Boeing 757 commercial plane lands on blue-ice runway in Antarctica for the first time

FOR the first time ever a commercial Boeing 757 has spectacularly landed on a blue-ice runway in Antarctica potentially changing future travel to the region.

Loftleidir Icelandic airliner lands in Antarctica for the first time. Picture: Tim Hewette/ALE

FOR the first time ever a commercial Boeing 757 passenger plane has landed in Antarctica at Union Glacer.

The Loftleidir Icelandic airliner touched down on the blue-ice runway as part of a mission to “to prove the feasibility of landing commercial passenger airliners at Union Glacier,” said a statement from Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions (ALE).

ALE transports 400-500 visitors to Antarctica each season on small group experiences, including visiting emperor penguin colonies and journeys to the South Pole. However, passengers usually fly on a passenger/cargo aircraft combination that have been tried and tested for blue-ice landing and polar conditions.

ALE hopes to use conventional passenger airliners in addition to passenger/cargo combination aircraft in the future.

“The Boeing 757-200 ER, fitted with 62 business class seats, will enhance passenger comfort yet maintain the safety of ALE’s activities and aircraft resources.”

In addition to guided tours, ALE also provides logistical support to many National Antarctic Programs and scientific research projects.