Aerospace

The First 787 Dreamliner Lands in Antarctica with Norse Atlantic Airways

Pioneering Polar Exploration: Norse Atlantic Airways’ Boeing 787 Dreamliner Touches Down at Troll Airfield

Norse Atlantic Airways, recognized as The Explorer’s Airline, proudly commemorates a historic milestone in aviation by successfully landing its Boeing 787 Dreamliner, with registration LN-FNC and christened “Everglades,” at Troll Airfield (QAT) in Antarctica. This groundbreaking moment occurred at 02:01 local time on Wednesday, November 15th, 2023.

Flight N0787 carried 45 passengers

In collaboration with the Norwegian Polar Institute and Aircontact, Scandinavia’s premier air brokerage firm, Norse Atlantic Airways spearheaded this pioneering mission to transport essential research equipment and scientists to the remote Troll research station in Queen Maud Land, Antarctica.

Flight N0787 carried 45 passengers, including scientists from the Norwegian Polar Institute and other nations, bound for various research stations in Antarctica. The flight also transported 12 tons of vital research equipment crucial for Antarctic exploration.

Commencing its journey from Oslo on November 13th, the Dreamliner made a stop in Cape Town, South Africa, before embarking on the challenging Antarctic leg.

Departing Cape Town at 23:03 on Wednesday, the aircraft spent over 40 hours in South Africa before accomplishing its historic landing at Troll Airfield.

first 787 Dreamliner to land in Antarctica

Bjørn Tore Larsen, CEO of Norse Atlantic Airways, expressed immense pride and honor in achieving this historic milestone:

“It is a great honor and excitement on behalf of the entire team at Norse that we have achieved together this momentous landing of the first 787 Dreamliner. In the spirit of exploration, we are proud to have a hand in this important and unique mission.

It is a true testament to our highly trained and skilled pilots and crew, and our state-of-the-art Boeing aircraft.”

Given Antarctica’s lack of conventional paved runways, Norse Atlantic Airways executed the landing on a ‘blue ice runway,’ measuring 3,000 meters in length and 60 meters in width, at Troll Airfield.

The Norwegian Polar Institute operates the research station situated in Jutulsessen in Queen Maud Land, approximately 235 kilometers from the coast.

Camilla Brekke, Director of the Norwegian Polar Institute, emphasized the environmental benefits of utilizing large and modern aircraft like the 787 Dreamliner for operations at Troll:

“The most crucial aspect is the environmental gain we can achieve by using large and modern aircraft of this type for Troll. This can help reduce overall emissions and the environmental footprint in Antarctica,” stated Brekke, underscoring that landing such a large aircraft opens up new logistics possibilities at Troll, contributing to strengthening Norwegian research in Antarctica.

Daniel Carey, air broker and spokesperson for Aircontact stressed the importance of involving civil aviation authorities for operational quality and security, securing their approval ahead of the mission.

Related Topics:787 Dreamliners Boeing Norse Atlantic Airways

Aerospace

EASA Ends Suspension on PIA, Approves Flights to Europe

Pakistan's National Airline Set for Privatization as Elections Loom

The suspension of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) from operating in Europe is finally over, marking a significant turning point for Pakistan’s aviation sector.

After years of scrutiny and stringent safety assessments, the European Commission and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have officially lifted the ban on PIA. This decision also grants Airblue authorization to operate flights to Europe, further enhancing Pakistan’s connectivity with the region.

Is the U.S. Ready to Deliver F-35 Jets to Turkey? Diplomatic Breakthrough on the Horizon

PIA’s suspension, initially imposed in June 2020, was a direct consequence of concerns regarding the oversight capabilities of Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA). These concerns were triggered shortly after a tragic PIA plane crash that claimed 97 lives, prompting an investigation into the validity of pilot licenses issued in the country.

Now, after four years of continuous efforts and reforms by the PCAA, EASA has expressed renewed confidence in Pakistan’s aviation regulatory framework. In a statement, EASA highlighted that Pakistan has successfully addressed safety compliance issues, enabling PIA to resume its operations within the European Union.

A spokesperson for PIA expressed optimism, emphasizing the airline’s commitment to strictly adhere to EASA’s regulations and guidelines. “This milestone has been achieved after four years of relentless efforts by the PIA management,” the spokesperson said.

These are the Best and Worst Airports in the World for 2024

The lifting of the ban is expected to have a profound impact on PIA’s future. The airline, which employs over 7,000 people, has faced criticism in the past for poor management, financial instability, and regulatory challenges.

However, the restoration of European operations is seen as a vital step toward regaining its competitive edge, improving its financial standing, and restoring its reputation on the global stage.

Pakistan’s government, which has been exploring options to privatize the debt-laden national carrier, is hopeful that this development will attract foreign investment and bolster the country’s aviation industry.

With a renewed focus on compliance and safety, PIA is now poised to rebuild its presence in Europe, offering Pakistani travelers and international passengers more connectivity and improved service.