Latam Cargo airlifts armored vehicles to Peru for Pope Leo visit
The cargo division of Latam Airlines has delivered two popemobiles for the Vatican to Peru. The post Latam Cargo airlifts armored vehicles to Peru for Pope Leo visit appeared first on FreightWaves .
Two popemobiles destined for Pope Leo XIV's visit to Peru arrived in Lima on Monday aboard a Latam Airlines Group freighter aircraft. The operation, executed under contract with Peru's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and in coordination with General Motors, involved the transportation of two modified Chevrolet vehicles, each weighing three tons.
The vehicles, equipped with bulletproof glass, were transported from Varacopos International Airport in São Paulo to Lima via a Boeing 767-300 freighter. Manufactured at General Motors' plant in São Bernardo do Campo, the popemobiles were scheduled to transport the Pope during his 12-day journey through Latin America, which included stops in Uruguay and Argentina.
The Pope's itinerary encompassed four cities in Peru, where he was set to celebrate Mass, engage with local church communities, and address civil authorities. The complex logistics of the operation necessitated between six and eight hours of preparation at the airport, along with specialized procedures to ensure the safe handling and transportation of the vehicles.
The transportation entailed precise weight distribution calculations, secure attachment to cargo platforms, and the use of hydraulic equipment for loading. Approximately 20 personnel were required to assist in the loading and unloading process, all while adhering to stringent security protocols.
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