the airport. The facilities have just undergone a renovation and customers flying in and out of there have only good things to say about the upgraded standard.
We welcome all types of customers at both FBOs, everything from football teams to heads of state and artists. But we do not only operate in Oslo and Torp. We facilitate operations throughout the Nordic region, and our expertise in Nordic conditions means that customers appreciate our knowledge and ability to facilitate a successful mission.
– At the many small airports around the Nordic region, we act as the link between the customer and the respective airports. There are both language barriers, cultural differences and complicated opening hours that make it difficult for people from outside to get what they need, says Svein Ove.
– Customers can then contact us and get everything arranged in one place. It also happens that we travel to these airports in advance and make sure that everything is in place before the customer lands.
Unpredictable, but exciting workdays
Svein Ove has extensive experience in the industry and is also a helicopter pilot. With his background in aviation, he, like all our employees, understands what our customers need.
We often hire employees with a background in aviation to ensure high quality in the work we perform. The flight crew in particular appreciates that our employees have the same background and that we are on the same level when it comes to understanding their needs while maintaining the professional level they expect.
While we are talking, more phone calls and emails come in.
– There's rarely a quiet moment at work, he says and smiles.
– But the unpredictability of it also makes everyday life exciting!
The VIP terminal at Torp – a hidden gem for travelers south of Oslo
When flying privately, many choose Oslo Gardermoen as their airport. But Access Oslo also has an exclusive VIP terminal at Torp Sandefjord Airport, about an hour south of the city of Oslo. It has been there since 2017, and after an extensive renovation in 2023, it has become a first-class option for anyone who demands high standards and personal service on their journey.
Smooth travel experience from arrival to departure
The three team members at work this day in March have a workplace they are proud to show off to customers.
– Many are surprised when they see how nice it is, says station manager Jonathan Lövendahl.
He has worked at Access Oslo for three years and enjoys working at a relatively small FBO where he has direct contact with customers.
It's been a year and a half since the renovation of the entire location.
– It was a perfectly decent standard before, but now it has really become a good standard, it's new and nice and everything is in place. We often get a “wow” from customers who experience the service and how it looks here, he continues.
Torp is a small airport with short distances, but for our clients this is only an advantage. The FBO has its own hangar, private lounge and immediate access to the aircraft. There is a large parking lot right outside the lounge, and from the lounge you can walk straight out to the aircraft. And if the aircraft is parked in the hangar, you don't have to go out at all as the hangar has a door into the lounge.
– Everything is close to each other, and it gives a full overview of the situation, says Jonathan.
His colleague Semir, agrees:
– There is a high level of privacy at Torp, so it is ideal to fly in here for companies that require this. It is a quiet area and we usually park the private aircraft right outside the lounge where the customer is sitting. The crew is located very close by and can be ready at short notice if something unexpected should happen. Many of our customers like to know what is happening and have a full overview, and they get that here, he says, adding:
– There is easy access to most things here, and we do our utmost to satisfy their needs. For example, it is great to have meetings in the meeting room here, and we can assist with catering from local providers.
Both Jonathan, Semir and handler Joakim Ramstad are all professional helicopter pilots. They understand the needs and speak the same language as our customers.
– We have a good understanding of what we are working with and it makes it easy for crew and passengers that we know the ins and outs of things, says Joakim.
It's no exaggeration to say that it's smooth to fly in and out of this FBO, whether for business trips, holidays or special occasions.
An exclusive alternative near Oslo
The VIP terminal is not only practical, but also very discreet.
– It is a bit more up close and personal at Torp, says Joakim.
Many artists and high-profile people who are going to festivals in southern Norway choose to fly via Torp for this very reason.
– When you land, we have freshly washed cars ready. They just take their luggage and go where they are going. It happens completely seamlessly, and they are protected the whole time, he adds.
Despite the fact that Torp is around 120 kilometers, or just over an hour from central Oslo, the airport can often be a more practical choice than Gardermoen. For travelers from Skøyen, Aker Brygge and south towards Drammen, it is faster to go to Torp. With the frequent detours in Oslo that can create traffic jams in an instant, it doesn't take much before you save time by flying from Torp. Especially if you are going even further south.
– For everything south of Sandefjord, you can just as easily fly from Torp. You can actually save up to 20 minutes in flight time because Gardermoen is so far north of Oslo, says Jonathan.
– This is not an ordinary VIP lounge – it’s a full-fledged FBO, with a high level of privacy and service, he emphasizes.
– And we have an exclusive standard that you won’t find anywhere else in Norway, he adds. It feels a bit like a restaurant with a Michelin star, but which is only half full because the customer potential has not been reached.
So for anyone who wants a travel experience without stress, queues and unwanted attention, the VIP terminal at Torp is a hidden gem that deserves more attention.