Kansai Airports is pleased to announce that the wooden aircraft that was on display at the Italy Pavilion during Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai has now been installed at Kansai International Airport (KIX).
The Expo Legacy Project aims to continue sharing the cultures, values, and sustainability messages from many Expo participating countries through airports, even after the Expo. As part of this initiative, actual exhibits and artworks beloved at pavilions from around the world have been installed across the three Kansai airports.
The wooden aircraft that hung from the ceiling of the Italy Pavilion, drawing daily attention throughout the Expo, has now flown from Yumeshima to Kansai International Airport. This is a meticulously crafted full-scale model of the Ansaldo SVA 9, the aircraft that reached Japan from Rome in 1920 after approximately 107 days of arduous travel. Historical records tell us that in both Osaka and Tokyo, where the aircraft landed, crowds of citizens gathered in celebration of this remarkable feat, and welcome ceremonies were held in its honor. This year marks the 160th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Italy and Japan, and hoping that as many people as possible could see this wooden aircraft — a symbol of the long-standing friendship between the two nations — we are delighted that it has now found a new home at the airport.
To mark this installation, a commemorative ceremony was held at Kansai International Airport with distinguished guests in attendance, including Mr. Mario Andrea Vattani, Ambassador of Italy to Japan and former Commissioner General for Italy at Expo 2025 Osaka.
Kansai Airports Group will continue to contribute to the promotion of exchange and collaboration with local communities and countries around the world through the operation of our airports.
Location:
“Terrace” Area, Aeroplaza 2F, Kansai International Airport
*Open to visitors 24 hours a day
*Accessible to everyone
Display period:
Saturday, 25 July 2026 – around March 2027 (*end date to be confirmed)
About the Exhibit
The full-scale model of the Ansaldo SVA 9 exhibited at the Italy Pavilion during Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai is a recreation of the wooden biplane with fabric-covered wings that was used in the historic Rome–Tokyo Raid of 1920. At the time, aviator Arturo Ferrarin embarked on a long-distance flight of more than 18,000 km, setting his sights on Japan by way of Greece, the Middle East, India and China. Along the journey he faced repeated mechanical failures and maintenance challenges as well as severe weather conditions, yet flew on and, after approximately 107 days, reached Tokyo via Osaka. This remarkable feat drew worldwide attention and has been passed down as a symbol of friendship between Japan and Italy. The full-scale model on display was crafted by Giorgio Bonato based on many years of research, conveying to us today the history of that daring endeavor and the evolution of aviation technology.
