Polar Logistics has started direct passenger and cargo flights between Cape Town, South Africa and Queen Maud Land, Antarctica, using a Lockheed Martin L-100-30 Hercules leased from Southern Air Transport. The 4,230km (2,300nm) flight takes around nine hours, carrying a 6.8t payload. Polar, which specialises in "high-latitude" operations, initially plans to operate the service during the Antarctic summer between November and February, but says that this could be extended if there is sufficient demand. The company has already carried cargo, mail and passengers for the governments of India, Norway and Russia, and supported two private expeditions.
Source: Flight International
