Argentina Upgrades Petrel Antarctic Base Air and Maritime Facilities
The new landing strip was first tested last June with a Saab 340
The Argentine Armed Forces, along with private sector companies, have completed the upgrades to the landing facilities at the Petrel Antarctic base in the Antarctic Peninsula. In June, a medium-sized aircraft, Saab 340 from the Argentine Air Force, successfully landed on the new strip.
The 1,600 meter strip, with a 1,200 meter auxiliary band, is made of consolidated gravel. Pilots reported a smooth landing with no risks. Brazil, Czechia, and Uruguay have requested to use the facility, with a Hercules C130 trial pending for assurance.
The Argentine Defense ministry and Antarctic Office have indicated that Petrel will serve as a joint base for the three services and potentially become a vital gateway for Argentine interests in the Antarctic region by air and sea.
The Petrel project aims to enhance logistic capabilities in line with Argentine Antarctic Policy, including autonomous year-round operations, air landing facility revamping, and the construction of a 200-meter jetty for vessel operations.