The National Basketball Association (NBA) is reportedly in talks with an Irish aircraft leasing company about acquiring up to 13 new Airbus planes to support official and team charter flights during the playing season.
According to media reports, the NBA has partnered with SMBC Aviation Capital, which currently owns a fleet of 1,000 aircraft, including 307 Airbus A320neo family single-aisle aircraft.
The NBA is thought to be particularly interested in leasing an A321neo, the largest of the aircraft types, whose cabins will be outfitted in a VIP configuration, according to Corporate Jet Investor, citing sources close to the deal.
Delta Air Lines has previously operated numerous charter flights for the NBA, and the Atlanta-based airline is expected to continue operating its newly leased Airbus planes on behalf of the sports conglomerate.
Not only is Delta the Official Airline of the NBA, but the airline also recently expanded its relationship with the WNBA, signing a multi-year agreement to carry flights for all 12 of the league’s teams during both the regular season and playoffs.
Delta Air Lines calls itself the “Official Airline of Champions” after having flown 75 championship teams across numerous sports leagues since the early 2000s.
Delta Air Lines will likely offer a complete wet-leasing service for the aircraft, including pilots and flight attendants as well as engineering and maintenance support.
Delta has historically used a variety of jets for its sports charter flights, but the NBA has expressed interest in equipping leased aircraft with VIP seating to allow teams and their personnel to travel in style and comfort.
There are currently 30 teams in the NBA, and with some teams, such as the Dallas Mavericks, having their own private jets, 13 jets has proven to be more than enough to support travel plans.
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