The National Basketball Association (NBA) is making a significant move to enhance team travel by leasing 13 customized VIP Airbus A321neo aircraft. The new fleet will be used to transport NBA teams between games in future seasons, with player comfort and welfare at the forefront of the decision.
SMBC Aviation Capital, a prominent Irish aircraft lessor, is expected to handle the leasing of these aircraft, while Delta Air Lines, known for managing most NBA team flights and charters, is expected to operate the new fleet. Comlux, a leading aviation services provider, has secured the contract to complete the VIP interior modifications at its facility in Indianapolis.
Despite the high-profile nature of the deal, spokespeople from Airbus, SMBC Aviation Capital, and Comlux declined to comment on the matter. The NBA also did not provide any official statement regarding the agreement.
Though the league comprises 30 teams, it has been determined that 13 aircraft will be sufficient to cover team transportation needs. As the NBA looks to expand by adding two more teams in the future, the possibility of acquiring additional aircraft remains open.
Each Airbus A321neo is expected to carry not only a roster of up to 18 players but also coaches, staff, and significant amounts of equipment. These aircraft, typically configured to seat up to 244 passengers in an economy layout, will feature VIP accommodations, including lie-flat beds, humidifiers, and lighting designed to reduce jetlag — critical factors for player recovery during the long NBA season. The aircraft will also maintain a lower cabin altitude of under 6,000 feet, even at cruising altitudes of 30,000 feet, to further enhance comfort.
The push for enhanced travel arrangements stems from research showing that players who spend extended time on flights, especially on road games, have an increased risk of injuries and poorer performance. NBA data from 2018 indicated that players travel more than any other U.S. sports team. Furthermore, statistics reveal that 54% of injuries occur during away games, with teams flying west more likely to lose games than those flying east.
With the VIP fleet set to transform NBA travel, insiders suggest that other major sports leagues, such as the NFL and Major League Soccer, may soon follow suit, eyeing similar transportation upgrades for their athletes.