It’s a busy time….
With no shortage of commercial aircraft arriving with deliveries of vital equipment, food and personnel.
On 15 November, Norse B787-9 “Everglades” (LN-FNC) arrived for the second consecutive year. It was carrying 10.5 tonnes of equipment and scientists for the Norwegian Polar Institute base and landed at the blue ice Troll Airfield, Queen Maud Land. The flight followed the OSL-CPT-QAT-CPT-OSL route similar to the first landing last year. On 13 November, the aircraft departed OSL and had a lengthy 40-hour layover in CPT. LN-FNC then took off at 23:03 on Wednesday and reached QAT at 02:01 local time on the same day.
Due to the absence of traditional paved runways in the Antarctic region, the 787-9 touched down on a "blue ice runway," 3,000 metres long and 60 metres wide.
The project was co-ordinated by Norse, Norwegian Polar Institute and Aircontact. The latter one of the oldest global air brokers, specializing in providing aviation services and serving as an important link for aviation missions. Norse Atlantic is set to complete a total of four charters to Antarctica dedicated to support scientific research.
Before these Dreamliner flights, the most notable included the first-ever landing of an Airbus A340 from HiFly in 2021. There is a long history of aviation in the region with various aircraft, including military planes and helicopters, having landed over the years. These landings have contributed to the exploration and logistical support of scientific research in Antarctica.
Another notable contributor to research in this area is British Antarctic Survey (BAS), conducting an ambitious and challenging science programme. Their fleet consists of 4 DHC Twin Otters and 1 DHC Dash-7. Between them they undertake a wide variety of transport and science missions. The Dash-7 and 3 of the Twin Otters have been modified to allow them to carry out airborne science surveys. At the beginning of each season the aircrew, 8 pilots and 4 engineers, ferry the aircraft from their northern hemisphere base. Flights in the Antarctic take place between October and March, as winter darkness and very cold temperatures prevent flying at other times. Rothera Research Station, the centre for BAS air operations, has a 900m gravel runway. The Dash-7 undertakes regular shuttle-flights from Rothera to and from the Falkland Islands and Punta Arenas, Chile. BAS aircraft also operate out of Halley Research Station and from Fossil Bluff and Sky-Blu Field Stations.
Safety is at the heart of all Antarctic air operations. BAS pilots receive specialist training and always fly with a co-pilot. The aircraft carry fuel reserves and emergency supplies because Antarctic flying is extremely weather dependent. Poor conditions can often ground aircraft for several days. The Rothera air facility has a control tower and radar beacons. From here, planes fly either directly to the field or via fuel depots to their final destination. One Twin Otter is based at Halley Research Station to support projects in the eastern sector of BAS operations, covering an area up to 800km from the station. The Twin Otters are equipped with skis for landing on snow and ice in remote areas. In addition to its role ferrying people and supplies between Rothera and the Falkland Islands or Punta Arenas, the Dash-7 also lands on the blue-ice runway at Sky-Blu Field Station, a staging post for deeper forays into the continent.
BAS aircraft can be found in UK airspace from time to time, so always good to keep a look out on FR24 for their distinctive red livery.
In other news….
Boeing – the machinists strike may be over but other problems remain. However, they need to get their act together to take advantage of possible sales because Airbus has a full order book until 2032!
Iberia – the Spanish carrier has taken delivery of the first A321XLR and already carried out revenue flights. Its first transatlantic one MAD-BOS didn’t really test the range of this aircraft. Did you manage to spot it, either at CDG or MAD/BOS? Ther have already been complaints about the Economy seat pitch, 28-30 inches…
Swedish Air Force – chosen Embraer C-390 to replace its C-130 fleet. The aircraft is already in service or on order with 8 countries.
And finally….
FR24 – if you want something to tax your brain on a flight or during leisure time, “You’re the Captain” is an excellent puzzle book. Everything is aviation related, some easy and some difficult. Unfortunately, there is an error in one of the puzzles. No, it’s not a deliberate one but knowledgeable spotters will notice it immediately….
Social Media – more and more aviation personnel and enthusiasts are now quitting Twitter/X for Bluesky. It’s how Twitter used to be.
Information courtesy of Norse Atlantic Airways, Airways Magazine, British Antarctic Survey
Images courtesy of Norse Atlantic, BAS
©TPSC, LadyJet2 and photo/diagram suppliers