On January 5–7, 2024, employees of the 16th Belarusian Antarctic Expedition conducted an all-hands round-the-clock air cargo operation to deliver the general cargo and employees of the Belarusian Antarctic Expedition from the board of the Akademik Fyodorov research vessel to the Vechernaya Mountain field base of the Belarusian Antarctic Expedition. This was announced by the head of the 16th Belarusian Antarctic Expedition (16th BAE) Alexey Gaidashov.

"The air cargo operation was complicated by the heavy ice conditions and the large distance of the helicopter flight. During the cargo operation, 37 tons of BAE general cargo were delivered from the board of the Akademik Fyodorov research vessel to the Vechernaya Mountain field base, including the installation platform structures for the new facility of the Belarusian Antarctic Station, consumables and spare parts for equipment, food and scientific equipment. The general cargo of BAE was delivered from the Akademik Fyodorov to the Vechernaya Mountain field base without damage and losses. The successful conduct of the air cargo operation was facilitated by detailed work planning and clear professional interaction between BAE employees, members of the crews of the research vessel and the air squadron," Alexey Gaidashov informed.

According to the head of 16 BAE, instruments for scientific observations, life support systems, means of transport and communications are operating normally. The personnel of 16 BAE continues to implement scientific programs, technical work plans and environmental measures approved by the NAS of Belarus. The field base of BAE Vechernaya Mountain has the necessary supplies of fuel, food, and medicines. Stable satellite communication is maintained with foreign Antarctic stations, international coordination centers, and the board of the Akademik Fyodorov research vessel. The personnel is healthy.