Environment

The provision of air services in the most pristine and fragile environment on the planet requires operating procedures that leave the smallest possible environmental footprint. From the conception of Skytraders involvement in Antarctica, caring for this fragile ecosystem has been of pivotal focus.

Skytraders proposal for the Airlink Service was unique in that it removed the requirement for refueling in Antarctica originally envisaged. The need to refuel in Antarctica would have necessitated a large fuel depot at the runway requiring lengthy overland traverses along with fuel transfers and consequential exposure to environmental damage.

The utilization of Skytraders A319 CJ results in the aircraft travelling from Hobart to Wilkins Runway and returning to Hobart without the requirement to refuel. This approach has significantly reduced the environmental impact of the Airlink and removed a potential environmental hazard from the project.

The utilization of a fleet of modern aircraft for all Antarctic services has resulted in significant environmental benefits such as lower fuel consumption during operations, systems that avoid the spillage of fuel or oil and reduced noise levels during landing, take off and over-flight of the continent. Skytraders continues to work closely with the Australian Antarctic Division to ensure that world’s best practice is in place to achieve the very best outcome for this fragile environment.