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.
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