In a historic feat, a Boeing 787 operated by Norse Atlantic Airways successfully landed at Troll Airfield (QAT) in Antarctica on November 15, marking the largest aircraft to touch down on the ice runway.
The Dreamliner, as detailed in the Norwegian carrier's press release, transported 45 passengers, including scientists from the Norwegian Polar Institute and various nations, along with 12 tons of research equipment for the expedition. The journey commenced on November 13 from Oslo, with a stop in Cape Town, South Africa, before undertaking the leg to Antarctica.
Bjorn Tore Larsen, CEO of Norse Atlantic Airways, expressed, "It is a great honor and excitement on behalf of the entire team Norse that we have achieved together a momentous moment of landing the first 787 Dreamliner. In the spirit of exploration, we are proud to have a hand in this important and unique mission. It is a true testament to our highly trained and skilled pilots and crew, and our state-of-the-art Boeing aircraft."
Given Antarctica's lack of traditional paved runways, the Norse Atlantic Airways Boeing 787 touched down on Troll Airfield's 10,830-feet by 330-feet runway constructed from compacted ice and snow.