Boeing 757 airliner lands for 1st time on Artantica

 

 

First Boeing 757 airliner landing on blue-ice runway in Antarctica

 

Press Release:

Union Glacier, Antarctica – November 26, 2015

 

The first ever landing of a commercial Boeing 757 passenger airliner on a blue-ice runway in Antarctica occurred today at Union Glacier. The landing was a joint partnership between Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions (ALE), Loftleidir Icelandic, and NAS Corporation Limited (NAS).

The Boeing 757-200 ER flight was undertaken to prove the feasibility of landing commercial passenger airliners at Union Glacier, as part of a larger investigation into the use of such aircraft for ALE's Antarctic operations.

 

Intercontinental flights for transporting passengers and cargo from Punta Arenas, Chile, to ALE's main camp at Union Glacier are usually made by combination passenger/cargo aircraft such as Lockheed Hercules L-382G and Ilyushin IL76-TD. These aircraft are tried and tested for blue-ice landings and for use in polar conditions. ALE is researching the potential for utilizing conventional passenger airliners in addition to passenger/cargo combination aircraft. The Boeing 757-200 ER, fitted with 62 business class seats, will enhance passenger comfort yet maintain the safety of ALE's activities and aircraft resources.

ALE transports 400-500 visitors to Antarctica each season, providing logistical support to many National Antarctic Programs and scientific research projects and offering guided, small group Experiences through its subsidiary Adventure Network International (ANI).

 

 

ALE's goal has always been to uphold the highest safety and environmental standards. By extending the range of aircraft that can be used to support visitors and scientific research, ALE also expands its evacuation capabilities, further ensuring safe and environmentally responsible operations.

ALE has a long history of aviation firsts in the interior of Antarctica. In 1985, its predecessor, ANI, pioneered private flights to the continent for an ascent of Mount Vinson. The company was the first to establish an inland, blue-ice airfield in Antarctica, the first to land wheeled aircraft on a blue-ice runway, and the first tour operator to fly guests to the Geographic South Pole.

 

About Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions – With more than 25 years of experience, ALE is the premier provider of land-based Antarctic experiences and logistical services. From its blue-ice runway and base camp at Union Glacier, guests can venture to the summit of Mount Vinson, fly to the South Pole, journey to an emperor penguin colony, or attempt an expedition in the spirit of early explorers. ALE also offers a full range of logistical services to support National Antarctic Programs and deep-field scientific research.

About Loftleidir Icelandic – A subsidiary of Icelandair Group, along with 8 other companies in various sectors of the travel industry, it offers consolidated and quality services to airlines and tour operators, such as full charter service, ACMI and AM leasing, crew leasing and flight operations.

About Niche Aviation Solutions – A small private company specialized solely in aviation related subjects. The owners having had experience of owning and operating their own heavy jet airline, now apply their knowledge to assisting others. The owners of NAS have worked with Polar Services and ANI since 1999 assisting with the air bridge to Antarctica. NAS is a Dynamic Niche provider with innovative offerings and customer tailored solutions to some of the most challenging markets in the World.