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MAY 2010 -

A319 - The A319 has been utilized during the month of May with charters completed for the Department of Immigration & Citizenship and several AFL teams.

C212 - VH-VHA will again undertake its megafauna census project in W.A. for the Woodside Oil company. Due to the success of last year's flights, Skytraders has been approached by other oil exploration and drilling companies for similar work.

APRIL 2010: -

A319 - Last month saw Skytraders being granted approval by CASA for operations to and from restricted width runways with particular relevance for flights to East Timor and the Pacific Island region, which have width runways limited to 30 m !
This further highlights the operational capabilities of the A319 and crew in restricted circumstances.

C212 - The C212's will again be utilized for a Woodside Oil Megafauna census off the spectacularly scenic Western Australian coast, beginning in June. One of our C212's will be based in Broome for the duration of this charter.

MARCH 2010: -

C212's: - Following the C212's ferry flight back home to Essendon, Gadget was taken to the Melton Air Show in VIC as part of the 'Celebration of 100 Years of Australian Aviation'. This was an opportune event to showcase the variety of work opportunities in Antarctica for potential expeditioners.
Upon returning to Australia the skis on the VHA were found to be in excellent condition considering it was their busiest Antarctic Season to date. A heavy maintenance inspection is scheduled for Ginger to be completed by the end of April, to be ready for duty once again for the off-season.

FEBRUARY 2010:-

A319 - Despite the closure of the Wilkins runway until the 13th February 2010, due to high temperatures, the A319 completed 5 return flights to McMurdo and 3 to Wilkins, resulting in a very successful conclusion to the Summer Antarctic season.
Highlights for the month being the medivac of a French expeditioner from Dome C ( where night temperatures had fallen to -51c) and the medivac for the American Antarctic program from McMurdo to Christchurch.

C212 - The final month of the Summer Antarctic season saw our C212's utilized to the maximum limit. Weeks were spent conducting whale survey flights and numerous over flights, carrying technicians to fix an automatic weather station and deliver previously unseen Casey Station moss samples for scientific research.
Needless to say VHA played a major role in evacuating a patient from Dome C to Casey and then onto Wilkins, whence the A319 took over for the direct flight to Hobart. Well done team !

JANUARY 2010:-

A319 - Antarctic operations for the A319 in January involved unscheduled flights, as exemplified by the evacuation of a seriously injured CHINARE expeditioner. The Airbus' flight to Hobart carried not only the casualty but other scheduled passengers and in addition, a CASA Flight Operations Inspector and an Airworthiness Inspector. This allowed them to observe air operations and it was also an opportunity to fully participate in the A319 flight operations in Hobart and Wilkins.

C212: - A busy and productive January for our C212 operations included unscheduled flights and a high work load.
Major elements of last month's flying program were the AAD's Treaty Inspection flight, the very successful medical evacuation, continuation of whale surveys and numerous aerial reconnaissance flights.

DECEMBER 2009: -

A319 - The first Airbus flight to Wilkins, commencing at the start of December landed on the blue-ice runway without incident, finding both runway and Wilkins' facilities to be in excellent condition. The A319 has performed faultlessly throughout all operations for the remainder of 2009.

C212: - Both 'Ginger' and 'Gadget' have also performed perfectly throughout the season and have benefited from a comprehensive winterization program. This program has identified the special needs of cold climate operations and modified the aircraft to best address these needs.
The digital cameras fitted to VHA and VHB have been collecting opportunistic data, resulting in the discovery of a previously unknown colony of Emperor penguins on the Shackelton ice shelf.!

NOVEMBER 2009 - .
A319 - Five new casual cabin crew were certified in the Skytraders, Tullamarine office in November to ensure our ability to meet demands of the increased numbers on some Antarctic operations and future A319 charter operations.
Another successful Airbus operation was completed in November from Christchurch, NZ to McMurdo. This was conducted for the Italian national Antarctic Programme and carried a total of 51 Italian, French and British expeditioners along with approximately 3 tonne of baggage and fresh supplies. Our experinced crew were able to conduct full briefings in the native tongues of all the passengers, which made for a very happy and memorable flight.

C212 - The start to the 2009 season for the C212's has been a very successful one, carrying out duties at both Casey and Davis stations. Whilst weather conditions have been challenging, the C212 crew have put in an outstanding effort to maximise output, within the flying time available.

OCTOBER 2009 - Start of the 'Antarctic Season'
A319 - Monday 26th October marked the start of the 2009 Antarctic Season ! with the A319-VHD transporting 49 government personnel, their baggage and 350 kg of essential cargo from Hobart to McMurdo. On-carriage was continued to Wilkins on a USAP-C130.
Skytraders also executed a Deed of Standing offer with the Australian Department of Defence, for appointment to the Air Transport panel for a period of 3 years, with two successive 1 year options.

C212's - VHB positioned to Hobart on 1st October for the 2009/2010 Antarctic Season and has since departed with much fanfare!
VHA required pre-departure maintenance and configuration following the completion of the Woodside OIl Mega Fauna census contract in W.A and underwent ski refurbishment work carried out in our Skytraders workshop facility. VHA has also been deployed to the Antarctic!

SEPTEMBER 2009 -
A319 - By request, our A319 Airbus was proudly included in the static display as part of the ISAS Medical Evacuation, "Remote & Wild" Conference in Hobart, from 1st to 3rd October 2009.
It is now positioned in Melbourne ready for the eminent and exciting start of the 'Antarctic Season'.

C212 - The CASA 212's completed their final, successful environmental task for Woodside Oil on 23rd September, before they too, head to the Antarctic for the Summer Season.
Due to the strong relationship built up between Skytraders, the crew and Woodside Oil we are very optimistic about providing future work of a similar nature with this client.
The VH-VHB was also deployed to Hobart as part of the static display for the ISAS Conference between 1st & 3rd October 09.

AUGUST 2009 -
A319 - On the 19th of August, VHD returned to post 'C' check service with a test flight conducted at Melbourne. A minor adjustment was all that was needed and the flight proceeded without the detection of any further problems of any kind. This is most unusual after the completion of such extensive work and speaks to the quality of maintenance practice which we are achieving with this aircraft.

C212 - A great month for the C212 ! Skytraders has achieved a milestone in its engagement with the Antarctic program with CASA's issuance of the Supplementary Type Certificate for operation of the aeroplane at 8,470 kgs on skis. This marks the first new Transport Category aircraft to achieve such a certification, anywhere in the world, in the post-war period. This certification provides a means whereby the carriage of personnel in Antarctica is now facilitated in an aircraft specifically certified and approved for that purpose.
VHA has also continued its successful flying program on the North-West coast of Australia for Woodside Oil.

JULY 2009 -
A319 - A complex area of aviation which has undergone and continues to undergo regulatory change pertains to 180EDTO operations and principles. Skytraders is one of only four Australian carriers to hold approvals of this kind which clearly indicates the company's ability to rise to the challenge and the confidence shown by the regulator in having granted such approvals.

C212 - VHA has remained in Broome continuing its native fauna survey, an important element of the North-West shelf off shore gas development program. We pride ourselves that both aircraft are continuing to perform impeccably. The client has also commented favourably on the 100% reliability demonstrated by Skytraders equipment. This project enables comparative performance levels of Skytraders to be drawn with non-Antarctic operators and has proven beneficial for the maintenance of the off-season crew currency and the ongoing development of enhanced safety practices.

JUNE 2009 -
A319 - The conclusion of the establishment of terms for the MOU between the Antarctic division and Defence Force is very pleasing and will provide further opportunities for the valuable and practical use of the aircraft.
Meanwhile the demand for an all business-class aircraft with lesser seating capacity than the B757 but increased versatility such as Skytraders ACJ, is a viable option keenly sought by long established, first class world tour operators.

C212 - VHA has positioned to Broome for a second mission of offshore environmental surveys with Woodside Oil. Our pilots and engineers have developed great enthusiasm for this important project and their success has seen the client agree to a further extension of their contract with skytraders.

MAY 2009 -
A319 - Skytraders continues to devote great effort to enhancing its operational approvals and capabilities to ensure it remains at the forefront of the aviation industry. The introduction of the Airphase flight monitoring system is unusual for an operator of Skytraders' size and shows our ongoing commitment to safety and best operating practices.

C212 - A continuing contract with Woodside Petroleum has been agreed to, conducting whale and dugong surveys based out of Broome, W.A.
Additionally, the in-house work being carried out in our Melbourne workshop is very innovative and of exceedingly high standard. The quality of this facility is reflected by in-service reliability and performance.

APRIL 2009 - And Now For Something Completely Different....

A319 - March was an important month for A319 operations from two major standpoints. After a great deal of work by both Skytraders and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, approvals were granted for 180 EDTO operations across the Pacific and North Atlantic oceans. The conclusion of this process again points to the Regulatory authority's high level of confidence in the operation and administration of the company.
The need for finalisation of this approval was prompted by a request from the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet for a round the world trip supporting Mr Rudd's visit to Washington for meetings with U.S. President and to London, to participate in the G20 meeting.
The trip gave rise to a very high level of praise from the passengers onboard and it is hoped that this praise will see the nomination of VHD as preferred aircraft for future charters of this kind.

C212 - VHB has performed extremely well in its North-West shelf operations on behalf of Woodside. The aircraft arrived in Perth on the 14th of March under the direction of the projects' Team Leader, Captain Troy Fleet and returned to Melbourne on the 29th March. Once again the very high levels of service reliability of these aircraft has been demonstrated with a faultless operation much to the customer's satisfaction.

CASA has recently completed a review and approval of the new CASA 212 system of maintenance. This revision addresses issues such as the plate-ski, Dowty propeller testing and 8,470 kg operations. The process involved significant changes to the Maintenance Control manual and resulted in the issuance of an approval by the regulator on the 23rd March 09.

March 2009 - End of the 'Summer Season'

February has been the busiest and most productive month in the short history of the A319 Antarctic operations. Five flights between Hobart and Wilkins were completed and in addition, four flights between McMurdo and Christchurch on behalf of USAP/NSF.

A long standing arrangement was in place between the AAD and USAP to provide Airbus support for the Summer season closure of McMurdo, involving four flights from Christchurch, between 19th - 23rd February 2009. The first of these flights followed, possibly, the first direct flight from Hobart to McMurdo.

February 2009 - Airlink to Antarctica

2009 has seen the full implementation of the A319 Airlink to Antarctica for the Australian Antarctic Division, with weekly operations to Wilkins Runway carrying not only AAD personnel but expeditioners from the national Antarctic Programmes of several other nations. In addition,several flights have been carried out on behalf of the united States Antarctic program and National Science Foundation between Christchurch and McMurdo Station. These latter operations culminated in the uplift of 268 expeditioners over a four day period as the final closing flights for the US programme for the year.

CASA 212 aircraft have been operating throughout Australian Antarctic Territory and notably in support of the AGAP multi national project operating from a base camp established at over 9000 feet above sea level. Also, an extensive whale survey was successfully completed over the Southern Ocean to the north of Casey. Scientists of several nations have been transferred directly from the Intercontinental Airlink to Concordia Station in under eleven hours - a journey that may previously have taken many days to complete.

January 2009 - Working with New Zealand and the USA.

The Airbus A319 has recently completed four flights from Christchurch in New Zealand to McMurdo in support of the United States Antarctric Programme and National Science Foundation. All these flights operated to schedule and have carried up to 55 passengers.

Following the Commencement of operations to the Wilkins runway near Casey on 1st January, further international co-operation and proof of the success of an integrated air transport network has been demonstrated by the flight of Australian, French and German scientists from Hobart to Wilkins. This was followed by an immediate transfer by CASA212 to Concordia Station, located 10,000 feet above sea level, some 550 miles south of Casey. No such direct link has existed before and expeditioners previously faced circuitous routes often over many days.!

December 2008 - Skytraders Aircraft Supporting Other Major International Programmes.

December and January have seen great activity in Antarctica for both the CASA 212 ski-planes and the Airbus A319, in support of not only the Australian Antarctic Division but also other major international programmes. One CASA 212 completed a very successful whale survey over the Southern Ocean and coastline of Eastern Antarctica. The still, video and IR camera installations for this project - now in its second year - were conceived and designed by Skytraders.

January 2008 - First Passenger Flights from Australia to Antarctica

Nearly 50 years after it was first mooted the first passenger carrying flights between Australia and the Antarctic commenced with a four and a half hour flight from Hobart to Wilkins Ice Runway carrying eight Australian Antarctic Division scientists and Environment Minister, Peter Garrett. After several trial and test flights, the A319 has been added to Skytraders' AOC to permit worldwide charter and airwork operations to EDTO (ETOPS) 180 minutes.

December 2007 - First blue ice landing for an Airbus

On 09 December 2007, Skytraders' A319 landed on the Wilkins blue ice runway in the Australian Antarctic Territory near Casey Station. In a first for an Airbus, VH-VHD landed on a solid blue ice runway that had been carved into the ice of the Vanderford Glacier. The landing in minus 15C temparatures with winds over 30 knots was flawless and the aircraft stopped in well under 1000 metres.

November 2007 - First twin engined airliner lands in Antarctica.

On 21 November 2007 the A319 completed the first landing and takeoff of a commerical passenger jet in the Antarctic. The flight left Christchurch in New Zealand and landed at the snow covered seaice runway at McMurdo Sound. Once there the aircraft completed numerous trial takeoff and landings before returning to Christchurch. The aircraft performed flawlessly in a demanding environment. The flight was repeated several days later.

February 2007 - A319CJ Arrives in Australia, and Antarctica.

After a delivery flight from France, Skytraders' Airbus A319CJ arrived in Australia in mid February. On 27th February, it conducted a proving flight from Hobart flying over the Wilkins runway in Antarctica before returning to Hobart. The aircraft will be undergoing some minor modifications and repainting in Melbourne until July.

With its extremely long range and many configuration possibilities, the aircraft is very versatlie and will be available for worldwide charter work .

February 2007 - C212s return from Antarctica

On February 26, both C212-400s flew from Casey to Hobart. The pilots mentioned that they enjoyed good tailwinds and fine weather during their 10 hour crossing of the Southern Ocean. That ferry flight concluded another successful season in Antarctica flying in support of the Australian Government Antarctic Division.

January 2007 - C212s visit Enderby Land

Skytraders' two ski equipped CASA 212-400 aircraft have just completed a long trip from Davis, Antarctica to deploy science equipment to Enderby Land, the farthest west part of the Australian Antarctic Territory. The range and payload of the CASAs allowed a geoscience team and all their equipment to be transported in one go, greatly enhancing the ability to service these remote areas of Antarctica. One aircraft stayed with the scientists in Enderby Land for four days, whilst the other aircraft continued to the Japanese Antarctic Research Station of Swoya.

December 2006 - Skytraders selected to provide A319 Antarctic Service

The Australian Government today announced the acquisition of an Airbus A319 for use on the $46.3 million Australian Government Antarctic Air Service. The Minister for the Environment and Heritage, Senator Ian Campbell, said the announcement marked an exciting step forward for Australia’s research and exploration effort in Antarctica. The air service is expected to commence flights between Australia and Antarctica in early 2007.

"The Airbus will help secure Australia’s position as a world leader in Antarctic capabilities and research,” Senator Campbell said.

“It will modernise our support for Australia’s Antarctic programme and allow researchers to travel between the two continents much quicker and more safely. It will reduce the time it takes to travel from Australia to Wilkins runway in Antarctica from 10 days to four hours. At the moment, researchers, scientists, technicians and field staff spend their time cooped up on a ship. The new Airbus will mean expeditioners can get there quickly and spend more time on the ice for research.”

Senator Campbell said ships would continue to be used for marine science, transporting some passengers and re-supplying stations.

“We estimate 10 to 20 flights of the Air Service will be conducted each summer once the system is fully operational,” Senator Campbell said.

“The intercontinental capability of the A319 will complement the current fleet of Antarctic-based helicopters and CASA 212s which now fly personnel to field locations and between Australia’s stations with Antarctica.

“The A319 is scheduled to make its delivery flight to Australia in late January 2007 with its inaugural flight to the new Wilkins runway expected in early February 2007. The air service is expected to be operational for the 2007-08 Antarctic season.”

The A319 will be leased and operated by Skytraders Pty Ltd of Sydney. The initial lease period for the Airbus A319 will be for five years beginning in late January 2007.Construction of a snow-capped ice runway began in December 2005 and will continue during the 2006/07 summer season.

November 2006

April 2006

We have now completed our second successful season of flying in Antarctica and Ginger and Gadget have returned to Sydney where they are undergoing their annual maintenance programs. The aircraft continue to demonstrate their robust construction as engineers fail to detect any sign of wear resultant from another year of challenging ski operations.

The skis themselves continue to undergo design tuning in order to enable our aircraft to be capable of addressing the widest possible range of terrain. 2005-2006 saw the season start with an extended series of operations from the sea-ice outside Davis station as the drive got underway to establish a base for the Amisor project on the Amery Ice shelf.

VH-VHA and VHB demonstrated the enormous benefit which their rear ramp-loading access delivers in terms of ease of loading and speed of deployment.

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