Is to operate and manage an integrated fleet of aircraft for research, survey and polar logistics.
We aim to execute a challenging programme of airborne science and logistics and to provide a worldwide capability that gives the environmental science community access to a range of aircraft platforms and instrumentation. The fleet comprises the five specially adapted aircraft (De Havilland Canada Dash 7 and four Twin Otters).
At the beginning of each season the aircrew – eight pilots and four engineers – ferry the aircraft south from their base in the northern hemisphere. Flights in the Antarctic take place during the Antarctic summer, between October and March, as winter darkness and very cold temperatures prevent flying at other times.
Team priorities
To undertake a wide variety of transport and science missions using a fleet of aircraft equipped with modifications to allow them to carry out airborne science surveys
Transport science and support teams to Antarctica by facililtating regular shuttle-flights from Rothera to and from the Falkland Islands and Punta Arenas, Chile during the austral summer
Ensure that all aircraft are maintained to the highest standard of safety and comply with relevant airworthiness regulators’ requirements
Support deep-field research operated from Rothera and Halley research Stations and from field stations at Fossil Bluff and Sky-Blu.
Technology, innovation and training
We stay abreast of the latest technological developments in polar aviation
Influencing and leading international programmes
We provide specialist advice and expertise to other polar programmes and operators
Stakeholder engagement
We work with other national operators of polar programmes to share best practice
We work with NERC-funded research teams to develop airborne survey equipment and other science fit outs
A team have arrived at Rothera Research Station, ready to start testing the new Windracers ULTRA autonomous drone in Antarctica. If successful, the new drone platform could represent a major …
A team of scientists are currently conducting a major experiment over the Southern Ocean that will help to improve climate modelling. The Southern Ocean Clouds project team are performing several …
Scientists are flying research aircraft through the heart of Arctic storms this summer to better understand how weather systems are affecting polar sea ice. Arctic cyclones are the main type …
Despite the global pandemic, the strong strategic relationship between the Falkland Islands Government (FIG) and British Antarctic Survey (BAS) has gone from strength to strength. Following the success of the …
Scientists embark on a three-week flying campaign today (23 April) to study methane emissions from gas fields in the southern North Sea. Using specialised scientific equipment, on board one of …
British Antarctic Survey is seeking to purchase a small passenger aircraft to work alongside its de Havilland Canada DHC-7 Series 110 (Dash 7). The aircraft will transport science and support teams and cargo between Rothera Research Station on the Antarctic Peninsula and Punta Arenas, Chile.
The British Antarctic Survey Air Unit have been awarded the Johnston Memorial Trophy for 2017 by The Honourable Company of Air Pilots. This is a considerable acknowledgement of the regard held …
New season tackles ambitious science and logistical challenges The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) 2015/16 field season is underway with dozens of scientists and support staff – together with planes and tonnes …
British Antarctic Survey achieves registration for the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations British Antarctic Survey (BAS) has achieved registration for the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO). Following …
Dr James France has just completed a week-long flying campaign using one of the BAS Twin Otters fitted with scientific instrumentation. Find out more about his experience.
As we finally approached our input site I could see our future home in the distance, a little black dot on a frozen white ocean, slowly growing in size as …