The National Basketball Association (NBA) is reportedly in discussions with an Irish aircraft leasing firm to take possession of up to 13 new Airbus jets to support its official flights and team charters through game season.
According to media reports, the NBA has tapped SMBC Aviation Capital which currently owns 1,000 aircraft, including 307 Airbus A320neo family single-aisle aircraft.
It’s understood that the NBA is particularly interested in leasing out the A321neo, which is the largest variant of the aircraft type. The interiors will be kitted out in a VIP configuration, according to Corporate Jet Investor which has cited sources close to the deal.
In the past, Delta Air Lines has operated a lot of charter flights for the NBA and its understood that the Atlanta-based carrier would continue operating the newly leased Airbus jets on behalf of the sports conglomerate.
As well as being the official carrier of the NBA, Delta also recently expanded its relationship with the WNBA, inking a multiyear deal to carry all 12 of the leagues teams for both the regular season and playoffs.
Delta even describes itself as the Official Airline of Champions, having flown 75 championship teams across many sports leagues since the start of the millennium.
Delta would likely provide a full wet-lease service for the planes, with pilots and flight attendants, as well as engineering and maintenance support.
In the past, Delta has used a variety of jets for sports charters but the NBA is interested in refitting the leased planes with VIP seating so that teams and their entourages can travel in style and comfort.
Although there are now 30 teams in the NBA, it’s understood that the 13 jets will be more than enough to support travel plans, especially given the fact that some teams, such as the Dallas Mavericks, have their own private jets.
