Santa’s elves are putting the finishing touches on the toys and the ground crew is readying the sleigh. Rudolph’s anti-collision beacon red nose has received a polish as well. With the work nearly complete, Santa is ready for tracking on Flightradar24.com or in the Flightradar24 iOS and Android app!
How to use our Santa tracker
To track Santa on Flightradar24, use our special tracking link or search SANTA1, HOHOHO, or R3DNO53 beginning at 01:00 UTC on 24 December. This year we’re once again using tracking Santa with a mix of terrestrial and satellite-based ADS-B coverage. Fortunately, Santa was able to extend the reach of his transponder by using the reindeer antlers as additional antenna.
Track Santa in 3D by pressing the 3D button in the bottom left corner of flight info panel on the web or in the app.
Based on filed flight plans, Santa is warming up his reindeer and ensuring the sleigh is peak condition for his Christmas Eve deliveries. He is currently scheduled to depart the North Pole around 04:00 UTC on the 24th to make his way to the first houses.
Santa tracker facts and figures
Santa’s sleigh is an unique 9-engine Rangifer tarandus registered HOHOHO (MSN 0001). At 1,752 years old, it’s the oldest active airframe in the world. While the sleigh itself is ancient, a ninth power plant was added a number of years ago on an instrument flight rules-conditions Christmas Eve due to fog. This nose so bright has guided Santa’s way each Christmas Eve since 1939.
More recently, we’ve worked closely with Santa’s workshop to ensure the sleigh is outfitted with the latest tracking technology. An ADS-B transponder was installed a few years ago, allowing us to precisely track Santa’s position and help all good little children get to bed before he arrives.
To enable Santa to check in with air traffic control, ICAO has issued the type designation SLEI.
Happy tracking and a merry Christmas to all!
