ITA Airways accompanies Pope Leo XIV on His Apostolic Journey to Africa

ITA Airways will play a central role in Pope Leo XIV’s first Apostolic Journey to Africa, providing the official transport aboard its Airbus A330neo.

Journey Overview
- Departure: April 13, 2026, from Rome Fiumicino at 8:00 a.m.
- First Stop: Algiers, Algeria (Houari Boumédiène Airport), arriving at 9:00 a.m. local time.
- Cameroon: April 15 to Yaoundé, then April 17 to Douala, returning to Yaoundé the same day.
- Angola: April 18, flight to Luanda.
- Equatorial Guinea: April 20, arrival in Malabo.
- Return: April 23, departing Malabo at 12:45 p.m., landing in Rome at 7:55 p.m.

Aircraft & Crew
- Aircraft: Airbus A330neo, chosen for efficiency, comfort, and reduced emissions (up to 20% less fuel consumption compared to previous generation).
- Crew: 13 members (3 pilots, 10 flight attendants), led by Captain Fabio Polloni.
- Leadership Presence: ITA Airways Chairman Sandro Pappalardo, CEO Joerg Eberhart, and Chief Commercial Officer Emiliana Limosani will welcome the Pope at Rome Fiumicino.
- Delegation: Papal entourage accompanied by Italian and international press.

Significance
- This journey underscores ITA Airways’ pride in being entrusted with such a historic mission.
- It highlights the airline’s role not only as Italy’s flag carrier but also as a symbol of national representation on the global stage.
- The Apostolic Journey itself reflects the Vatican’s commitment to strengthening ties with Africa, while ITA Airways showcases its modern fleet and operational excellence.