The twin-propeller plane used to ferry supplies and personnel to the Concordia base in Antarctica.

It takes five hours to complete the 1200 km voyage from the French coastal Antarctic station Dumont D’Urville to Concordia.

The aircraft has to be maintained meticulously because it flies at altitudes where the air pressure is a third less than at sea level, in extreme cold weather.

Concordia research base conducts a programme of research including glaciology, human biology and the atmosphere. ESA uses the base to prepare for future long-duration missions beyond Earth. Situated 3200 m above sea level, it is one of the coldest places on Earth.