Vatican launches pilgrim airline
Monday, 27 Aug 2007 20:17
Pope Benedict XVI is not expected to use the airline's services
The maiden flight of the Vatican's own charter airline designed for pilgrims has taken place today.
The service, a joint-venture with Italian postal carrier Mistral Air, is intended to transport pilgrims to holy sites across the world.
Today's inaugural flight, which departed from Leonardo da Vinci airport in Rome, saw a Boeing 747 travel to Lourdes in France.
According to the Associated Press news agency, Cardinal Camillo Ruini told journalists before boarding the flight: "The way to make pilgrimages can change over time, but their deepest meaning remains the same – to look for a deeper contact with God."
Under the five-year deal signed with Mistral Air, the Holy See expects to transport more than 150,000 pilgrims every year to religious sites such as Jerusalem, Fatima in Portugal and Santiago di Compostela, Spain.
Flights will initially depart from seven Italian airports in Rome, Verona and Brindisi, while in-flight movies have been replaced with religious videos.
In addition, inscriptions on seats read: "I search for your face, Lord"
Pope Benedict XVI is not expected to use the airline's services; continuing instead to charter private flights when travelling outside of the Vatican.