Big Plane Lands on Icy Runway
Norse Atlantic Airways successfully landed a Boeing 787 Dreamliner on an unusual runway in Antarctica. The “blue ice runway” was made from snow and ice, 3,000 meters long and 60 meters wide. This marked the first time a Dreamliner, a widebody aircraft, reached Antarctica. The flight carried scientists and 12 tons of equipment to the Troll research station.
The journey started in Oslo on November 13, stopping in Cape Town before the historic landing. The Dreamliner’s fuel efficiency and cargo space made it suitable for the mission, completing the round trip without refueling.
A historic moment for Norse✈️The first ever @BoeingAirplanes B787 Dreamliner to land in Antarctica! We are incredibly honoured to be a part of this piece of history, marking a very special milestone for Norse. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Norwegian Polar… pic.twitter.com/i2V1ZQZFAe
— Norse Atlantic Airways (@flynorse) November 16, 2023
The Norwegian Polar Institute highlighted the environmental benefits of using larger, modern aircraft for Antarctic missions. The successful landing opens new possibilities for logistics and strengthens Norwegian research in Antarctica.
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