Air link to Antarctica Gives Australia a Boost

The Australian Antarctic Division says a new air link to Antarctica is the single biggest boost to Australia's program in the continent for 60 years.

The division's headquarters in Hobart has taken delivery of an Airbus 319, which will make 10 to 20 flights per summer from Hobart to the Wilkins runway near Casey station.

The service is due to begin at the end of this year and will be solely responsible for the transport of scientists and their equipment.

The division's Charlton Clark says the trip will take just over four hours by air, instead of an average of 10 days by ship.

"Ships will still have their place, moving the majority of our cargo to and from Antarctica," he said.

"But what the intercontinental airlink will provide is the ability to move people and all the high-priority equipment on a more frequent basis and a more regular basis throughout the season."

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