Ice Maiden
A Royal New Zealand Air Force Boeing 757 has completed a successful maiden trial flight to Antarctica. The recently upgraded Boeing 757-200 left Christchurch on Wednesday 16 December at 1130, arriving at McMurdo Station just before 1600 New Zealand time.
An RNZAF Boeing 757
After refuelling on the ice runway at Pegasus Airfield, McMurdo Station, the aircraft returned to Christchurch, arriving around midnight.
Air Component Commander, Air Commodore Steve Moore said, “The aim of the flight was to look at the suitability of the B757 to carry passengers to McMurdo, and the availability and suitability of passenger handling facilities, ground support equipment, and engineering support equipment required in the event the aircraft requires any maintenance.”
AIRCDRE Moore added that the recent upgrade of the Boeings’ navigation systems allowed the aircraft to operate into the high latitudes of McMurdo.
“Depending on the outcomes of the trial flight, it could be that the B757 would be a more efficient and effective way of transporting passengers than the C-130 Hercules or United States Air Force C-17, enabling these aircraft to be more effectively utilised to carry cargo,” said AIRCDRE Moore.