Aviation News – Portuguese carrier Hi Fly has achieved its first Airbus A330 landing in Antarctica, marking a major step in expanding commercial operations on the continent.
Portuguese charter airline Hi Fly successfully landed an Airbus A330-302 on the blue-ice runway at Wolf’s Fang Runway on 1 December 2025. The milestone underscores the airline’s continued investment in polar aviation and strengthens its capability to support scientific, logistical and tourism missions to one of the world’s most remote environments.
The A330, registered 9H-HFI and powered by General Electric engines, touched down at 23:59 local time after a carefully planned approach suited to Antarctica’s challenging conditions. Hi Fly has previously operated smaller aircraft to the continent, and this landing represents a significant expansion of its operational range and payload capacity in the region.
Operating a widebody aircraft on blue-ice requires precise performance calculations, specialized landing techniques and rigorous cold-weather procedures. The A330’s long range and sizeable payload make it well-suited to support growing demand for flights connecting international hubs with Antarctic research stations and expedition bases.