The NBA is working to lease 13 Airbus planes to support team travel as the league seeks to improve working conditions for its players.
All of the Airbus A321neo VIP aircraft will be equipped with custom features and will be leased by SMBC Aviation Capital. The aircraft will feature custom lie-flat beds and humidifiers, adjustable lighting and a cabin altitude equivalent to less than 6,000 feet, all with the goal of reducing player fatigue during travel and improving performance. Delta Airlines, a longtime NBA partner, is expected to operate the jets.
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Player health and performance are driving the league to improve travel gear at a time when NBA franchises are closely monitoring every possible variable related to performance and injury reduction. Studies have suggested a link between long flights and teams’ declining on-court results shortly afterward. In theory, better jets could reduce that effect, improving competitive balance.
The NBA did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Business Jet Investor was the first to report the news.
An Airbus A321neo can seat 244 passengers in a “higher density layout,” the airline’s website says. The planes will be able to carry NBA players, coaches, staff and equipment.
In the past, the NBA has used converted commercial aircraft for player travel, but those have comfort limitations. To help combat the toll on players traveling across the country, the league has made an effort to reduce back-and-forth travel.
Not all teams are expected to be part of the club rotation using the Airbus A321neo VIP aircraft. Several organizations, including the Dallas Mavericks, travel with their own private jets.
Long-distance logistics are also a key concern for the WNBA, which in partnership with Delta Airlines teams to provide a league-wide charter system for the first time.
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