By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
Air Côte d’Ivoire Captain
Claudio Ballanti has completed his final flight with the airline after a career
spanning 18,000 flight hours and nearly two million passengers, marking the end
of his return to active service supporting the carrier’s transition into
long-haul operations.
Ballanti made his final
flight on Sunday, September 20, 2026, operating flight HF179 from Paris to
Abidjan aboard the airline’s Airbus A330-900neo. The flight also coincided with
his 65th birthday, making the occasion particularly significant for the veteran
pilot.
Already retired from active
aviation service, Ballanti had returned to the cockpit to support Air Côte
d’Ivoire during what the airline described as a decisive stage in its
development, particularly the introduction of its Airbus A330-900neo aircraft
for long-haul operations.
During his aviation career,
Ballanti accumulated approximately 18,000 flight hours, transported nearly two
million passengers and travelled about 16 million kilometres.
The distance covered is
equivalent to approximately 400 trips around the world or 21 round trips
between Earth and the Moon.
Beyond his operational
duties as a pilot, Ballanti also served as an instructor and examiner,
contributing his experience and expertise to the training and development of
younger pilots.
His involvement in training
helped support the transfer of aviation knowledge and experience to a new
generation of pilots, extending his contribution to the industry beyond his own
flying career.
Air Côte d’Ivoire expressed
its appreciation for Ballanti’s dedication and service, while wishing him well
as he begins his retirement following years of contribution to aviation.
The airline also marked his
65th birthday and final flight with messages of appreciation from its team,
celebrating a career defined by extensive flying experience, passenger service
and professional mentorship.
