Details
ENTC 
- ENSB
1h 45min
Expert Server
Scandinavian 4414
Today, we’re flying from Tromso, to Longyearbyen, Svalbard- one of the most unique and out-of-the-way flights to one of the most unique and hostile environments that harbour human life. Svalbard famously has more polar bears than people, and is home to less than 3000 permanent residents- just 500 more than an average-sized secondary school. Without further ado, let’s fly!
Boarding our ride to Svalbard at a remote stand on a chilly Tromso afternoon. The seats are slimline and lack IFE, as is usual on most non-XLR A320 family aircraft, have limited legroom and decent padding but should suffice for this 2 hour hop across the Arctic ocean.
Beginning our takeoff roll. Listen to those IAE engines roar!
Climbing to FL370 over the stunning scenery of Northern Norway.
Climbing out over the fjords
After wrapping up a second drink service, which was an orange juice, Bear Island came into sight. Bear Island is home to a tiny meterological station, a seasonal population of polar bears, and over a million seabirds.
It was also the site of some German operations in WW2- the stretch between Bear Island and Norway was a notorious bottleneck for U-boat ambushes on Allied shipping in the Arctic ocean. These raids were also where the Tirpitz, the Bismarck’s successor and also ultimately a glass cannon, saw some of it’s only action in the war.
Good afternoon, Svalbard!
Starting our descent over the snowy, mountainous landscape
Approaching the valley in which we’ll make our final approach
On short final!
Parked at a remote stand after an incredibly scenic flight.
