First flight to blue-ice landing strip expected in December to support science missions
Australia is close to completing a new blue-ice runway in Antarctica, paving the way for demonstration flights later this year and, ultimately, regular services between Australia and Antarctica in support of scientific missions.
Work started on the 4,000m (13,000ft) Wilkins ice runway last year as part of Canberra's A$46.3 million ($35.3 million) intercontinental air link project included in the country's 2005-6 budget.
A runway construction team is due to arrive on Antarctica in early October to continue proof-rolling and complete the runway surface ahead of flight trials planned for December. The runway will operate during the southern hemisphere summer period.
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| Skytraders operates a ski-equipped EADS Casa C-212-400 to Antartica |
Sydney-based Skytraders currently operates flights linking Australia's Antarctic research centres, using two ski-equipped EADS Casa C-212-400s. Skytraders has proposed using a Dassault Falcon 900EX to operate the 5h link from Hobart, Tasmania to the Wilkins ice runway, near the Casey research centre. Skytraders' bid is one of several being considered by the Australian Antarctic Division. The Canberra government has declined to comment on other bids, but says a decision is due within four to six weeks.
"The new air transport service swill provide a far more efficient way of getting people to and from Antarctica," says Ian Campbell, Australian minister for the environment and heritage.
The intercontinental air link was designed to support research projects on Antarctica, but the government believes it could also result in new tourism services.
Source: Flight International
