Norse Atlantic Lands First Boeing 787 in Antarctica

Norse Atlantic Airways has provided additional details on its recent expedition to Antarctica using the capacious Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

In a historic journey originating in Oslo and transiting through Cape Town, the Norwegian carrier transported 45 scientists and a substantial 12-ton payload of equipment and supplies to the frozen continent.

The groundbreaking flight, identified as N0787, touched down at Troll Airfield (QAT) at 02:01 local time on Thursday morning after a five-hour journey from Cape Town (CPT). Norse Atlantic, unveiling captivating video footage of the landing and takeoff in Antarctica, celebrated the achievement as a pivotal moment. Bjørn Tore Larsen, CEO of Norse Atlantic Airways, expressed pride in the accomplishment, emphasizing the significance of the mission and commending the expertise of the crew and the advanced Boeing aircraft.

The expedition, organized in collaboration with the Norwegian Polar Institute (NPI) and Aircontact, Scandinavia's prominent air brokerage firm, catered to a diverse group of 45 passengers, including scientists from various nations. The 787's extensive cargo capacity, spanning three holds and totaling 150 cubic meters, facilitated the smooth transportation of 12 tons of indispensable research equipment.

Daniel Carey, spokesperson for Aircontact, lauded the Dreamliner's expansive cargo space, deeming it ideal for Antarctic missions. The aircraft, registered as LN-FNC, departed Troll Airfield approximately four hours post-landing, completing its round trip to Cape Town.

The deployment of the 787 Dreamliner, with its heightened passenger and cargo capacity, underscores its environmental efficiency for flights to and from Antarctica. This modern aircraft minimizes the environmental impact by reducing the frequency of flight operations needed to sustain research stations, enhancing logistical capabilities.

The Dreamliner's remarkable fuel efficiency allows for a non-stop round-trip between Cape Town and Antarctica, eliminating the need for refueling. Paul Erlandsson, a representative from Boeing, highlighted the positive impact on turnaround times and the elimination of fuel transport, storage, and handling in Antarctica.

Camilla Brekke, Director of the Norwegian Polar Institute, emphasized the environmental benefits achieved by using large and modern aircraft like the 787 Dreamliner at Troll Airfield. This breakthrough enables a reduction in overall emissions and environmental footprint in Antarctica, opening up new logistical possibilities.

Preparations at Troll Airfield ensured the safe landing of the widebody 787, described by NPI as the largest plane ever to land on the continent. Notably, charter carrier HiFly had previously landed its slightly longer Airbus A340-300 in 2021, marking a precedent for large aircraft landings in Antarctica.

Source: simpleflying.com