Santa Claus and his team of reindeer, led by Rudolf, have officially taken to the skies, beginning their annual journey to deliver Christmas cheer around the globe. The sleigh launched at 08:00 (UTC) from Lapland, where Santa and his reindeer warmed up before embarking on their worldwide trek.
Flight tracking platform Flightradar24 has confirmed they are monitoring Santa’s journey in real-time. The service utilizes a unique blend of traditional tracking methods alongside a touch of festive magic. According to Flightradar24, “We use a bit of special Christmas magic to track the flight alongside our usual mix of terrestrial and satellite-based ADS-B coverage.” Notably, Rudolf’s antlers play a key role in enhancing the sleigh’s transponder signal, effectively extending its range.
This year, Santa’s journey can be followed through an interactive live tracking tool on the Flightradar24 website or via a dedicated live feed on their YouTube channel. Viewers can spot Santa represented as a distinctive reindeer-drawn sleigh icon on the map, or, for premium users, in a captivating 3D view.
Santa’s first stop typically includes the Pacific Islands, followed by a visit to New Zealand, and then on to Australia. After covering these major locations, Santa will continue his journey across Asia, Europe, North America, and beyond, all while travelling at a speed that defies reality.
Tracking Santa’s ancient sleigh poses unique challenges. Flightradar24 disclosed that the sleigh operates under flight number SANTA1 with the call sign R3DN053. The sleigh is described as a remarkable nine-engine craft, officially registered as HOHOHO (MSN 0001), making it the oldest active airframe in the world at the age of 1,753 years.
The addition of a ninth engine occurred several years ago during a foggy Christmas Eve, enhancing the sleigh’s ability to navigate under instrument flight rules. Flightradar24 noted, “This nose so bright has guided Santa’s way each Christmas Eve since 1939.”
As millions around the world prepare for the festive season, Flightradar24’s tracking of Santa Claus serves as a joyful reminder of the magic and wonder that accompanies this time of year. Parents and children alike will delight in following Santa’s journey, highlighting the spirit of giving and togetherness that defines Christmas.
