ITA Airways will operate the flight carrying Pope Leo XIV from Rome to Paris on September 25, as the pontiff begins an Apostolic Journey to France.
The special flight will depart Rome Fiumicino Airport at 7:50 AM and is scheduled to arrive at Paris Orly Airport at 10:00 AM.
Italy’s flag carrier will operate the journey with an Airbus A321neo.
Pope Leo XIV will be accompanied by the Papal delegation and representatives of the Italian and international media.
ITA Airways selects Airbus A321neo for papal flight
The aircraft chosen for the journey is one of ITA Airways’ latest-generation narrowbody aircraft.
The Airbus A321neo is the largest member of the A320neo Family and is designed to offer lower fuel consumption, emissions and noise compared with previous-generation aircraft.
According to ITA Airways, the aircraft delivers more than a 20% reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions per seat, while its noise footprint is approximately 50% lower.
The A321neo has become an important part of ITA Airways’ fleet strategy and is capable of operating both European services and longer routes.
Ten crew members assigned to the flight
ITA Airways has assigned a 10-member crew to the special service, comprising three pilots and seven flight attendants.
Captain Fabio Polloni will oversee the flight and onboard operations, supported by the airline’s team responsible for special flights.
ITA Airways Chairman Sandro Pappalardo is scheduled to welcome Pope Leo XIV at Rome Fiumicino Airport before departure.
The airline said it was honoured to operate the journey and highlighted its role in supporting major international and institutional events.
The September 25 service will take Pope Leo XIV directly to Paris Orly as part of his first Apostolic Journey to France.
