The MS-760 on display, the twin of that on which Mattei died, is the last tangibie evidence of the tragedy. It is also the first civil jet ever registered in Italy and the country’s first business jet, further enhancing its historical value. The Paris was a four-Seat, twinjet liaison and instrument training derivative of the two Seat MS-755 Fleuret monoplane. Crucially, the type lacked de-icing, autopilot and flight recorders. The prototype MS-760A Paris flew on 29 July 1954. The MS-750B Paris II flew in 1960, with extra thrust and range, plus de-iced air intakes. The eight-seat Paris III remained a prototype. Total production ran to 165 aircraft, for military (France, Argentina, Brazil) and civilian customers.
SNAM ordered I-SNAI, the 28th Paris built, on 1st December 1958. The jet, which cost $ 157,288, made its first flight on 15th March 1959. Delivered to the customer on 13th April at Villacoublay (Paris), it was flown to Linate by Irnerio Bertuzzi and was piaced on the Italian register on 16th April.
In December 1961 SNAM took delivery of Paris II I-SNAP, which soon replaced I-SNAI. Indeed, after clocking 604,25 flight hours until 20 March 1962, at year’s end I-SNAI had added a mere 11,20 hours. Indeed, after a local flight from Rome-Ciampino until 4 October, the jet remained grounded until 4 December 1962. The inquiry board used it to compare and verify parts and systems from the wreck of I-SNAP.
Following its export to the USA, this MS-760 became N760X, with frequent livery and interior changes. Among its owners was actor John Travolta, with whom the jet starred on the 1989 movie Look Who’s Talking.
By 2023 only four Paris remained in flying condition worldwide, including N760X. The jet and lts logbooks returned to Italy in January 2025. The Amici di Volandia repainted it in SNAM colors, but the interior and equipment fit are those of its last flights.
Donated by Dr Lupo Rattazzi, former Chairman of Air Europe SpA and Chairman of Neos SpA. For his exhaustive investigation of the accident in which Enrico Mattei died on 27 October 1962 go to www.casomattei.com