Air France pilot selected to fly Pope Leo XIV in France

Air France has selected female pilot Clémence Coussono to command the Airbus A321 that will transport Pope Leo XIV during his four-day visit to France. The flight itinerary includes transporting the Pontiff from Paris to Lourdes, and subsequently from Lourdes to Metz-Nancy-Lorraine.

Coussono, a pilot with 35 years of experience and the granddaughter of a pilot, described her selection as “random.” Her appointment highlights the evolving role of women in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Currently, women make up 10% of the 5,000 pilots at Air France, which is higher than the global average of 5%.

The Pope’s visit is scheduled to begin this Friday, with stops planned in Paris, Lourdes, and Metz.