Every year "Antarctic Flights.com" (http://www.antarcticaflights.com.au) put on scenic flights from Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Brisbane using aircraft chartered from Qantas Airways. These flights have been operating for 26 years and have always been operated by the "Queen of Sky" but since Qantas had retired the entire fleet of 747-400's last year another type of aircraft had to be used. Yesterday it was Brisbane's turn and the flight was performed by one of their 787's.
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| QANTAS B787-9 VH-ZND (MSN 63390) Photo Jon & Annette Logan |
The flight from Brisbane to Antarctica return is around 14 hours long. Yesterday's trip was operated by VH-ZND (MSN 63390), this aircraft is sporting the "Yam Dreaming" livery. QF 2906 pushed back from gate 24 at the domestic terminal at 7.41am and taxied out for runway 01R, the aircraft had a rolling start and got airborne at 7.57am. Initially climbing to flt lvl 340 it flew inland down towards Glen Innes and then banked left and headed out to sea, crossing the Australian coastline at Port Macquarie. QF 2906 arrived at Antarctica around 12.47pm.
There it descended from flt lvl 370 to 190. The aircraft circled for three hours at 19,000 feet and half way through the flight passengers would change seats, giving every passenger onboard the chance to see the magic of Antarctica’s glaciers and ice floes, as well as the rugged mountains of the Antarctic mainland.
At 4.07pm ZND began to climb to 380 and started its return journey back to Brisbane. QF 2906 landed on runway 01R 14 hours 26 minutes later at 10.17pm
The cost of a ticket ranges from "economy" $1,299 up to "ice class" $6,999. Passengers were provided with a personal Qantas pack with a disposable face mask, sanitiser and disinfectant wipes. Additionally, everyone on board was required to complete a health and safety declaration form, as well as perform a contactless temperature test prior to embarkation. Those people with a fever (38 degrees or higher) would be denied boarding, however they would receive a credit for a future Antarctica Flight. Guests were also provided with extra headrest covers and sanitising wipes in preparation for the seat rotation, which takes place halfway through the journey. With over 19 different flight paths over the continent, no two scenic trips will be the same, according to Antarctica Flights. The flight includes two full meal services, a full bar service, in-flight entertainment, as well as plenty of information from lecturers and arctic explorers on board.
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| Photo Jon & Annette Logan |
The next Antarctica flight leaves from Adelaide on the 14th February 2021
Thanks to Jon & Annette Logan for the use of their photos
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