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Image from the airbridge boarding a QF B737 CHC MEL flight. US Air Force C-17 in the background that fly’s to the Antarctic – Operation Deep Freeze.

Saw a C17 one last weekend on the way south just after takeoff. They climb out a lot slower and less rate of ascent than commercial aircraft. Expect at maximum weight and conserving fuel on the climb to cruising altitude. Once south of the NZ South Island no alternative airports. Just a point of no return before Williams Field NZWD (McMurdo Station-Scott Base)

From CHC airport web site Gateway to Antarctica - Christchurch Airport
Scott Base and McMurdo Station (the US research station) are about 3,920km by air from Christchurch. It takes five hours to fly in a US Air Force C-17 Globemaster or seven hours in a US Air Force Hercules LC-130.
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The C-17 Globemaster is the biggest aircraft to fly from Christchurch to Antarctica. The 53 metre plane has a wingspan of 51.75 metres and can carry 80,000kg worth of cargo, or up to 189 passengers, on its voyages to the ice. 
Wikipedia C17 Boeing C-17 Globemaster III - Wikipedia20251015_153308s.jpg
 

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