Minimising Impact

5 KEY STEPS

1. SAF fuel 
In a landmark first for any Antarctic operator, we are delivering the first test quantity of 40,000 litres of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to Antarctica for our 2021/22 operations. We aim to replace all Jet A-1 fuel over the next 3-5 years.

2. Carbon Neutral
We mitigate all emissions generated by our flights and activities through fully accredited carbon offset schemes. Having been CarbonNeutral® since 2007, this commitment has always been a core tenet of our company.

3. Environmentally conscious supply chain
We are working to eliminate single-use plastics, and all other waste is shipped back to South Africa for recycling or responsible disposal. All soaps, detergents and cleaning agents are biodegradable.

4. Pioneering renewables in Antarctica
Partnering with California-based Arctica Solar, we are use solar air heaters to warm our pods. This cutting-edge technology enables us to minimise our dependency on fossil fuel.

5. Science & Tourism Logistics 
We support and contribute to the local scientific community of Antarctica through our science and tourism logistics programme.

SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL
SAF-fuel-logo-1-800×800

In line with the Paris Agreement and the UK Net Zero target, White Desert aims to replace all Jet A-1 fuel it uses in Antarctica over the next 3-5 years. After the initial test period this coming season, Sustainable Aviation Fuel will be used for all flights within Antarctica to transport tourists to White Desert’s luxury camps and scientists to their research stations.

SAF is produced from waste oils and fats through an innovative process that significantly reduces lifecycle carbon emissions, creating an 80 percent smaller carbon footprint compared to traditional Jet A-1 fuel. SAF combustion also produces fewer particulates and sulphur oxides (SOx), thereby greatly reducing the quantity of soot particles emitted. This is particularly significant in Antarctica as the black colour of the soot absorbs the heat of the sun, exacerbating snow melt.

It is our collective and individual responsibility … to preserve and tend to the world in which we all live.

The Dalai Lama

Until renewable aircraft fuel exists on the commercial market we offset all of our flights, activities and projects to ensure that we achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Working with the UK-based Carbon Neutral Company, we sponsor a well-established tree planting project in the Amazon rainforest.

Going forward we are exploring sustainability opportunities closer to home, namely seagrass meadow regeneration projects.

Learn more about our offsetting project

Environmentally Conscious

Plastics
With the staggering proliferation of plastics in our daily use, we are continually reducing single-use plastic in our supply chain. We aim to cut it out completely by 2022.

Waste
All waste is shipped out of Antarctica every season to be recycled or disposed of responsibly in South Africa. All detergents, soaps and cleaning agents are biodegradable ensuring the lightest environmental footprint.

Structures
While sturdy and comfortable, all elements of Whichaway Camp can be disassembled and shipped out of Antarctica when required, leaving no trace.

PIONEERING USE OF SOLAR IN ANTARTICA

Creating heat in Antarctica can be achieved by using the energy of the sun. Working closely with California-based Arctica Solar we can harness that power to minimise our dependency on fossil fuel.

Unlike a photovoltaic panel, Arctica Solar’s 1500 series of solar air heaters work directly to produce heat rather than electricity. Sunlight enters the heater and is converted at more than 85% efficiency. Ambient air from the inside of the pod is routed into the heater, where the temperature is increased by up to 40ºC, and then returned back to the pod in a continuous cycle.

SCIENCE & TOURISM LOGISTICS

At the heart of White Desert’s mission is the desire to create a positive impact on Antarctica’s future through its tourism and science logistics programmes.

White Desert supplies logistical support for international science programmes at their bases in Antarctica. Sharing our aircraft with both scientists and visitors, assists in delivering scientists to their research bases more efficiently, thereby reducing environmental impact.

  • Our Camps

    White Desert’s uniquely located camps are designed to be easily dismantled and removed, leaving no trace on the pristine environment. Guests can choose to stay at either Whichaway, an oasis of luxury overlooking freshwater lakes, or Echo, set in some of the most dramatic mountain ranges on Earth.

  • Our Aircraft

    Being the only company in the world to fly private aircraft to Antarctica, our emphasis has always been on luxury and safety. That same commitment extends to the ski-equipped aircraft that we use in the interior.

  • Wolf's Fang Runway

    Using specialist techniques and machinery, we have created a runway that is uncompromising in its safety and with minimal delays. With experienced pilots flying over 25 flights a season, it is now regarded as a well-established and reliable airbridge between Africa and Antarctica.

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