Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions (ALE; also styled as Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions) is a private company that provides aviation and field logistics for expeditions, tourism, and scientific projects in the interior of Antarctica. It operates seasonal camps and air support centered on Union Glacier in the Ellsworth Mountains of West Antarctica.[1][2]
ALE describes its operational roots in private expeditions to Antarctica’s interior beginning in the mid-1980s, including early private support for ascents of Mount Vinson by Adventure Network International (ANI), a predecessor brand.[3]
According to a 2016 Adventure Travel Trade Association report, ALE was formed in 2003 by five partners and acquired ANI (which previously marketed deep-field Antarctic experiences) later that year.[4]
Operations
Union Glacier base and seasonal camp
ALE’s main seasonal hub is Union Glacier Camp, which it describes as operating during the Antarctic summer season and supporting both private expeditions and other Antarctic activities.[2]
Aviation and air bridge from Chile
ALE describes operating an intercontinental air bridge from Punta Arenas, Chile (Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo Airport, PUQ/SCCI) to the Union Glacier blue-ice runway (UGL/SCGC), typically during the austral summer (November through January), with passenger and cargo capacity described on its air transport information pages.[5]
Fleet
ALE does not own its heavy aircraft fleet; instead, it charters specific aircraft from partner airlines to operate the intercontinental air bridge and contracts specialized ski-equipped aircraft for internal Antarctic transport.
Intercontinental
One of the Ilyushin Il-76TD-90VD that was often used for heavy cargo flights
For flights between Punta Arenas and the blue-ice runway at Union Glacier, ALE utilizes a mix of passenger and heavy-lift cargo aircraft:
Boeing 757-200ER: Operated by Icelandair (under its charter subsidiary Loftleiðir Icelandic), this aircraft is the primary passenger transport, offering business and economy seating for the 4.5-hour crossing. Common registrations include TF-LLX, TF-LLL, and TF-FIV.[6]
Boeing 767-300ER: Also operated by Icelandair, the wide-body TF-ISN was introduced to increase passenger and cargo capacity and is capable of round-trip operations from Chile without refueling on the ice.[7]
Ilyushin Il-76TD-90: Utilized for heavy cargo, bulk fuel drums, and oversized equipment (such as tractors) that cannot fit in standard passenger jets. Despite shifts in availability, the Il-76 remains in use for heavy-lift airdrops and landings as of the 2025–2026 season.[8]
Intracontinental
For flights within Antarctica (from Union Glacier to the South Pole, Vinson Massif, or Emperor Penguin colonies), ALE contracts Kenn Borek Air, a Canadian operator specializing in polar aviation. These aircraft are equipped with skis for landing on unprepared snow surfaces:
Basler BT-67: A turboprop conversion of the Douglas DC-3, used for heavier field loads and larger groups. Common registrations include C-GEAI, C-GAWI, and C-GHHH.
DHC-6 Twin Otter: Used for smaller groups and access to rougher deep-field sites. Registrations rotate frequently as the fleet moves between the Arctic and Antarctic, but units such as C-GKBC and C-GKBG are frequently tasked.[9]
Union Glacier aerodrome (SCGC)
Chile’s civil aviation information system (DGAC/IFIS) lists the aerodrome Unión Glaciar (SCGC) with published location coordinates, elevation, and runway characteristics (including a blue-ice runway).[10]
Tracking and coordination
ALE states that tracking data from its aircraft operations is fed into Rescue Coordination Centres and the COMNAP Asset Tracking System (CATS).[5]COMNAP describes CATS as a voluntary system intended to facilitate information exchange and collaboration among Antarctic operators and stakeholders.[11]
Regulation and environmental context
Activities in Antarctica are conducted within the broader Antarctic Treaty System framework, including the Protocol on Environmental Protection (Madrid Protocol), which designates Antarctica as a natural reserve devoted to peace and science.[12] ALE also states that its aircraft operations are permitted by Chile’s civil aviation authority (DGAC) and authorized by the U.S. Department of State.[5]
Memberships
IAATO lists Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions LLC as an operator providing deep-field Antarctic experiences and logistics support.[1]
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