The move will increase state ownership to around 98%, making Denmark the main shareholder in the infrastructure entity. Credit: Caroline Ruda/Shutterstock.

The Danish government is set to increase its stake in Copenhagen Airport by purchasing shares from ATP pension fund, as announced by the Ministry of Finance.

The transaction, worth about DKK32bn (around $4.52bn), involves acquiring 59.4% of Copenhagen Airports (CPH), which operates both Copenhagen and Roskilde Airports. The state previously owned approximately 39.2% of the shares.

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This move will raise state ownership to an estimated 98%, positioning Denmark as the primary shareholder in this infrastructure entity.

The Danish state’s enhanced control comes with plans for future divestment, aiming to reduce its holding to just over 50%.

This strategy, outlined by the finance ministry, seeks to strike a balance between public and private sector interests.

Finance Minister Nicolai Wammen was quoted by Reuters as saying: “This will ensure that the airport will continue to have a responsible and long-term group of owners in the future.

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“We will secure a good framework for the airport as a central Danish infrastructure and one of Denmark’s largest workplaces.”

The agreement is subject to regulatory approvals and has garnered support from various political parties.

SAS, the Scandinavian airline, has expressed support for the government’s decision.

The airline’s expansion plans from Copenhagen Airport, aimed at establishing it as a key gateway for Scandinavia and Northern Europe, necessitate substantial investments from both SAS and the airport.

SAS president and CEO Anko van der Werff said: “This is a crucial step for Danish and Scandinavian connectivity.

“Strengthening Copenhagen Airport as a global hub requires close collaboration between all stakeholders, and we warmly welcome the Danish State’s decision as it will facilitate the necessary alignment for stronger Scandinavian connectivity.”

In March this year, CPH CEO Christian Poulsen said the airport aims to become the “architect of future airports”.

Poulsen highlighted how the Danish capital’s airport benefits from AIRHART technology, which integrates IT and operations across its entire ecosystem.