"One of the world's most influential people doesn't travel by private jet - he and his large entourage need something much bigger. For his first trip abroad, Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV is chartering a full-size Airbus airliner - effectively a flying Vatican - to transport his staff, clergy, security personnel, and international press as he travels to Turkey and Lebanon from November 27 to December 2."
"The Vatican doesn't have its own airline or airport, so the 180-seater A320neo narrowbody is operated by the Italian state-owned flag carrier, ITA Airways. This means ITA provides the aircraft, the crew, and all of the flight-planning logistics. ITA was founded in 2021 as the successor to the bankrupt Alitalia. In 2025, it sold a 41% stake to the Lufthansa Group to stay afloat after struggling to grow."
"As part of that transition, ITA inherited Alitalia's traditional role as the "papal airline." ITA Airways CEO Jeorg Eberhart told Business Insider that the airline didn't automatically secure the contract but had to negotiate one, and ITA must ensure the flights and routes are efficient. The A320neo emits 20% less CO2 per passenger than previous-generation aircraft. Eberhart said the pope sometimes uses a next-generation Airbus A330neo widebody on longer-range missions or when there is a larger delegation."
Pope Leo XIV traveled abroad on a chartered full-size Airbus airliner to carry his staff, clergy, security personnel, and international press. The Vatican lacks its own airline or airport, so ITA Airways, the Italian state-owned carrier, provides the 180-seater A320neo, crew, and flight-planning logistics. ITA succeeded Alitalia in 2021 and sold a 41% stake to the Lufthansa Group in 2025. ITA negotiated the papal contract and must ensure efficient routes. The A320neo reduces CO2 emissions per passenger by about 20%, and the pope sometimes uses an A330neo for longer missions.
Read at Business Insider
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