Danish Air Transport

Danish Air Transport, commonly branded as DAT, was founded in 1989 and began with cargo and specialist transport operations before expanding into scheduled passenger services. The privately owned Danish airline is headquartered in Vamdrup, near Kolding, and operates alongside its Lithuanian affiliate, DAT LT. Its business combines flights sold under the DAT name with charter services and aircraft supplied to other airlines under leasing agreements.

Copenhagen is DAT’s principal scheduled gateway, while Billund and other regional airports also feature in its operations. The airline is particularly associated with Danish domestic links, including services connecting Copenhagen with Bornholm and Midtjylland. Its broader network has included routes elsewhere in Scandinavia, Germany and Italy, with an important role serving smaller communities and islands that have fewer nonstop transport options.

DAT’s fleet is built around ATR 42 and ATR 72 turboprops, which are well suited to short regional sectors and airports with relatively modest demand. The group also operates Airbus A320-family aircraft for higher-capacity scheduled, charter and wet-lease work. Most DAT-branded scheduled services use an economy-oriented cabin, while seating layouts, refreshments and other onboard provisions can differ by aircraft, route and the organisation commissioning a charter flight.

Danish Air Transport is not a member of Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld, and it does not operate a widely established conventional frequent-flyer programme. Travellers should therefore not expect the reciprocal mileage earning, lounge access or through-ticketing benefits normally associated with a global alliance. Connections involving another carrier may be issued separately, making adequate transfer time and careful checking of baggage arrangements especially important.

DAT’s principal strength is its experience operating thinner regional routes, including links where a smaller turboprop is more practical than a mainline jet. Its mixed scheduled, charter and leasing model can, however, make the passenger experience less uniform than on a large network airline. Aircraft type, onboard service and airport facilities may vary, while some routes operate only on selected days or during particular seasons, so travellers should confirm current schedules before booking onward plans.