Santa cleared for take-off, to get crack fighter escort

0 Comments | AFP, December, 2004

WINNIPEG, Canada (AFP) — Santa Claus is coming to town ... and in these uncertain times, he's being offered a jet fighter escort.

Canadian pilots seconded to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) who normally spend their nights scouring the skies for intruders, will scramble on Christmas Eve for a special mission.

"Santa has communicated to NORAD that he intends to begin his journey at 3.00 a.m. EST, Dec 24," the Canadian armed forces said in a tongue-in-cheek statement.

Two CF-18 Hornet interceptor fighters based in Quebec are on standby to meet the festive visitor when he crosses into Canadian airspace over eastern Newfoundland and Labrador, the statement said.

Another pair of warplanes based in Alberta will see Santa off as he...