Images released by the Norwegian Polar Institute show a Boeing 787 from Norse Atlantic Airways landing on the Antarctic ice floe, an operation presented as a first for a plane of such size in the region.
The aircraft, which was carrying 45 passengers, mainly scientists, and 12 tonnes of research equipment, landed in the Queen Maud Land region, where the “Troll” airfield and a strip of 3000 meters long traced directly on the ice.
The Norwegian Polar Institute says the move opens up new prospects for large-scale transportation in the region.
“This demonstrates our ability to achieve more efficient flight operations to Antarctica by carrying a larger science/logistics crew, more cargo with a smaller environmental footprint,” says Camilla Brekke, director of the Norwegian Polar Institute.