As an aviation geek, perhaps the most interesting part of the Pope’s visit to the US were his flying arrangements. He chartered an Alitalia jet on the way out, whereby the media onboard paid astronomical fares for economy seats, while he had the business class cabin to himself (of course the media onboard wasn’t actually paying for the economy seats as such, but rather for the rights to be flying with the Pope).
For the rest of his journey within the US and flight home, the Pope used an American 777-200. That’s an interesting choice, especially as it was a three cabin 777, which isn’t exactly American’s most modern aircraft.
American has put together a pretty snazzy video about the “experience,” including the adjustments which had to be made to the plane in preparation for the Pope, what it was like to fly with him, etc.
Here’s the video:
That’s a really cool inside look into the process. This must have been a really cool experience for the frontline staff who were involved.
Just as there is Air Force One, there is Shepard One for any aircraft the Pontiff is on.
@Tom The popes austere message is merely a PR stunt. The Vatican never has been austere and won't be for the foreseeable future (not until his main customer bases in Latin America and Africa have developed enough for the majority of them to reject Catholicism anyway).
Awesome!
That plane is roomy enough to accommodate Kim Davis' hair!
Seems wasteful to have such a big plane. Does he have a 300 person entourage? I think flying a spirit A319 or an AA regional jet would be more in line with the Pope's message.
You can do fun things with 2000 years of stolen wealth at your disposal.
@Mike and @Flyingdoctorwu:
MV-22s* The Marine Corps variant. ;-)
At least I'm assuming they're USMC aircraft considering they used the RW assets from HMX-1 (Marine 1's command) for the Pope's STRATLIFT.
Shepherd One is something Americans came up with, its not the official name.
@Flyingdoctorwu I noticed that too. The V-22s were my favorite part. I love those things.
'Shepherd One'? I have to admit that was new to me. :)
Wow did you see the three V-22s and the VH-3Ds (I think?)!
Fdw
I think it's interesting that they put that video together but didn't show any of the interior modifications besides the flag and adding the microphone mixer. The maintenance staff member said they put in solid curtains but they never showed the interior of the plane just had the flight attendants and staff talking about it. I wonder why they didn't allow any video inside? There must have been media with them on the trip.