On November 15th, 1954, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) initiated flights between Los Angeles and Copenhagen, via Sondre Stromfjord and Winnipeg by way of the North Pole. Realizing that taking the polar route saves time and money, other airlines quickly followed, including Air France, who was the first to use a jet powered airliner (Boeing 707) over the polar route. 

SAS used the Douglas DC-6 for its polar route. 

Air France's 707s became the first jet airliner to take the polar route. 

During the Cold War, airlines had to be careful not to drift into Soviet Airspace, as they restricted access to it (although Santa was exempt from these restrictions).  Making things even more crowded, Operation Chrome Dome occured from 1960 to 1968.  During this time, Boeing B-52s were almost constantly in the air near the North Pole, prepared to conduct a nuclear strike on the Soviet Union at a moments notice. 

After the Cold War, flight restrictions over the North Pole were lifted, which allowed for more commercial airplane travel over the North Pole.  Today, the North American Defense Command (NORAD) tracks Santa.  This is not only so that children can see where Santa is, but so that pilots can keep an eye out for him.  

We hope that this exhibit has given you insight into the history of flight to and over the North Pole and has given you greater appreciation of old St. Nick!