Chimu Adventures launches its own scenic flights for Aussies

By Travel Weekly

Latin America and polar specialists Chimu Adventures has today announced a unique opportunity for Australians to experience the magical Aurora Australis – often referred to as the ‘Southern Lights’ – via scenic flights.

Building upon the recent success of Chimu Adventures’ sister company, Viva Expeditions in New Zealand, the 10-hour flights will provide Australian passengers with an unprecedented front-row view of the Aurora Australis.

Departing and returning to Australia’s major domestic terminals, lucky passengers will fly over the Southern Ocean towards Antarctica onboard a Qantas Boeing 789 Dreamliner, surrounded by the spectacular dancing lights of the Aurora Australis.

For years, Australians have spent a small fortune travelling to the Arctic Circle in pursuit of the Northern Lights, and although the Southern Lights are equally impressive, few have had the opportunity to witness the Aurora Australis in person.

The Southern Lights charter flights provide Australian travellers with unprecedented access to the remote Aurora zone at precisely the right moment. The flights will coincide with the Autumn equinox when auroras are brightest and most frequent.

With 30 per cent larger windows compared to other Boeing aircraft, the Dreamliner is the ideal aircraft for passengers to take in the Aurora Australis.

Flying high above the clouds hundreds of kilometres from any potential light pollution, lucky travellers will enjoy Qantas service in both business and economy classes.

Expert astronomers will provide information on how an aurora is created, and a photography expert will be available to assist passengers with photographing the incredible scenes.

The flight itineraries have been carefully planned in consultation with renowned astrophysicist, Aurora hunter and director of the Otago Museum in New Zealand, Dr Ian Griffin, who has previously led two Air New Zealand charter flights into the southern auroral zone.

“I’m really excited about this charter flight. Flying into the southern auroral zone is a wonderful experience, and you never know quite what you are going to see,” he said.

Although state border restrictions won’t apply to these flights, passengers are covered by the Chimu’s Book with Confidence policy should COVID-19 cause the cancellation or delay of flights.

“We are thrilled to be bringing something to the Australian market that is not only an exciting product, but exclusively accessible from our corner of the world,” Chimu co-founder Chad Carey said.

“To be able to undertake such a rare experience, when so many other travel options have vanished, is just what the Australian travel population needs right now.”

Those who are keen know find out more about these flights and book can do so here.

These aren’t the first scenic flights Qantas has been involved in during the pandemic, having operated its own ‘flight to nowhere’ earlier this month.

The Flying Kangaroo has also teamed up with Antarctica Flights to take off across the frozen continent in November.

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

Aurora Australis chimu adventures qantas scenic flights Southern Lights