A New Zealand Defence Force C-130 Hercules aircraft marked the 50th year of New Zealand's airlift support flights to Antarctica by delivering over 3000kg of freight to the icy continent.

Yesterday's mission was the first of eight airlift support flights to be carried out by a Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130 aircraft that is planned for the summer season.

An Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft in Antarctica. Photo: Supplied.

'Operation Antarctica is one of our major missions,” says Major General (MAJGEN) Tim Gall, Commander Joint Forces New Zealand.

'The first RNZAF air cargo mission to Antarctica was in 1965, and 50 years on we continue to support Antarctica New Zealand and the US Antarctic programmes through the Joint Logistics Pool.

'Our support recognises the importance of the scientific research being conducted in Antarctica.

'On a practical level, the airlift support flights are crucial because they ensure that science and operational personnel working on the continent have the necessary supplies to get through the season.”

The NZDF provides search and rescue support, air transport, terminal operations at Harewood Terminal in Christchurch and McMurdo Base, and support for the unloading of the annual container ship.

Up to 220 NZDF personnel including engineers, heavy plant operators, cargo handlers, and communications specialists are deployed during the summer season to support the team at Scott Base.

Antarctica New Zealand manages Scott Base and supports scientific research in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, particularly the Ross Sea region.