Top secret North Pole flight plan released to media

OTTAWA, Dec. 22 /CNW/ - A copy of a flight plan filed with NAV CANADA for a cargo flight departing the North Pole has been leaked to the media by an undisclosed source in that far Northern location. (See copy).

According to the plan, the pilot, Captain S. Claus will be flying a bright red sled-like aircraft powered by nine reindeer. Departing on December 24, the flight has many destinations and its route includes stops at the "homes of all the nice children in the world."

NAV CANADA would not confirm the authenticity of the flight plan but anonymous sources say that unusual aircraft will carry a huge cargo of brightly wrapped packages and will fly at a tremendous speed. An intense red light flashes at the aircraft's nose.

Few details are known about the pilot but sources say that he is a very jolly fellow who often stops to snack on milk and cookies while en route.

NAV CANADA would not reveal the identity of the pilot but confirmed reports that he is over 1,000 years old. "Nevertheless, he has excellent vision and superior cognitive skills," said a NAV CANADA spokesman. "In fact, he sees you when you're sleeping and he knows when you're awake."

Rumours are circulating about the true identity of the mysterious Captain Claus, but NAV CANADA remained tight-lipped despite the leaked information.

Said the NAV CANADA spokesperson: "All we can confirm is that a sleigh-like aircraft powered by nine flying reindeer will be departing the North Pole on Christmas Eve to deliver packages all around the world. That could be anyone," he added with a smile.

NAV CANADA will be hard at work on Christmas ensuring that the normal air traffic control, flight information and advisory services, are provided for this special flight and all other aircraft - with technical operations and engineering support - as we do 365 days a year.

NAV CANADA, the country's civil air navigation services provider, is a private sector, non-share capital corporation financed through publicly-traded debt. With operations from coast to coast to coast, NAV CANADA provides air traffic control, flight information, weather briefings, aeronautical information services, airport advisory services and electronic aids to navigation.

/NOTE TO PHOTO EDITORS: A photo accompanying this release is available at http://photos.newswire.ca. Images are free to accredited members of the media/

For further information:

John Morris    Director, Communications   [phone]	Ron Singer Manager, Media Relations [phone]
Media Information Line: 1-888-562-8226