NBA Nabs Approval for VIP-Configured A321neos

Delta will soon operate a fleet of up to 14 A321neos for the National Basketball Association.

The Airbus A321neo completes its first flight (Photo: Airbus)

[ Planes ]October 2, 2024 7:02 pm ET

By Ryan Ewing

The National Basketball Association (NBA)’s charter fleet is about to get a major upgrade. On Wednesday, the Department of Transportation approved a change in the agreement between Delta and the league, allowing for newer aircraft.

Delta currently operates a fleet of 11 Boeing 757-200s for the NBA that are leased from Aviation Capital Group. These aging jets — which are well over 30 years old — feature a special VIP-configuration.

According to Cirium Fleet Analyzer data, the 757s have only 72 seats, a stark difference from the 199-seat configuration used on regular Delta flights. The 757s were first introduced to the NBA’s travel schedule as part of a 2015 agreement with the Atlanta-based airline.

New Aircraft

In July 2024, a law firm representing the airline and league submitted plans to extend the agreement, which was slated to end in September 2026. Now with DOT approval, the revised agreement includes a fleet of up to 14 specially configured Airbus A321neo aircraft.

A Delta A321neo (Photo: Delta)

As first reported by Corporate Jet Investor, these aircraft will have humidifiers and lie-flat beds onboard with interiors being designed by Comlux. They will be used to shuttle players from the NBA’s 30 teams along with coaches and other staff between games.

Like the 757 arrangement, Delta will operate the Airbus aircraft, placing them under its operating certificate. During the league’s off-season, the airline can also utilize the aircraft for “ad-hoc” charters.

A July filing from the parties says the A321neos will be delivered over approximately 32 months, equipped with Pratt and Whitney GTF engines. Delta’s current fleet of A321neos includes 62 active aircraft.

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Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

Follow Ryan

Author

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
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