CEO outlines operations of the unofficial 'papal airline' for transporting the pope

Pope Leo XIV, who took over from Pope Francis in May, undertook his inaugural journey abroad on Thursday. Instead of a private jet, he opted for a full-size passenger aircraft, chartered specifically for this mission. Such trips can reach costs in the tens of millions, but the Vatican itself does not cover these expenses.

For his first overseas visit, the Chicago-born Pope is using a full-sized Airbus airliner to transport his staff, clergy, security team, and international press. The journey will take him to Turkey and Lebanon from November 27 to December 2. The Vatican does not operate its own airline or airport, so the 180-seat A320neo is provided by ITA Airways, the Italian state-owned carrier, which handles the aircraft, crew, and flight logistics.

ITA Airways, founded in 2021 as Alitalia's successor, sold a 41% stake to Lufthansa in 2025 to sustain its growth. It continues Alitalia's historical role as the "papal airline." CEO Jeorg Eberhart explained that the airline negotiates each papal flight individually, ensuring routes and schedules are efficient.

The Airbus A320neo used for this trip emits 20% less CO2 per passenger than older models. For longer trips or larger delegations, the Pope may travel on an Airbus A330neo. ITA executives personally greet the Pope at the airport prior to departure, emphasizing the special status of these flights, sometimes referred to as "Shepherd One," similar to "Air Force One."

The airline coordinates airport operations while the Pope's team provides personal items and ceremonial features. The cabin is decorated in Vatican colors. Journalists usually travel in economy, while the Pope and his delegation occupy the premium sections. On the A320neo, this configuration is basic business with blocked middle seats, whereas the A330neo offers premium-economy recliners and business-class beds.

Pope Leo XIV will return on ITA Airways, continuing a tradition where previous popes sometimes flew home on national carriers of the countries they visited. Past papal trips, including those by Pope Francis and Pope Benedict XVI, often cost millions but are largely financed by host nations, as these visits are treated as state-level events. The Vatican mainly covers religious and ceremonial arrangements.

For this journey, Pope Leo departed from Rome's main international airport, proceeding to Ankara, Turkey, then Istanbul, and finally Beirut. The aircraft operates with three pilots and seven flight attendants. The overall cost includes aircraft charter, lodging, security, and transport, mostly funded by the countries hosting the Pope.

The tradition of papal air travel dates back to 1964 when Pope Paul VI flew to Jordan aboard an Alitalia McDonnell Douglas DC-8, marking the first international flight by a sitting pope. Alitalia, and now ITA, assigns a special flight number and decorates the aircraft with the Pope's coat of arms during these missions.

Pope John Paul II holds the record for the most extensive travels, visiting 129 countries and covering nearly three-quarters of a million miles during his 27-year papacy. ITA Airways flew Pope Francis on several missions before his passing in April 2025, including trips to Cyprus, Canada, Malta, and Indonesia. Eberhart noted Pope Francis often interacted humbly with passengers, preferring to sit wherever there was space to engage with others.

Author: Sophia Brooks