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United in Aviation – Driven by Ambition – Committed to Safety
​As a founding member of ICAO and a long-standing contributor to international civil aviation, Denmark – together with Greenland and the Faroe Islands – holds responsibility for one of the largest and most remote airspaces in the world, spanning 4.2 million square kilometres across the North Atlantic. For the Kingdom of Denmark, aviation is not a luxury – it is a lifeline connecting families, communities, and economies in some of the most extreme environments on Earth.
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Through close cooperation with our Nordic partners and friends in NORDICAO, Denmark has continuously contributed to ICAO’s mission. We bring with us a tradition of democratic governance, equality and cooperation – principles that guide our work within the global aviation community.
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Our Vision: A Safe, Sustainable and Inclusive Future for Aviation
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Denmark is committed to supporting ICAO’s strategic objectives, with a clear focus on:
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Global Connectivity: We believe no country should be left behind. Denmark supports ICAO’s vision of connecting the world, particularly remote and vulnerable regions, through safe and reliable air transport.
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New Technologies: We champion agile, performance-based regulation that embraces rapid technological change – including drones, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation. Denmark also supports enhanced cybersecurity across all aviation domains.
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Sustainability: As an advocate for ambitious climate goals, Denmark supports ICAO’s efforts in reducing emissions through innovation, fossil-free fuels, and clear regulatory frameworks. Copenhagen Airport, the largest in the Nordic region, aims for net-zero operations by 2030 and full value-chain neutrality by 2050.
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Gender Equality and Inclusion: As a global frontrunner in gender equality, Denmark actively promotes diversity in aviation. We believe inclusion is key to both innovation and safety.
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Digital and Green Solutions: Danish companies lead globally in clean energy, digital services, and maritime innovation. These strengths contribute directly to a smarter, safer, and greener aviation future.
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Transparent and clear regulations: Denmark is committed to strengthening ICAO as a transparent, effective, and modern organisation. We will work to promote simplification of regulation, improved coordination, and more accessible processes – for the benefit of all Member States.
With Denmark in the ICAO Council, the international aviation community will have a partner with a strong commitment to safety, global solidarity and sustainability. We are ready to share our knowledge, take responsibility, and contribute to shaping the future of global aviation – together.
Mr. Henrik Ellermann
Permanent Representative of Denmark on the ICAO Council
2025–2028
Henrik Ellermann brings over 25 years of experience from senior positions across the Danish civil service – spanning the defence, environment, food, and civil aviation sectors. He currently serves as Head of Division at the Danish Civil Aviation and Railway Authority, where he leads over 50 employees across domains including aerodromes, flight crew licensing, medical, environmental policy and international affairs.
Henrik has represented Denmark in numerous ICAO meetings, including the last two ICAO General Assemblies and the Third ICAO Conference on Aviation and Alternative Fuels (CAAF/3) in Dubai in 2023. His deep familiarity with international cooperation and his pragmatic, diplomatic style make him a trusted voice in both technical and political aviation discussions.
​Henrik is a trained naval officer and former Commander in the Royal Danish Navy. He has served as Aide-de-camp to the Danish Minister of Defence and completed the senior staff course at the École Militaire in Paris. He has also strengthened his executive profile through international programmes at INSEAD in France.
​He has served as member of the EASA Committee and the Management Advisory Body (MAB), and is alternate member of the EASA Management Board – further underlining his hands-on engagement in the European aviation safety system.
​Henrik is known for his open-minded leadership, strong personal integrity, and commitment to building lasting international partnerships. His experience, combined with his Nordic values of transparency, cooperation, and trust, positions him as a strong candidate to serve on the ICAO Council.
Outside of work, Henrik is a devoted family man with two adult children and two grandchildren. Henrik is the happy owner of a Citroën DSuper from 1974, is a semi-unlucky angler, but a rather skilled golfer.​
Civil Aviation in the Danish Realm – A Lifeline Across the North
The Kingdom of Denmark - comprising of Denmark, Greenland and the Faroe Islands - depends on civil aviation to ensure connectivity, cohesion, and resilience across vast distances and challenging geographies. While Greenland and the Faroe Islands rely on air travel as a primary means of transport, Denmark functions as the central hub, linking the Realm to Europe and the wider world.