What Happened
Special Livery Aircraft Carries Pontiff on Official Visit to France
Air France operated a series of flights for Pope Leo XIV’s official visit to France, featuring a specially liveried Airbus A321. The flights connected several airports in France and Rome, with the final leg escorted by two French Rafale fighter jets. The operation required extensive preparation and coordination with French authorities, Vatican representatives, and airport teams. According to Air France, the pope spent time on the flight deck and offered a blessing to the fighter pilots. The visit was the first official papal visit to France in nearly two decades and was reported by AeroTime.