Hi Fly Makes History – First Airbus A330 Successfully Lands in Antarctica

Twin-Engine Widebody on the Ice: The Portuguese Charter Carrier Pioneers a New Era of Polar Aviation.

A significant milestone has been achieved in aviation history, as an Airbus A330 has successfully landed in Antarctica for the first time. The pioneering flight was operated by Hi Fly Malta, a subsidiary of the Portuguese charter airline, showcasing the ongoing evolution of extreme cold-weather operations.

The Wolf’s Fang Runway and the Mission

The Airbus A330-302 aircraft, registered as 9H-HFI and powered by General Electric engines, touched down on the unique Wolf’s Fang Runway (WFR) at 11:59 p.m. local time on December 1, 2025. The runway is located on a natural blue-ice plateau in Queen Maud Land and is known for demanding precise operations due to its reduced friction coefficient.

The aircraft flew for approximately five and a half hours from Cape Town, South Africa. The charter flight was part of the 2025/2026 seasonal flights operated in partnership with the logistics and tourism company White Desert Antarctica, delivering supplies and facilitating the rotation of expedition staff.

Operational and Environmental Significance

The flight was commanded by Captain Carlos Mirpuri (Hi Fly’s Vice-Chairman), who was joined by the company’s CEO, Captain Antonios Efthymiou, to mark the occasion.

The ability to operate the twin-engine A330 at Wolf’s Fang is a significant development, made possible by the introduction of new ground support equipment. Hi Fly previously operated the four-engine A340 on this route, having performed the first A340 landing in Antarctica in 2021. The A330 is lauded for its greater cost efficiency and improved environmental footprint compared to its predecessor, marking a step toward more sustainable polar missions.

“Landing in Antarctica is never routine; every flight demands careful planning, exacting precision, and respect for the environment,” stated Captain Mirpuri. “Introducing the A330 to this remote runway highlights our commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and the ongoing evolution of polar aviation”.

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