Aviation News – Hi Fly has returned to Antarctica for its fifth consecutive operational season, sustaining a pioneering air link to the remote White Continent and reinforcing the airline’s role in specialized polar aviation.
Hi Fly first made history in 2021 when it completed the world’s first Airbus A340 landing in Antarctica. The 2025 season, running from November to February, continues this milestone, with the A340-300 (registration 9H-SUN) once again transporting passengers from Cape Town, South Africa, to Wolf’s Fang Runway. The flights are operated for White Desert Antarctica, a luxury tourism and research logistics provider. Commander Carlos Mirpuri, Hi Fly Vice-Chairman and pilot on the original groundbreaking mission, returned to the cockpit for this season’s inaugural operation.
The Airbus A340’s long-range capacity, robust performance, and versatility make it suitable for the demanding polar route. Wolf’s Fang Runway, built from naturally occurring blue ice, requires precision landings and specialized crew training, aligning closely with Hi Fly’s operational expertise in challenging environments.
This continued service strengthens air accessibility to Antarctica for scientific teams, logistical personnel, and limited tourism activities, while showcasing how commercial aviation can safely operate in extreme climates. Future expansions may include further route refinements and support for expanded research missions.
Hi Fly’s ongoing presence in Antarctica highlights how strategic aviation solutions can enable exploration and sustainable access to some of the planet’s most remote regions.
