Our Achievements

1985-1990: The Early Years

We opened up the heart of Antarctica to expeditions and established the first inland, blue-ice airfield in Antarctica. The idea of using blue-ice areas to land conventional aircraft had been around since the early 60’s, but was unproved until we landed a DC-4 at Patriot Hills in 1987. This ground-breaking achievement changed the face of Antarctic aviation and allowed us to fly direct from Chile to Antarctica, without the need for re-fueling stops along the way.

• Created a support and transportation system for mountaineers wishing to scale Mount Vinson
• Surveyed a blue-ice runway to establish an air-link from Chile to the Ellsworth Mountains, West Antarctica
• 1st wheeled landing of a DC-4 aircraft on Patriot Hills blue-ice runway, Antarctica
• 1st tourist flight to the Geographic South Pole
• 1st guided ski expedition from the edge of the Antarctic continent to the Geographic South Pole. A distance of 702 mi (1130 km)
• 1st wheeled landing of a DC-6 aircraft on Patriot Hills blue-ice runway
• Supported the 1st-ever crossing of the continent on foot (International Trans-Antarctica Expedition)

1991-2003:  More Pioneering Achievements

We came of age in the 1990s. Early exploration led to a well structured company, determined to have a light touch on the Antarctic environment. We expanded our range of guided experiences and services and continued to explore new blue-ice airfields and suitable aircraft for our operations.

• 1st private flight to the majestic emperor penguin colony at Dawson-Lambton Glacier
• Founding member of IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators)
• 1st private company to conduct an Environment Impact Assessment on our Antarctic operations
• 1st wheeled landing of a Hercules aircraft on Patriot Hills blue-ice runway
• 1st private climbing expedition to the Transantarctic Mountains
• Surveyed a blue-ice runway in Dronning Maud Land, East Antarctica, establishing an air-link between South Africa and Antarctica
• Support for National Geographic Magazine and the North Face climbing team in Dronning Maud Land
• Logistic support for the longest ever manhaul expedition across Antarctica (Dixie Dansercoer and Alain Hubert)
• Conducted a reconnaissance flight for blue-ice runways in East Antarctica
• Ilyushin 76 aircraft provides more passenger and cargo space and a shorter flight time between Chile and Antarctica
• Support for the longest crossing of the Antarctic Continent by two women (Ann Bancroft and Liv Arnesen)

2003-2010:  Expanding Our Capabilities

A transition of ownership while expanding logistic capabilities to better support expeditions and scientific research and building a more comfortable base camp for our guests.

• Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions LLC established in 2003 and purchased Adventure Network International later that year
• Investment in tractors, snow clearing, cargo handling and other heavy equipment
• Began flight and logistic support for National Antarctic Programs
• Operated first overland tractor-train expedition to investigate sub-glacial lakes around the Ellsworth Mountains
• Installed automatic weather stations at the Ellsworth Mountains, the 1st in this sector reporting to the World Meteorological Organization
• Started four year project to establish new blue-ice runway at Union Glacier

2010 and Beyond:  A New Standard of Service

The next step was to find a more efficient way to fly passengers and cargo deep into Antarctica. The search for a better runway to support intercontinental flights was on.

• We moved our main camp & blue-ice runway to Union Glacier after 20 seasons of operation at Patriot Hills. This new into-wind runway provides a more predictable flight schedule
• Improved facilities with more comfortable guest tents, heated multi-purpose tents for dining and lectures, and a greater range of outdoor activities
• 1st guided ascent of Mount Sidley, Antarctica’s highest volcano
• 2011 ALE celebrated the centenary of Roald Amundsen’s and Robert Falcon Scott’s arrival at the South Pole. Guests overnight at our new South Pole Camp
• Overland traverse to deploy the Brazlian Antarctic Program’s Criosfera 1 module
• Ongoing support for major science projects, including Subglacial Lake Ellsworth Project and POLENET
• ALE guided teams establish new routes and 1st ascents in the Heritage Range
• 1st landing of a commercial Boeing 757 passenger airliner on a blue-ice runway in Antarctica
• 1st guided ascent of Mount Tyree, Antarctica’s 2nd highest peak