Airline celebrates half a decade of pioneering operations to the White Continent with A340 anniversary mission
Hi Fly has officially launched its fifth consecutive season of Antarctic operations, celebrating five years since the airline’s historic first Airbus A340 landing on the continent in 2021.
Operating for White Desert Antarctica, the inaugural mission of the 2025 season saw the Airbus A340-300 (9H-SUN) complete the round trip from Cape Town, South Africa, to Wolf’s Fang Runway, covering 2,500 nautical miles each way. The flight was once again commanded by Captain Carlos Mirpuri, Hi Fly Vice-Chairman, who led the original 2021 mission that made aviation history.
To commemorate the milestone, the crew unveiled a plaque reading “Celebrating 5 Years in Antarctica,” honouring the airline’s achievements in one of the most remote and challenging environments on Earth.
“Each year we return to Antarctica, we are reminded of the uniqueness of this mission, where precision flying, teamwork, and respect for the environment all come together,” said Commander Mirpuri. “Reaching the five-year mark is a proud achievement for Hi Fly and a testament to the dedication of everyone involved.”
During the first rotation of the season, A340 9H-SUN carried a 15-tonne payload and 81 tonnes of fuel, landing at 01:00 local time in -16°C temperatures and 25-knot katabatic winds. The aircraft completed a 1-hour 45-minute turnaround at Wolf’s Fang before returning to Cape Town.
As Hi Fly’s last remaining A340 nears retirement, the airline emphasised that upcoming replacements will be “equally capable but more efficient,” underscoring Hi Fly’s commitment to sustainability and modernisation.
Hi Fly, a leading wet lease and charter specialist, continues to demonstrate its ability to perform complex missions in extreme environments, reinforcing its reputation for innovation, reliability, and operational excellence.