The post NBA Nabs Approval for VIP-Configured A321neos appeared first on FLYING Magazine.
]]>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.
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.
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 offseason, 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 & Whitney GTF engines. Delta’s current fleet of A321neos includes 62 active aircraft.
Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on AirlineGeeks.com.
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]]>The post Two Killed in Delta Aircraft Tire Explosion appeared first on FLYING Magazine.
]]>According to WSB-TV, one Delta employee and a contractor were killed as they were removing the tire.
Another airline employee was seriously injured as a result of the incident. In a statement to the news outlet, Delta confirmed the report.
“The Delta family is heartbroken at the loss of two team members and the injury of another following an incident this morning at the Atlanta Technical Operations Maintenance facility (TOC 3),” a Delta spokesman said. “We have extended our full support to family members and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time…The Delta family is grateful for the quick action of first responders and medical teams on site. We are now working with local authorities and conducting a full investigation to determine what happened.”
Few details are available as to what caused the incident. The involved aircraft is reportedly registered as N683DA, a 31-year-old Boeing 757-200 that had just flown from Las Vegas to Atlanta on Sunday evening.
Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on AirlineGeeks.com.
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