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]
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).[6]
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.[7]
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.[8] 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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