Boeing 787 Dreamliner Makes Historic Landing in Antarctica

A Boeing 787 Dreamliner, operated by Norse Atlantic Airways, landed at Troll Airfield in Antarctic. It marks the first time this type of aircraft has touched down on the continent. The flight, named “Everglades,” carried scientists and vital supplies to the remote Troll research station in Queen Maud Land.

In an unprecedented achievement, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner touched down on a one-of-a-kind “blue ice runway” in Antarctica’s Troll Island this week. The 3,000 meters long and 60 meters wide runway. It crafted from snow and ice on Queen Maud Island’s Troll, witnessed this historic moment.

Norse Atlantic Airways successfully landed the Dreamliner at Troll Airfield at 2 am local time. The plane taking advantage of the bright sunlight characteristic of Antarctica’s current summer season. This marks the first-ever landing of a Dreamliner, a plane capable of carrying up to 330 passengers, on the sixth continent.

Contrary to regular commercial flights, the Dreamliner’s cabin did not host typical passengers. Instead, the 45 individuals on board were scientists from the Norwegian Polar Institute. Under a contract with the institute, the flight transported both the scientists and 12 tons of equipment to the Troll research station in Queen Maud Land, Antarctica.

Ground Breaking Achievement

The journey originated in Oslo, the capital of Norway, with a stopover in Cape Town, South Africa, before heading south for the groundbreaking landing. Notably, the aircraft accomplished the round trip from Cape Town to Antarctica without the need for refueling.

Daniel Carey from Aircontact, the broker coordinating the flight. He highlighted the Dreamliner’s “ample cargo space” as a key factor in its selection for this mission. Camilla Brekke, the director of the Norwegian Polar Institute. He emphasized the environmental benefits of using large and modern aircraft. It will also contribute to reduced emissions and a smaller environmental footprint in Antarctica.

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Norse Atlantic Airways CEO, Bjørn Tore Larsen, expressed pride in achieving this momentous milestone, stating, “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.”