PAUL PHELAN / CAIRNS
Eight companies have been invited to bid for five-year contract to ferry scientists to Antarctic research site
Australia's Antarctic Division has invited proposals from eight operators to provide an air transport link between Australia and an ice or snow airfield to be built at its Casey, Antarctic, research station. Estimates suggest an annual contract budget of around A$10 million ($5 million).
The Division, which is responsible for four permanent Antarctic research stations and a territory covering more than 40% of the ice-covered continent, wants to increase the time scientists can spend there during its three-month summer (late October to mid-March), up to half of which is currently spent on ships travelling to and from Casey.
The air service is required to transfer up to 400 people, mainly scientists, to and from the research stations annually, with about 20 flights each carrying 20 passengers. The contract will be for five years with a five-year extension option, and specifications suggest a four-engined turboprop such as a Lockheed Martin C-130 derivative or a three-engined jet. Twinjets are unlikely to meet extended twin-engine operations specifications, although the provision of a point of no return arrangement has not been ruled out.
Services could fly from anywhere in Australia, but the most likely departure points are Hobart, Tasmania, 3,400km (1,850nm) from Casey, or Albany, Western Australia, with a route distance of 3,500km. The contract will not replace any present aircraft or shipping arrangements.
Eight firms have until 21 September to submit bids.
A runway of either "blue ice" (sea ice) or compacted snow suitable for wheeled aircraft will be built at Casey, just outside the Antarctic Circle. The Division will build the runway, provide fuel and radio navigation systems. Smaller aircraft will link Casey with the Division's Mawson and Davis bases.
Source: Flight International
