The Poles

1. Polar Routes:

   • When we think of airplane travel between North America and Asia, we often envision a long trip across the Pacific Ocean. However, there’s a much shorter way to go: over the North Pole. These routes are aptly called polar routes.

   • The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) defines the North Polar area as north of 78° latitude, which includes parts of Alaska and Siberia.

   • Airlines like Emirates and Air India operate non-stop polar routes between cities like Dubai and San Francisco, Seattle, and Los Angeles.

   • To fly these routes, aircraft must meet specific requirements, including carrying cold-weather suits, using special communications equipment, and monitoring fuel freeze temperatures1.

2. History of Polar Routes:

   • The first flight over the North Pole was achieved by Soviet pilot Valery Chkalov in 1937, flying from Moscow, Russia, to Vancouver, Washington.

   • In 1954, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) flew the first commercial polar route between Los Angeles and Copenhagen, with refueling stops in Winnipeg, Canada, and Sondre Stromfjord, Greenland.

   • By 1957, other airlines like Pan Am, TWA, and SAS were flying polar routes from the U.S. West Coast to Paris, London, and Tokyo1.

3. Visiting the North Pole:

   • For adventurous travellers, there are expeditions to the North Pole. Companies like Polar Cruises offer trips departing from Longyearbyen, Svalbard in Norway, with flights directly to the Barneo Ice Camp2.

   • These expeditions provide a unique opportunity to experience the pristine Arctic environment and stand at the top of the world!

Whether you’re flying over the poles or embarking on an Arctic adventure, the Earth’s polar regions offer incredible experiences for travellers! 🌏