Today the cars were flown with IL76, a Russian freight plane from Cape Town in South Africa to Novo airbase on Queen Maud Land in Antarctica. The plane is split up in two parts with a net; one half is for cargo and the other half for passengers. The plane can carry up to 20 tons, including 48 people. The flight took close to 6 hours.
We had to be at the airport two and half hour before departure. All the passengers carried their winter clothes in hand luggage to be able to change before landing in Antarctica. All other luggage had been checked in two days prior to departure.
The plane was very raw on the inside, with a high ceiling and a lot of noise! The comfort aboard was limited, but the atmosphere was relaxed and people could walk around the plane, even visit the cockpit! The passengers had put up their flags and the Icelandic flag was of course hanging there.
There were all kind of people on board the plane, scientists, people going on the expedition, mechanics and tourists, including a prince from Saudi-Arabia travelling with his wife and daughter.
Emil Grímsson
