Holiday Weekend Hours! We’re open all weekend long—including Holiday Monday—with our regular hours! Come explore the wonders of flight and take part in a special hands-on program just for families: “Designiacs” – Holiday Monday Only! 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM. Let your imagination take flight! Kids and families are invited to design and build their own aircraft using recyclable materials in this fun, interactive session led by our museum educator. Perfect for curious minds of all ages. Included with admission—no registration required! #AviationMuseum #WinnipegEvents #Designiacs #LongWeekendFun #YWG (fb)

'Air Force One' and 'Shepherd One' Did You Know? While the U.S. President travels abroad with 'Air Force One,' the Pope's flights have occasionally been designated as 'Shepherd One.' This call sign was notably used during Pope Francis's 2015 visit to the United States, when he flew on an American Airlines Boeing 777-200. Unlike the U.S. President's dedicated aircraft, the Pope flies commercial. The Vatican charters commercial planes for international papal travel. Historically, Alitalia managed these flights. Since Alitalia's transition to ITA Airways in 2021, the tradition continues with the new carrier. The first pope to fly in an airplane was Pope Paul VI. He made history on January 4, 1964, when he flew from Rome to Amman, Jordan, aboard a chartered Alitalia DC-8 jet. These flights sometimes include symbolic touches, such as displaying the Vatican flag and the flag of the host nation upon arrival, underscoring the Pope's role as a global spiritual leader. This intersection of aviation and diplomacy highlights the unique ways air travel has been adapted to allow leaders to connect around the world. Image Sources: Wikicommons (fb)