Anyone ever travelled to the Falkland Islands?
Discussion
I potentially might need to travel to the Falkland Islands for work.
The job itself will take half a day.
However, looking at flights it doesn't seem to be an easy place to get to!, I note that I could join an MoD flight from Brize Norton (via Cape Verde for a refuel).
I'm currently trying to price up the job, so need to try and figure out costs of flights, hire car, accommodation and time spent.
Any tips or pointers would be appreciated.
The job itself will take half a day.
However, looking at flights it doesn't seem to be an easy place to get to!, I note that I could join an MoD flight from Brize Norton (via Cape Verde for a refuel).
I'm currently trying to price up the job, so need to try and figure out costs of flights, hire car, accommodation and time spent.
Any tips or pointers would be appreciated.
CooperD said:
Many years I ago I flew to the Falkland Islands when I was in the RAF. The flight was by Tristar and took 16 hours including a refuelling stop in Ascension Island. Not sure what type of aircraft they use now or if the journey is any quicker.
I'd guess it would be the Airbus Voyager (MRTT) based on the RAFs current inventory.croyde said:
Out of interest is the MoD flight still the same inside as any passenger jet or do you sit at the sides facing eachother like in an Hercules, plus get to stretch your legs as well 
It's an A330 tanker with bog standard economy seats throughout. Think it costs just over 2k return.There is a risk of getting booted onto a later flight as military takes precedence over civilian, so bear that in mind when booking.
My wife visited the Falklands and South Georgia many years ago on a small cruise ship, and loved it. When it looked like I might need to go for work some years back she wanted to know if she could come too! If you're less obsessed with penguins than her you might find it less interesting though.
If you know any runners who do parkrun, it's worth signing up and going along even if you only walk it, as it will really annoy legions of obsessive parkrun tourist (yes it's a thing) as that's one the hardest to get to.
If you know any runners who do parkrun, it's worth signing up and going along even if you only walk it, as it will really annoy legions of obsessive parkrun tourist (yes it's a thing) as that's one the hardest to get to.
I spent a year in the Falklands with my SAS brigade drinking weak lemon squash. Actually I spent a gap year there on farms and getting slaughtered in Stanley and driving across the countryside in a straight line to the farm in a Land Rover once the roads ended.
IIRC you have to contact the Falklands "embassy" in London for Brize Norton flights and costs. They fly in one day and leave the next so you could get your business completed in 2/3 days. Alternatively there are now flights to and from Chile.
Actually I spent a gap year there on farms and getting slaughtered in Stanley and driving across the countryside in a straight line to the farm in a Land Rover once the roads ended. IIRC you have to contact the Falklands "embassy" in London for Brize Norton flights and costs. They fly in one day and leave the next so you could get your business completed in 2/3 days. Alternatively there are now flights to and from Chile.
Good luck.
I've worked there a couple of times for three months on each occasion. The South Atlantic Airbridge from Brize is unlike any scheduled service and VERY hit-and-miss, subject to weather and MOD whims. No refunds/ compensation 😂
If your time is valuable, as you suggest, then the job would have to be EXTREMELY lucrative to be worth your while. It's absolutely NOT a place to go on a tight timetable. You must expect delays.
LATAM have weather restrictions getting in and out too, but would be my choice.
I've worked there a couple of times for three months on each occasion. The South Atlantic Airbridge from Brize is unlike any scheduled service and VERY hit-and-miss, subject to weather and MOD whims. No refunds/ compensation 😂
If your time is valuable, as you suggest, then the job would have to be EXTREMELY lucrative to be worth your while. It's absolutely NOT a place to go on a tight timetable. You must expect delays.
LATAM have weather restrictions getting in and out too, but would be my choice.
As others have put a quick rock up half a days work could work but unlikely to especially as you’re now heading into winter, it’s quite common for the aircraft to be held at its refuelling point (used to be ascension) for a few days waiting for suitable weather then when it gets there it should leave the next day but the weather gods in winter often held it there for a week.
Also worth noting accommodation is very basic vs expensive forget the name of the main hotel in Stanley but from memory it was nearly £200 a night for something quite basic.
If it was me I’d plan on a week and make a trip out of it. I’d happily go back again.
Also worth noting accommodation is very basic vs expensive forget the name of the main hotel in Stanley but from memory it was nearly £200 a night for something quite basic.
If it was me I’d plan on a week and make a trip out of it. I’d happily go back again.
croyde said:
Out of interest is the MoD flight still the same inside as any passenger jet or do you sit at the sides facing eachother like in an Hercules, plus get to stretch your legs as well
Seeing RAF in flight suits serving you food is an odd experience. Guess they had the last laugh when walking off to Tier 2 accommodation and I walked to my tent.
croyde said:
Out of interest is the MoD flight still the same inside as any passenger jet or do you sit at the sides facing eachother like in an Hercules, plus get to stretch your legs as well
I flew into afghan on a traditional looking plane, 2 rows of 3 seats (iirc), body armour and helmet on for landing at Camp Bastion.Gassing Station | Holidays & Travel | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff