|
|
|
Latest update on Antarctica 2003 logistics
14:14 p.m. EDT Oct 15, 2003
Lack of clients forced Cerpolex today to withdraw from this Antarctica season. Even though this is bad news for our French friends, it will certainly help AL&E to pull of their operation. The field is now wide open for the new company/old player Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions.
Mike Sharp, who is going to be Base Camp manager in Patriot Hills this year, is excited to go back to Antarctica. In a phone call with ExWeb today he says everything is moving along fine. Two Twin Otters are contracted and will fly in Mid-November to make ready the blue-ice runway for the Ilyushin.
Ilyushin flights are scheduled for Nov 25, Nov 30, Dec 11 (out only), Dec 25, Jan 5, Jan 18 and finally Feb 2. New for this year is an airport size snow-blower that will be able to clean the strip in 18 hours, no wind present. As always the Ilyushin dates are subject to weather conditions, but the high-capacity snow-blower will make it easier to keep close to the plan.
AL&E is trying to keep the prices at ANI-level of earlier years and a return-trip Punta Arenas-Patriot Hills is $12000. For more prices contact Mike Sharp at mike.sharp@antarctic-logistics.com. If you want to climb Winson, contact Mike and he will arrange a flight only deal, or put you in touch with expedition organizers that arrange guides, equipment, Base Camp setup etc.
AL&E are focusing on climbers and skiers this year and don’t offer service for tourists. If you really want to go down and are prepared to cook for yourself however, it could be possible to negotiate a seat ticket on the plane.
AL&E will try to arrange joint pick-ups at the Pole for the skiing expeditions. That way the skiers only have to pay a part of the Twin Otter flight – earlier the major cost in a polar expedition. The Twin Otters are in addition outfitted with Iridium Sky Tracking system, increasing the security.
Familiar faces will work with AL&E in Punta and Patriot. ANI veterans Rachel and Steve are already down in Punta preparing for crew and clients. Much beloved Fran is back again and will cook in BC.
Jaco - the popular weather guy - will do the forecasts and guide the Ilyushin in.
Image Ilyushin landing at Antarctica ExplorersWeb files.
|
