A man dressed as Santa Claus leaves for his annual Christmas journey from the Santa Claus Village at the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland December 23, 2014. REUTERS/Laura Haapamaki/Lehtikuva
A man dressed as Santa Claus leaves for his annual Christmas journey from the Santa Claus Village at the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland December 23, 2014. Reuters/Laura Haapamaki/Lehtik

Old Saint Nick Santa Claus has passed all pre-flight inspection checks and is now ready to take off on Christmas Eve, Transport Canada announced.

The federal government department responsible for regulating Canada's airways said Santa Claus dutifully submitted and filed his flight plan as well as had his loaded sleigh scrutinised and screened. "Santa and his team of reindeer are expected to leave the North Pole, which is located in Canada's north, on time to make his annual Christmas deliveries," Transport Canada said in a statement.

The government agency was also pleased to know that the elves have equipped Santa's sleigh with Wi-Fi and an app that will help Saint Nick manage his famous Naughty or Nice list while flying over in the skies. "Now that Santa can use his smartphone on board, I'll be able to follow his journey as he posts updates to his Instagram account at each stop," Mrs. Claus, second-in-command of the North Pole, said.

What's more, Santa has a new fleet of drones, thus giving Rudolf a much-needed break from centuries-old flying and piloting Santa's sleigh. "The drones will help guide his sleigh and scout out the safest and most efficient route," Transport Canada said.

As with all other global pilots, Santa had to undergo an annual physical to keep his license. "We are pleased to report that he passed with flying colours."

Canada's jab about Old Saint Nick Santa Claus follows after Denmark joined the fray of nations laying territorial claims into highly disputed North Pole, which abounds in energy resources. The North Pole is bound by the United States, Russia, Norway, Canada and Denmark. Only Canada and Russia, so far, have indicated an interest in the region. But as Ottawa Citizen maintained, "Santa Claus is a Canadian whose residence is in the North Pole, literally located in Canada's north."

To track Santa and the reindeer as they make their way around the world, visit the NORAD Tracks Santa Web site (www.noradsanta.org) and #NORADSanta hashtag. Also, Santa wants to make sure that everyone who asked for a drone this year knows how to fly it safely and legally. Read his list of safety tips at www.tc.gc.ca/SafetyFirst.