Emirates celebrates NBA partnership with striking new livery and onboard experiences
Emirates has unveiled a striking new livery in celebration of its partnership with the NBA, marking the start of the highly anticipated 2024-25 NBA season.
As the Official Global Airline Partner of the NBA and inaugural title sponsor of the Emirates NBA Cup, the airline’s new livery will soon be seen across its global network, starting next week.
The eye-catching design features a bold blue gradient across the fuselage with the NBA logo, while the iconic Emirates lettering appears in red alongside a basketball graphic linking the NBA and Emirates logos. Vibrant red engine cowls, featuring the airline’s signature white calligraphy, complete the fresh look.
The livery is one of only four bespoke nose-to-tail designs across Emirates’ fleet, created in-house by the Emirates Engineering Aircraft Appearance Centre. The entire process, including stripping, painting, and applying graphics, took 24 days to complete.
From 1 November to 17 December, to coincide with the Emirates NBA Cup, passengers on flights to and from 14 destinations across the U.S. and Canada will enjoy a variety of NBA-inspired experiences.
From co-branded headrests and themed menus to sports-inspired dishes and drinks, Emirates is incorporating basketball into all aspects of its in-flight service.
Passengers travelling on the iconic A380 will even be able to enjoy the courtside-themed menu while socialising in the Onboard Lounge, while basketball fans can watch live NBA Cup games via Sport24 on Emirates’ inflight entertainment system, ice.
Before departure, customers in Emirates’ lounges in Dubai, New York JFK, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Boston will also be treated to a limited-time NBA-themed menu.
Boutros Boutros, Emirates’ Executive Vice President of Corporate Communications, Marketing and Brand, commented:
We are proud to be the Official Global Airline Partner of the NBA and the inaugural title partner of the Emirates NBA Cup. 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.
The 2024 Emirates NBA Cup kicks off on 12 November, with group play running until 3 December. Eight teams will then progress to the Knockout Rounds, culminating in the Championship on 17 December at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Passengers and basketball fans can also pick up limited edition Emirates-NBA merchandise, including replica aircraft models in the new livery, available at the Emirates Official Store.
Paul Baker, Sales Director at Global Travel Management, added:
UK-based business travellers heading to the U.S. and Canada can look forward to these exciting, NBA-themed experiences on their flights. Emirates continues to offer innovative and engaging in-flight services, and this new collaboration will bring an added dimension to long-haul business travel.
For more information on how Emirates flights, schedules and fares, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.
