Airbus Helicopters said its latest version of the H145 set its skids down on Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the southern hemisphere, culminating at 6,962 metres (22,840 feet). This is the first time a twin-engine helicopter has landed at this altitude, Airbus said. The conditions for this mission were extreme, due to the atmospheric conditions in the area and the winter season. The aircraft took off from Mendoza, Argentina, flew 30 minutes to the foot of the Aconcagua where it began its ascent. After 15 minutes of climbing, the helicopter landed at 1:45pm on the summit, at a temperature of -22ºC. The crew on-board the helicopter consisted of Alexander Neuhaus, experimental test pilot, and Antoine van Gent, experimental flight test engineer.