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Finding the right aircraft for your team
Over recent years, we have seen a rise in sports teams chartering flights for a number of different reasons and travelling to an increasing variety of destinations. We have been working with the sports industry since 1961 and during this time, have been organising flights for everything from domestic matches to global multi-leg pre-season tours.
Our dedicated Account Managers have the expertise to guide you through the most suitable arrangements to meet your requirements, however, here are just a few examples of aircrafts which are popular with sports teams. Chartering an aircraft gives you control over the flight schedule, destinations and on-board service for the team. We can also assist with our ServicePLUS programme, customising anything from providing headrest covers with the team's badge, to branding the exterior of the aircraft.
Best for domestic matches: Embraer 145 and Avro RJ 85
Recommended for: Both aircrafts are a popular choice for domestic travel, the Avro RJ 85 is often also used for matches further afield in Europe
Seating: The Embraer 145 offers a 2x1 seat configuration and the Avro RJ 85 offers a 3x3 configuration, accommodating up to 95 passengers. Some airlines we work with can also offer a reconfiguration to 50 seats, allowing for more space and a 2x2 configuration.
Range: Up to 2.5 to 3 hours (Embraer 145) and 3.5 hours (Avro RJ 85)
Overview: These aircraft are popular with teams flying short distances, the Embraer 145 is an economic and efficient way of traveling for teams, carrying up to 50 passengers, but has limited space in the hold so is popular with teams who take their equipment via road. The Avro RJ85 can accommodate up to 2.5 tonnes of equipment and up to 95 passengers.
Best for European elite competitions: Boeing 737-300 VIP and Boeing 757-200 VIP
Recommended for: Primarily used for major European fixtures such as Europa and Champions Leagues.
Seating: 2x2 business class cradle seats with 135 degree recline. Ranging from 62 to 80 business class seats.
Range: Boeing 737-300 VIP has up to 5 hours range and Boeing 757-200 VIP has up to 7.5 hours range
Overview: These aircraft are popular with teams traveling for elite competitions and we have seen a rise in teams chartering VIP airliners over the years. They also used for pre-season training camps and can be suitable for domestic matches. Accommodating up to 80 passengers, depending on aircraft, the business class seats mean the team can travel in comfort and VIP catering is typically included for flights of more than two hours.
Best for global pre-season tours: Airbus A340 VIP
Recommended for: Pre-season tours around the globe, its range and comfort levels offered makes it an ideal choice for transatlantic travel.
Seating: Lie flat business class seats
Range: Up to 12 hours
Overview: This aircraft can accommodate up to 100 passengers and its VIP features make it a popular choice to ensure that players arrive at the destination well rested. As well as lie flat business class seats, VIP catering and inflight entertainment is included.
If you'd like to enquire about charting flights for sports teams, contact one of one dedicated Account Managers today