As part of its sponsorship with the American National Basketball Association (NBA), Dubai-based airline Emirates has introduced a specially themed NBA livery. In anticipation of the 2024-25 NBA Cup, an A380 has been entirely wrapped in a design dedicated to the league.
Even though Emirates is usually known for its white-and-gold planes, the design of one of its fleet’s A830s has been temporarily shifted. Across the fuselage, a striking blue can be noted, with the Emirates logo written in red. The NBA logo is also present on the livery, with a basketball bouncing between the two company logos. The makeover required a full repaint, which took 24 days to complete. The NBA-A830 will transport passengers from this week onwards.
“The new livery is a celebration of the marketing partnership and the game which brings people together from around the world, and we hope to spread the passion and connect with fans across basketball-loving nations across our network. We also look forward to showcasing unique onboard experiences starting next month, with a host of NBA-themed products and services to inspire and delight our customers”, stated Boutros Boutros, Emirates’ Executive Vice President of Corporate Communications, Marketing and Brand.
From 1 November until 17 December, during the Emirates NBA Cup, passengers will be able to enjoy NBA-inspired products and services on flights when travelling to-and-from 14 points in the U.S. and Canada. Passengers in every cabin will see the aircraft dressed in co-branded headrests, receive drinks served on specially designed coasters and can order from courtside-themed menus.
The airline will serve sports-inspired dishes and drinks across all cabin classes and to passengers socialising at the Onboard Lounge on flights operated by the iconic A380 aircraft. Basketball fans can also watch select Emirates NBA Cup games live on Sport24 on ice, Emirates’ inflight entertainment system.
About the NBA Cup
The 2024 Emirates NBA Cup tips off on Tuesday, 12 November with a doubleheader on TNT with the New York Knicks visiting the Philadelphia 76ers at 7:30 pm. ET, followed by the Golden State Warriors hosting the Dallas Mavericks at 10 pm. ET. Group play continues through Tuesday, 3 December, with each team playing four designated Group Play games on “Cup Nights” on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Eight teams will advance to the Knockout Rounds, which will consist of single-elimination games in the Quarterfinals, played in NBA team markets on Tuesday, 10 December, and Wednesday, 11 December, and will culminate with single-elimination Semifinals on Saturday, 14 December and Championship Tuesday, 17 December at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas
