How do you plan a transatlantic ferry flight?
A transatlantic ferry is planned backwards from the diversion strategy. You choose the crossing that keeps a usable alternate within range for the whole route, then fit fuel, tech stops and crew duty around it. For most narrowbodies and regional aircraft that means the northern route through Canada, Greenland and Iceland rather than a direct oceanic track.
Key takeaways
- Diversion planning drives the route, not distance
- Northern stepping stones suit aircraft without long oceanic range
- Winter weather at Greenland and Iceland stops needs a live contingency plan
- Survival equipment and HF communications carriage must be confirmed early
Choose the crossing before you choose the date
The North Atlantic offers several practical ferry routings. The northern chain through eastern Canada, Greenland and Iceland keeps legs short and always leaves a runway within reach, which is why it suits regional jets, turboprops and narrowbodies operating with limited oceanic capability.
The southern option through the Azores works well for aircraft with longer legs and better weather tolerance, and often produces fewer stops in winter when Greenland is difficult.
Fuel policy on a non-revenue crossing
Ferry fuel planning is conservative by design. We plan for the alternate that is actually usable in the forecast conditions at the time of arrival, not the nearest one on the chart, and we hold reserves that assume a single stop diversion rather than a convenient one.
- Contract fuel arranged at each planned stop before departure
- Alternate selection reviewed against live forecasts on the day
- Payload restricted to crew and required equipment to protect range
Equipment and communications
Oceanic operation needs the carriage confirmed rather than assumed: immersion suits and life rafts appropriate to the water temperature, an operable HF or satellite communications capability, and datalink where the airspace requires it. On older airframes coming out of storage this is the item most likely to delay a departure.
Crew duty and weather holds
Weather holds on the northern route are normal, not exceptional. We build the crew plan with the assumption that at least one night will be spent somewhere unplanned, which keeps the crew legal when it happens and avoids an expensive replacement positioning.
Common questions
Last reviewed April 21, 2026 by the Super Universal operations desk.