Conference – Volandia Museum June 8, 2019
In June 1929, the Eastern Mediterranean Cruise began, initiated by the then Undersecretary Italo Balbo to reach the Black Sea with a dual objective: to train crews for long-distance formation flying and to promote Italian aircraft abroad. In the executive order, it was indeed called the “Training Cruise of a Maritime Bombing Unit.” The cruise departed from Orbetello on June 5, 1929, headed for Odessa, with stops in Taranto, Athens, Istanbul, Varna, and Constan?a. For this endeavor, a “formation wing” (a temporary air unit created for the cruise) was established under the command of Col. Aldo Pellegrini, consisting of 35 aircraft: 32 S.55s, 2 S.59bis, and 1 Cant-22. The selected units were the 86th Group (Brindisi), the 91st Group (La Spezia), the 192nd Squadron (Pola), and the 3rd Z.A.T. Flight Unit (Vigna di Valle). Radio transmitting stations, designed by the Navy, were installed on the lead aircraft and Balbo’s S.55. The special unit from Vigna di Valle included 5 S.55s adapted for passenger transport, 1 civil S.55 from Aero Espresso (for journalists), and a Cant-22 from the Monfalcone shipyards. Numerous Air Force officers were onboard the squadron aircraft for study purposes.
The naval base of Taranto was chosen as the starting base for the S.55s, which reached Odessa (arriving on June 8) via Athens, Istanbul, and Varna. The return route followed a different itinerary: Constan?a, Istanbul, Taranto, and finally Orbetello. The enterprise was commanded by one of the great pioneers of Italian aviation, Francesco De Pinedo, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Air Force. It was a true triumph for the Italian aeronautical industry, with grand receptions for the Savoia-Marchetti aircraft in each city they visited.
Ninety years after that event, Volandia wanted to commemorate the achievement as an “example of social, commercial, and technological progress” with a meeting held in the conference room.
The conference took place on Saturday, June 8, 2019, starting at 10:15 am, at the Flight Park and Museum in Case Nuove. Claudio Tovaglieri, president of the Volandia Scientific Committee, introduced the event, followed by Gregory Alegi’s presentation on “The Origins and Aeronautical Policy of Italo Balbo.” Immediately after, Paolo Waldis spoke on “Commercial Relations,” and Sergio Coniglio discussed “Technological Evolution.” The conference was moderated by Filippo Meani.