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12/13/07

Stuff.co.nz: Airbus landing Antarctic milestone

Airbus lands on Antarctic


For the complete report from Stuff.co.nz click on this link

Airbus landing Antarctic milestone

Australia has scored an Antarctic coup by successfully landing a commercial airliner at its polar base.

A statement from the Australian Antarctic Division said the Airbus A319 landed on the purpose-built Wilkins Runway, around 70 kilometres from Casey station, late on Sunday night and returned to Hobart early on Monday."It is a most ambitious undertaking which, for the first time, connects Australia and Antarctica with a permanent air link. It really is a tremendous achievement and marks a significant milestone for Australia's Antarctic Program. "Operational crews reported that the AIRBUS aircraft handled the conditions well and had nothing but praise for Wilkins Runway. It has been a wonderful reward, too, for the ground support personnel who have worked so hard in sometimes appalling conditions." The first flight to Wilkins carried only operations personnel and was one of a series of successful 'proving' flights before final approval from authorities to allow passengers on board.

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