Papal Visit

[nbmcg01]

As I watch the news tonight and STL being a good Catholic town, there is much discussion of the Pope's US visit. I think this has made me the most sad when I think about the acquisition of TWA and the loss of such a well known "brand name". TWA had the honor of providing several Papal Charters during its long history and I had the pleasure of helping choose the flight attendant's for one of Holy Father's visits. Having worked at the training center and the planning hub I saw firsthand how much was involved in providing superior service to the Pope, his entourage and accompanying press. We took such pride in being chosen to represent American air carriers. Our f/as were the finest of the best. (two having been married at the Vatican) The food, the linens, the reconfigured f/c with a bed and hand embroidered duvet, the Papal logo, the tinest detail worked out to perfection, lovingly provided by proud employees. I wonder who has the "hornor" this time? I hope they will have the same fond memories I have on this spring evening.

 

[Hatu]

In 1993 the Pope flew on American Airlines during his USA tour.

Virginia Culver; Denver Post Religion Writer DENVER POST
August 17, 1993; Page 7A

It was a papal blessing. As Pope John Paul II left Denver for Rome aboard an American Airlines 767 jet...

http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archiv...ackval=GooglePM

 

[WingNaPrayer]

I wonder who has the "hornor" this time? I hope they will have the same fond memories I have on this spring evening.

He came in, of course, on Alitalia, Italy's flagship carrier. They didn't make a big stink over the FA's when he landed but I do believe CNN zoomed in on a couple of them standing in the doorway of the aircraft after it landed at the AFB.

The flight was re-designated: "Shepherd One"

 

[FrugalFlyerv2.0]

I wonder who has the "hornor" this time?

The Pope (Papa Nazi?) arrived at Andrews AFB on Alitalia. I don't think he or his posse are that picky about his air transportation. And, although it may be nice to be the airline to fly the pope, I don't know if it is such an honor anymore or really worth it financially.

 

[Bagbelt]

It isn't his fault he was born in Germany in the 1920's. All children were compelled to join ns organisations. This forum is getting increasingly nasty as of late. Please refrain from insulting what others consider an honor.

 

[eolesen]

Unofficially, the Pope always flies on Alitalia when leaving Rome, and on one of the host country's carriers for the return. IIRC, Shepherd One is the call sign assigned regardless of the carrier.

If AZ winds up being absorbed into AF/KL, it will be interesting to see how they handle the outbound. Italians have no problem admitting to be mostly Catholic and supportive of the church. The other major EU countries seem to be a lot less willing to do that.

 

[jimntx]

Italians have no problem admitting to be mostly Catholic and supportive of the church

To paraphrase Pres. Clinton, "Define supportive." The Italians like that the Vatican is located in the center of Italy. They think the Pope should always be Italian. But, supportive? Less than 10% of the Italians who identify as Catholic attend Mass on anything approaching a regular basis.

 

[FrugalFlyerv2.0]

So what airline is the pope returning to Italy on?

 

[Bob Owens]

Unofficially, the Pope always flies on Alitalia when leaving Rome, and on one of the host country's carriers for the return. IIRC, Shepherd One is the call sign assigned regardless of the carrier.

If AZ winds up being absorbed into AF/KL, it will be interesting to see how they handle the outbound. Italians have no problem admitting to be mostly Catholic and supportive of the church. The other major EU countries seem to be a lot less willing to do that.

Aer Lingus of course. The Irish have no probelm supporting the Pope, except for maybe Sinead O'Connor.

 

[AMFAMAN]

So what airline is the pope returning to Italy on?

The Vatican refuses to announce the airline or plane type for fear that the FAA might choose that airline as part of the "ground them for a week" program. <_<

 

[nbmcg01]

The Vatican refuses to announce the airline or plane type for fear that the FAA might choose that airline as part of the "ground them for a week" program. <_<

Sorry I started this thread. This was a positive memory from my career and airline. And no, I'm not Catholic. Not everything has to heaped with controversy.

 

[CubsFanJohn]

When they picked the crews, how much senority on average would it have required.

 

[Fang]

When John Paul II came into STL it was a wonderful event. Regardless of your religion etc., having the Pope in the Country is a big deal, to most.

I do remember the TWA plane and the flags flying from around the cockpit window. What a site!! Probably the most important event to happen to STL since the Worlds Fair.

I have not heard how the Pope is getting to New York or how he is flying back. I would guess this is pretty guarded.

I do recall that many of the FA's were very honored to work the flight on TWA. I talked to one, who had a friend work the flight, and she indicated that JPII was very nice and hardly talked at all, but thanked everyone who worked the flight (from cockpit, FA's etc.).

I would think the PR would be more than enough to pay for the flight.

 

[nbmcg01]

When they picked the crews, how much senority on average would it have required.

All seniority's were represented. F/as were chosen by requests from parish priests, bishops up to Cardinals. They had to have a very good f/a reputation and for once it wasn't the Company suck ups. There were strong unionists, training instructors, line f/as, no supervisors, and one was even a union rep. Languages played an important part and all had to have special security clearance. As I stated before, one couple had actually been married at the Vatican and one had worked with Mother Theresa. It was a daunting task to choose the crew and many were disappointed. The selection committee was made up of company and union reps from both New York and St. Louis. Really good people were given the flight of their lives. I was fortunate to have one of the f/as take rosaries to be blessed and that is something I'll always appreciate.

 

[local 12 proud]

Mods: Shouldn't this be in the Water Cooler?

Im missing the part where this has anything to do with AA.