The first flight to Antarctica departed at 6am today from Christchurch, following four months of winter darkness down on the Ice. The annual winter flight programme, known as Winfly, coincides with the first sunrise over Scott Base.

Four C17 flights are planned over a six-day period supplying both the New Zealand and US Bases with science equipment, building and maintenance supplies along with fresh food, mail and key personnel for the forthcoming summer season.

“Winfly is the curtain-raiser for the start of the Antarctic season. After many months of planning and weeks of total darkness, the first flight is always a welcome sight for the staff at Scott Base and McMurdo Station, said Lou Sanson, CEO of Antarctica New Zealand.

Scott Base Winter Manager Dan Mathers said this year’s winter staff have worked particularly hard keeping Scott base operational and repairing damage from the biggest storm to hit Scott Base in 30 years.

“Everyone here is rejuvenated by the return of the daylight, and we’re now waiting patiently for the sun to appear over the horizon. Winfly is a lot like Christmas Eve. We're all looking forward to seeing new and familiar faces, and one of the biggest treats will be fresh fruit” said Dan Mathers.

Summer science activities also begin to gain momentum following on from Winfly. NIWA scientists will travel to Scott Base on the first Winfly flight to begin a series of measurements focused on watching the development of the ozone hole over Antarctica. Another group of researchers will be monitoring CO2 and other greenhouse gases in Antarctica, which has the cleanest air on Earth. This research aims to better understand global levels of these gases.

Mainbody flights start to Antarctica on 5 October.

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