Antarctica

Another first for Hi-Fly: Airbus A330 lands in Antarctica

Hi Fly has once again made aviation history, successfully landing an Airbus A330 in Antarctica for the first time.

The flight marks a new chapter in the airline’s pioneering Antarctic operations, just one month after celebrating five consecutive years of flights to the White Continent.

Hi Fly’s Airbus A330-302, registered 9H-HFI and equipped with General Electric engines, touched down safely on the blue-ice runway at Wolf’s Fang Runway, Antarctica, on December 1st at 11:59 p.m. local time. Commanded by Captain Carlos Mirpuri, Vice-Chairman of Hi Fly, the aircraft connected Cape Town, South Africa, to the remote airfield, continuing Hi Fly’s ongoing partnership with White Desert Antarctica for the 2025/2026 season. Joining the flight was Captain Antonios Efthymiou, Hi Fly’s CEO, who was on board to celebrate this important milestone.

The A330 shares the same fuselage as Hi Fly’s A340 but is powered by two engines instead of four, delivering comparable performance with greater cost efficiency and an improved environmental footprint. Twin-engine operations at Wolf’s Fang runway are now possible thanks to additional ground support equipment that was not in place when Hi Fly began Antarctic flights. Highly reliable, comfortable, and with an excellent safety record, the aircraft performs exceptionally well in extreme polar conditions.

This milestone builds on the airline’s historic 2021 achievement, when Hi Fly became the first to land an Airbus A340 on the frozen continent. The introduction of the A330, renowned for its efficiency, versatility, and environmental credentials, represents a new era in sustainable, flexible operations to one of the world’s most challenging environments.

"Landing in Antarctica is never routine, every flight demands careful planning, exacting precision, and respect for the environment," said Captain Mirpuri, who also commanded Hi Fly’s first A340 mission. "Introducing the A330 to this remote runway highlights our commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and the ongoing evolution of polar aviation."

The arrival of the A330 reinforces Hi Fly’s status as a leader in complex, long-range, and environmentally demanding missions, combining proven operational expertise with the latest in modern widebody technology.

Hi Fly is a leading widebody aircraft wet lease and charter specialist, offering worldwide services to airlines, governments, tour operators, companies, and individuals. The company operates a modern and efficient fleet with a strong focus on safety, reliability, and sustainability. Hi Fly is well known for its expertise in special operations, humanitarian missions, and pioneering flights to some of the most challenging and remote locations on Earth, including its groundbreaking Antarctic operations.