A historic milestone was reached with the first commercial flight landing at the rebuilt Petrel Base from Ushuaia, potentially positioning Argentina as a key waypoint for other countries.
For the first time, a commercial flight landed at the newly reconstructed Petrel Base in Antarctica, marking a significant milestone ahead of Argentina's National Antarctic Day on February 22. This inaugural flight was organized by a local company, HeliUshuaia, with the support of the Antarctic Joint Command (Cocoantar). The flight took four hours to cover the 1200 kilometers from Ushuaia, facing winds of nearly 150 km/h, and after a six-hour layover at the base, the return trip took two and a half hours.
The successful execution of this flight is expected to enhance Argentina's strategic position in Antarctica, potentially allowing the military outpost to serve as a stopover point for other countries exploring the region. The operation was meticulously planned, and in addition to landing at Petrel, the flight included a flyover of the Marambio Base, highlighting the logistical capabilities required for Antarctic missions.
This development comes as Argentina seeks to bolster its presence in Antarctica, a region of increasing geopolitical interest, especially as climate change opens new opportunities and challenges in the area. The establishment of commercial air routes could lead to more scientific collaboration and research, raising Argentina's profile as a significant player in Antarctic affairs.
