A blue glacial ice runway is hard and can support heavy aircraft such the A340. Special equipment carves grooves along the runway; after cleaning and carving, the surfaces provide an adequate braking coefficient. The runway is 3,000m long, so landing and stopping an A340 is not a problem

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Airbus A340 - InternationalInternational - 1991

The flights to Antarctica fly a small number of tourists, alongside scientists and essential cargo to the 'white continent'

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Airbus A340 - InternationalInternational - 1991

Hi Fly's operations to Antarctica are carried out in seasons that generally last four months, between November and February

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Airbus A340 - InternationalInternational - 1991

Hi Fly's operations department conducted several months of preparation with crews receiving specialised training prior to the first landing in 2021. Since then, the airline has returned to Antarctica for three consecutive seasons

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Airbus A340 - InternationalInternational - 1991

With no refuelling at Wolf's Fang Runway, the long-range A340-400 carries sufficient fuel for the outbound and return legs. However, it is limited to a certain number of passengers to ensure adequate accommodation and supplies in the event of a delay

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Airbus A340 - InternationalInternational - 1991

Supplies and passengers are loaded aboard Icelandair's 757 at Troll Station in late 2022

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing Boeing 757 - СШАUSA - 1982

Supplies and passengers are loaded aboard Icelandair's 757 at Troll Station in late 2022

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing Boeing 757 - СШАUSA - 1982

The Royal New Zealand Air Force, which operates a 757 regularly in region, supports several science stations

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing Boeing 757 - СШАUSA - 1982

The non-flying pilot has the critical role in making the usual instrument and visual callouts, especially in the final stages of the approach to the ice runway

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing Boeing 757 - СШАUSA - 1982

August Hakansson's Icelandair crew celebrate their arrival at Union Glacier with its blue ice runway in late 2021

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing Boeing 757 - СШАUSA - 1982