American Airlines Flight Crew Shared their Memorable Moments with Pope Francis and their Preparations before the Pontiff's Arrival

For the American Airlines flight crews, it was a life changing experience as they were chosen to handle Pope Francis's flight from Washington to New York to Philadelphia on the 24^th of September. The airplane crews have been preparing the Pontiff's plane, American's Boeing 777-200 aircraft more than a year. Pope Francis arrived in Washington DC, USA on board on Italy's flag carrier, Alitalia.

Almost a month since the visit, the flight crews of the American Airline still can't forget the memorable moments they had serving and taking good care of the Pope. According to the Daily Mail, the flight crews expressed their feelings and experience being on the same plane on board with the Pope Francis. The 53- year-old pilot of the plane, George Griffin had a chat with the Pope while on their way to Philadelphia from New York. 'I asked him to bless my landing because I wanted it to be very good for him,' the pilot said. 'Without hesitation he said, "I will bless your landing but you must pray for me in Philadelphia". Griffin also said his conversation with Pope Francis was very special for him.

Flight attendant, Jeff Gross also shared his unforgettable encounter with the Shepherd's one. The Crux reported, the 47-year old flight attendant said when he saw the Pope walked through the cabin, "it was like seeing God". He also had an up close moment with the Pope when the he invited all the attendants to meet him.

"He blessed me and held my hand. Although I was doing my job, it almost felt like we were (taking) a sacred journey," he said. "It was the most incredible life-changing experience ever. It was the highlight of my career." Gross also said it was a spiritual experience.

The flight trip to US last September 24 of the 266^th current Pope of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis had been the big talk of the people. The Pontiff boarded on 777-200 as American Airline's VIP guest. Preparations took more than a year with the cooperation of course of the American Airlines management, several departments and agencies of the US government, the Points Guy reported.

In celebration of the Pope's visit, the American flag carrier made a video documenting their preparations with the Pope's arrival on several destinations. Pilot George Griffin and flight attendant Jeff Gross was one of the American Airline staff appointed by the Fort Worth-based company.