Key Points:

  • Norse Atlantic Airways confirms its plans for a one-off charter flight to Antarctica using a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, marking a first for the aircraft type in such missions.

  • The charter, serving the Norwegian Polar Institute, signifies Norse Atlantic’s inaugural flight to the continent.

  • This mission continues a trend of using commercial aircraft for transporting scientists and supplies to Antarctica, following Icelandair’s 767 operations in 2021.


Norse Atlantic's Pioneering 787 Dreamliner Charter to Antarctica

Norwegian low-cost airline Norse Atlantic Airways has announced plans to conduct a pioneering charter flight to Antarctica using a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. This unique mission, initially reported by Ishrion Aviation on X.com, will start in Norway and include a stopover. The airline's spokesperson confirmed to AirlineGeeks that the charter is commissioned for the Norwegian Polar Institute, marking the first time a 787 Dreamliner is used for an Antarctic charter flight.


Norse Atlantic’s Inaugural Antarctic Expedition

The upcoming charter by Norse Atlantic represents the airline’s first venture into Antarctic skies. While the specific objectives of the flight remain undisclosed, it is generally believed that the mission will involve transporting Norwegian scientists and essential supplies for polar research activities. This follows a pattern established by previous expeditions, notably Icelandair’s utilization of a Boeing 767 in 2021 to ferry scientists and provisions from Norway to Antarctica.

Continuing the Legacy of Commercial Flights to the Polar Region

Icelandair's charter operations in 2021 demonstrated the feasibility of using commercial aircraft for Antarctic missions, a precedent now being followed by Norse Atlantic. The 2021 flight, which stopped over in Cape Town, successfully landed at Troll Airfield in Antarctica, designated by the IATA code QAT. This airfield, managed by the Norwegian Polar Institute, primarily supports the institute's Troll Research Station. Norse Atlantic's decision to use a Boeing 787 Dreamliner for such a mission is not only a historic first but also continues the evolving role of commercial aircraft in supporting critical scientific research in remote regions like Antarctica.