Norse Atlantic Airways has achieved another milestone in Antarctic aviation. The airline successfully completed its second scientific research charter to the continent using a widebody aircraft.
The flight, operated by a Boeing 787-9 landed exactly one year after their ground-breaking first landing on Troll Airfield’s blue ice runway.
Second Dreamliner Antarctic Operation
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner “Everglades”, registered LN-FNC, landed at 10:55 local time on 15 November 2024. The flight carried scientists and 10.5 tons of research equipment for the Norwegian Polar Institute and Aircontact.
Following last year’s route, the aircraft flew from Oslo to Cape Town before making its final approach to Antarctica. This mission is part of Norse Atlantic’s commitment to supporting scientific research, with two more Antarctic charters planned.
The success highlights the airline’s operational excellence, showcased through its expert crew and modern Boeing fleet. The Dreamliner proves ideal for these missions, combining impressive range with fuel efficiency. It can complete the Cape Town-Antarctica round trip without refueling, saving both costs and reducing environmental impact.
The aircraft’s spacious cargo hold easily accommodates the essential research equipment needed at remote Antarctic stations.
Mette Birkedahl, Director of Charter and ACMI at Norse Atlantic Airways, spoke on the achievement. “Our return to Antarctica shows Norse Atlantic’s expertise in complex operations.”
“The mission demonstrates our aircraft’s capabilities and our team’s excellence in planning and execution, establishing us as a reliable partner for remote destination flights.”
The Norwegian Polar Institute’s Director of Operations and Logistics, John Guldahl, also noted the landing’s significance. “This second large aircraft landing marks a crucial development for Troll. The increased cargo and passenger capacity strengthens our research capabilities in Antarctica.”
Aircontact’s Air Broker and Spokesperson, Daniel Carey, praised the Dreamliner’s capabilities and highlighted the importance of regulatory compliance.
“Having Norse Atlantic’s B787-900 available for Troll operations brings unique advantages in fuel efficiency and cargo capacity. Norse’s status as a Norwegian operator under Norwegian CAA oversight adds extra value.”
Boeing 787-9: Range & Capability
The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner represents the pinnacle of modern aviation technology, boasting an exceptional range of 15,400 kilometers.
This impressive reach is achieved through advanced aerodynamics and lightweight composite materials, resulting in industry-leading fuel efficiency.
The aircraft’s design prioritizes not only performance but also environmental responsibility, producing 25% lower CO2 emissions compared to previous-generation aircraft.
Passenger comfort remains a key focus of the Dreamliner’s design philosophy. The aircraft features significantly larger windows than traditional airliners, allowing passengers to maintain a better connection with the outside world throughout their journey.
The cabin environment is optimized through enhanced pressurization systems and higher humidity levels. This effectively reduces the common effects of jet lag and making long-haul flights more comfortable for all aboard.
The Dreamliner’s engines are engineered to operate more quietly, creating a more peaceful cabin environment that enhances the overall travel experience.
Safety and reliability form the cornerstone of the Boeing 787-9’s design. The aircraft incorporates cutting-edge avionics and comprehensive safety systems, ensuring consistent and dependable performance across all operations.
These advanced systems enable Norse Atlantic Airways to maintain their high standards of service reliability, particularly crucial for specialized charter operations to challenging destinations like Antarctica.
The combination of these features makes the Dreamliner an ideal choice for Norse Atlantic’s ambitious polar missions. The aircraft can support crucial scientific research while maintaining the highest standards of safety and efficiency.
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