Azran Osman-Rani, an outdoor adrenaline junkie, has had many adventures in his life. Perhaps the one that really had his adrenaline rushing was his recent amazing venture in Antarctica where he visited the American and New Zealand research bases at McMurdo and the Scott Base.

At these base stations he experienced the unique climate and geology of the coldest, driest and windiest continent on earth, and get an insight into the fascinating research projects being undertaken there.

 He flew to Antarctica on a five-hour flight from the United States Antarctic Programme Passenger Terminal in Christchurch, New Zealand and landed at the Pegasus Runway (pictured left), an airstrip on an ice shelf at McMurdo Sound, Antarctica.

He stayed for two days at the Scott Base facility together with the scientists and field support services teams. Antarctica New Zealand has also hosted Malaysian scientists conducting research on the Ice.

“We are willing to go to the ends of the earth in search of adventure, which is our X-Factor at AirAsia X,” declared a happy Azran.

“This trip captures the essence of our pioneering X-ploratory spirit of pushing boundaries and breaking conventions. There is no place that is too cold or too remote to stop us from championing low fares and exciting travels and adventures.”

Besides touring the research base and facilities, including the Meridian Energy Wind Turbine farm, Azran hiked across the terrain, climbed several hills including the famed Castle Rock and Observatory Hill, and took part in a cross-country Nordic skiing across the ice in freezing temperatures  (-10º to -35º C) even though it was summer in the Southern Hemisphere.

Azran’s adventure in Antarctica also gave him the opportunity to come up close and person with the native Antarctic residents – Emperor penguins and Weddel seals.

AirAsia X is due to launch four flights a week between Kuala Lumpur and Christchurch on April 1 – it is unclear if the earthquake from yesterday will dsirupt plans.

According to the airline, AirAsia X’s Christchurch service has had encouraging response, with 80% passenger loads since the flights opened for sale in December 2010.

* Photos courtesy of AirAsia X