Pan Am Film: Polar Flight 50 to Celebrate the 50th Anniversary (1977)

This film was made for Pan American World Airways to document the first round-the-world passenger flight over the North and South Poles on Pan Am Boeing 747-SP-21 called Clipper New Horizon. On October 28, 1977, Pan Am marks the airline’s 50th anniversary by taking 172 passengers on a one-of-a-kind flight originating in San Fransisco and flying over the North Pole to London and then on to Capetown, South Africa then over the South Pole to Aukland, New Zealand and then back to San Fransisco. The aircraft, N533PA, entered service with Pan Am in 1976 as Clipper Freedom, however, not soon after was renamed Clipper Liberty Bell for a special “Round-the-World-Equatorial-Flight“ to commemorate the bicentennial of the United States. The plane was renamed Clipper New Horizon for the round-the-world polar flight in October of 1977. The aircraft would be renamed two more times, as Clipper Young America and Clipper San Fransisco, before being sold to United Airlines along with the Pacific Division in 1986 as part of the controversial $750 million deal. Like this video? Like and subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Visit Us for More Pan Am History: Donate to the Museum and Become a Member: #donation Visit The Hangar, Our Online Store for Pan Am Gear: The Pan Am Podcast! Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more: Experience the legacy of the world’s most iconic airline, Pan American World Airways! The Pan Am Podcast brings Pan Am’s 64-year history to life through engaging storytelling and insightful interviews from Pan Am employees, passengers, historians, authors, fashionistas, and aviation enthusiasts! Follow Us On: Facebook: @PAAmuseum Instagram: @ Twitter: @PanAmMuseum TikTok: @PanAmMuseum The Pan Am Museum Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization.