Abstract: China has already started operating fixed-wing aircraft in Antarctica; thus, the establishment of a more comprehensive on-site meteorological observation system for Antarctic airport and aviation weather forecasting technology seems imminent. This study reviewed the status of operational fixed-wing aircraft in the Antarctic and the associated meteorological services that have been undertaken by the international community. The results showed that a number of severe weather phenomena, such as low clouds, low visibility, icing, and low-level wind shear, threaten Antarctic aviation. Based on the current weather forecasting services for China's domestic civil aviation and air force aviation, we discussed important issues regarding on-site meteorological observation equipment, numerical weather forecasting data, and aeronautical meteorological forecasting content for Antarctica fixed-wing aviation meteorological support. We believe that meteorological support for China's Antarctic fixed-wing aircraft should include: assessing the historical weather conditions at the airport location and the surrounding areas; establishing a more comprehensive meteorological observation system; focusing on the Terminal Aerodrome Forecast, as well as landing and takeoff forecasts at ZhongShan Station, by referring to the weather forecasting content for civil aviation; and paying great attention to katabatic wind, blowing snow, snow storms, low-level wind shear, and other severe weather phenomena that pose a threat to aviation.

Key words: Antarctica, Fixed-wing aircraft, Weather services