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For
the first time a Royal New Zealand Air Force Orion has
landed on the ice runways of Antarctica.
The P3-K Orion, from No. 5 Squadron was conducting a
trial flight to the region. The trial flight will determine
the feasibility of conducting patrols from Antarctica
in support of the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic
Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR).
The aircraft, with thirteen crew on board landed on the
Ice yesterday afternoon and is now on its way back to
Christchurch.
While the aircraft and crew has operated in extreme cold
weather conditions before, this is the first time they
have operated from an ice runway.
Air Component Commander, Air Commodore Dick Newlands
says the trial flight will confirm whether or not the
Orion can operate from the Pegasus Airfield at Antarctica.
"Pending the outcome of this trial flight future
surveillance missions may operate from Antarctica with
specific emphasis on meeting the CCAMLR surveillance,
deterrence and enforcement requirements," said Air
Commodore Newlands.
The flight was welcomed by New Zealand's CCAMLR Commissioner,
Trevor Hughes of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
"These flights are in support of the CCAMLR Convention,
which aims to conserve the precious marine life of the
Southern Ocean. The Orion flights demonstrate how seriously
New Zealand takes CCAMLR's goals," said Mr Hughes.
Antarctica New Zealand CEO Lou Sanson says operating
out of Antarctica would provide greater direct access
to the Southern Ocean.
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