Intercontinental A319 historical timeline

1996

In late 1996 the Government requested the Antarctic Science Advisory Committee (ASAC) to undertake a 'foresight analysis' of Australia's Antarctic Program and to provide advice and recommendation on, among other things, "the infrastructure and logistical support most appropriate to support the Antarctic Program".

In ASAC's 1997 report Australia's Antarctic Program Beyond 2000: A Framework for the Future, it was recommended that an air transport system be provided. "An intercontinental air link couple to an intra-continental distribution service would provide the transportation flexibility which an innovative and responsive future Antarctic Program requires."

The Government accepted ASAC's advice and in 1998 asked the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) to conduct a study of intercontinental air transport options.
The Government also asked the AAD to investigate air transport options that gave due regard to Australia's environmental obligations and practical considerations, including costs.

The resultant air transport system scoping study determined that it was not only feasible but would significantly benefit Australia's Antarctic Program.
The Chief Scientist of the AAD provided ASAC with preliminary reports on the likely advantages.

Further investigations in 2000 recommended the AAD develop a blue ice runway at Bunger Hills and a compressed snow runway at Casey station.
The Chief Scientist of the AAD provided ASAC with additional reports on the likely advantages.
The procurement process commenced with an 'Expression of Interest' for provision of the proposed air transport system.

During the 2001/02 season further surveys of possible ice runway sites were undertaken near Casey station.
A National workshop was held, engaging the broader scientific community to discuss the prospect of new scientific research with an air transport system. Participants were reminded that the system would have to meet relevant safety standards and environmental obligations under the Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (AT(EP)) and as well as Australian legislation, Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Protection Act (EPBC).
A competitive commercial tender process was then commenced in 2002. The AAD was looking for a suitable commercial supplier to carry personnel between Australia and Antarctica, and between locations in Antarctica.
The Procurement process continued with a 'Request for Proposal' from identified companies interested in providing for the air transport system.

In February 2002 the Australian government announced the option preferred by the AAD.
Runway survey was carried out and construction trials were undertaken with the assistance of the USA, which has great experience of glacial runways.

In June 2003, a contract was signed with Skytraders for the purchase of two CASA-212 aircraft.
Further runway construction trials were undertaken, despite ongoing bad weather.
Ski development work was undertaken for the aircraft.
Submissions were sought for the IEE.
Two Twin Otters were chartered to test various aspects of the intracontinental air service.

Funding for the intercontinential component of the system is allocated to the AAD in the Federal Budget.
To clearly differentiate the now funded intercontinental project from all previous air transport endeavours, the re-titled Antarctic Airlink Project commenced on 1 July 2005.
Runway construction work commenced at Wilkins Runway site.

AAD selects an Airbus A319 (long range) aircraft operated by Skytraders for the inter continental air service
Runway construction work continues. New construction equipment and aerodrome infrastructure is delivered to Casey.

Runway proof rolled with multi wheeled rollers to simulate that landing of a heavy wheeled aircraft.
Runway processes and procedures validated (including an emergency response exercise).
Airbus A319 arrives in Australia
Demonstration flights conducted to validate aircraft navigation systems and ground navigation aids.
First wheeled aircraft (C212) aircraft land at Wilkins Aerodrome.
First test flight of A319 to Antarctica (McMurdo).
First test flight of A319 to Wilkins Aerodrome.

First official A319 flight to Wilkins Aerodrome - commencement of intercontinental service.
Wilkins Aerodrome officially opened.

Ten flights by A319 from Hobart to Wilkins Aerodrome.
A319 flight from Hobart to McMurdo.
A319 flight Christchurch-McMurdo-Christchurch to support Italian and French Program personnel.

Tender for future air transport.
Eleven A319 flights from Hobart to Wilkins.
Two A319 flights from Hobart to McMurdo.
Eleven A319 flights for the United States Antarctic Program - Christchurch-McMurdo-Christchurch.
Three Medivac flights for Chinese, Italian and French personnel.