For the second consecutive year, Norse Atlantic Airways has landed a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner in Antarctica, marking a new chapter in scientific polar exploration.
On Friday (November 15, 2024), Norse Atlantic Airways announced that at 10:55 local time one of the carrier’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners landed on Antarctica’s unique blue ice runway at Troll Airfield. The aircraft, registration LN-FNC, named ‘Everglades’, successfully touched down carrying 10.5 tons of research equipment and scientists for the Norwegian Polar Institute and Aircontact. This is the second consecutive year the chartered flight touched down in Antarctica, marking a new chapter in scientific polar exploration. The Oslo-Cape Town-Troll Airfield route was similar the carrier’s historic first landing in 2023, including a stop in Cape Town before the final leg to Antarctica.
In Friday’s announcement, Norse Atlantic Airways’ Director of Charter and ACMI, Mette Birkedahl, said,
“Returning to Antarctica with our Dreamliner reaffirms Norse Atlantic’s ability to handle complex logistical operations. We’re proud to demonstrate the capabilities and efficiency of our aircraft and operational excellence of the Norse Atlantic charter team, from meticulous planning to precise execution, demonstrating our role as a trusted partner for missions to even the most remote destinations.”
Also commenting on the successful charter partnership, Norwegian Polar Institute’s Director of Operations and Logistics, John Guldahl, said,
“Landing such a large aircraft for the second time is an important milestone for us in Antarctica. It opens up new opportunities for logistics at Troll, as we can transport both more cargo and more people in the same flight, which will also help strengthen Norwegian research in Antarctica.”
Aircontact’s Air Broker and Spokesperson, Daniel Carey, added,
“To have Norse Atlantic Airways with the B787-900 as an ACE in the deck for the operator to Troll to support Norwegian Polar institute is a unique value in terms of not needing fuel and the cargo capacity that the B787-900 brings. Additionally, having Norse as a Norwegian operator under the Norwegian CAA adds another valuable asset.”
Norse will complete a total of four charters to Antarctica dedicated to support scientific research, reflecting the carrier’s growing reputation of operational excellence. The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is uniquely suited for long-haul flights, and is well-known for its fuel efficiency, enabling a roundtrip between Cape Town and Antarctica without refueling. The aircraft’s large cargo hold also allows for the secure transport of a large quantity of research equipment vital to the operations at remote scientific research stations.
Founded in March 2021 by major shareholder and CEO Bjørn Tore Larsen, Norse Atlantic Airways offers affordable transatlantic and European flights along with specialized Charter and ACMI services for tailored travel needs. The airline’s first flight between Oslo and the U.S. departed on June 14, 2022. The company’s head office is located in Arendal, Norway, and Norse has a second office in London. Norse has a fleet of 15 modern, fuel-efficient Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. The carrier offers service to New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Miami, Orlando, Bangkok, Cape Town, Oslo, Athens, London, Berlin, Rome and Paris.
Source: Norse Atlantic Airways/Cision