Yutaro Ehara contributed the story.
I enjoy flying, travelling around the globe, taking pictures of airplanes and modeling aircraft.
I was able to board an Antarctica flight operated in 2019 by Qantas. This was a year before COVID. Qantas had operated many Antarctica flights from Australian cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide before the COVID pandemic. These flights were all served by the Boeing 747-404.
The flight route may vary depending on where you are coming from. I chose to join the tour from Adelaide in November.
Tickets were available for four classes at the time: Ice (First), Premium Economy, Economy, and Business. Premium Economy and Business were divided into window or isle. Economy was split into three variations: window, middle, or isle. A unique rule was in place that required passengers to change their seats halfway through the flight. This rule would allow most passengers to view outside, even if they were in the middle or isle. So I chose a middle seat.
The flight time is over 12 hours. Today, there are not many chances to fly on a B747 longer than 12 hours.
The adventure began at Adelaide airport. All passengers were asked to be at the boarding gate before 07:15. Because I was so excited, I couldn't fall asleep that night.
After passing through security, I saw the Queen of the Skies proudly positioned at the front of terminal and relaxing nonchalantly in the sun. Australian airports were able to allow passengers to go through security without boarding passes at that time. Many avgeeks also came to see the B747 which is still a rare aircraft in Adelaide.
To get a brochure and boarding pass, I went to the special check-in counter located in front of the boarding gates. I was fortunate to get an exit row seat without a window. This would normally be a problem, but I could see outside from my seat through the door window. It meant that I wouldn't have to change seats with anyone during the flight, which was great!
While we boarded, I was captivated by the Queen of the Skies. It was already full of documents about the history and surveillance history of Australia when I arrived at mine seat.
At 08:33, QF2905 flew off the block and continued to runway 05. As we left, many avgeeks snapped pictures at the spot. Once we had landed, we turned right and headed towards Antarctica's Australian territory. It took approximately four hours. The cabin crew served international meals as we traveled.
The captain descended to 8000ft once we had made our approach to Antarctica. As we approached Antarctica I was able to see many icebergs shining brightly. We had to wear sunglasses while we were up there! The captain began manoeuvres to show passengers both the coast and the scenery just over Casey station.
Before I actually saw Antarctica, I thought it would be a pure white landscape, with only snow and ice. Although there are many rocks, mountains, and ice, these aren't just white. They are also beautiful light blues or emeralds. Those views will stay with me forever!
For four hours, we were in Antarctica. All passengers took pictures, talked to each other and walked around the cabin taking in the views. The second meal, and the Australian wines that were served over Antarctica, will remain in my memory forever.
A member of the surveillance team and an Antarctica specialist were also present. They shared amazing stories and explained many details about Antarctica. The beautiful views were enhanced by the fact that everyone could hear it through the PA system.
From the air, I was able to see "Wilkins Runway" ICAO: YWKS. The blue ice runway was maintained well and snow removal workers were on hand to clear the snow. Probably Kenn Borek Air was waiting for their next mission.
After the observation flight, the B747 was able to climb up to the highest flight level to return to Adelaide. The cabin was used for auctions on Antarctica-related items. One member of the Australian surveillance team showed off the actual Antarctica cold protection she used. On the flight, limited edition souvenirs were also sold. These events were also very enjoyable for me.
Ten hours later, I was able to see the stunning sunset from the air. This view is one of my favorite views, featuring 2 engines and 1 winglet. Dinner was served on the third flight. The Queen of the Skies then descended to Adelaide, and touched down at 21:00.
Qantas has now retired Queen due to the COVID pandemic. This means that people will not be able to fly the B747 to experience this flight. Qantas has replaced the Queen with a Boeing 787 for this Antarctica flight.
Yutaro Ehara contributed the story.
