Retrofitted New Team Planes With All First-Class Seating

The New England Patriots have become the first NFL franchise to purchase its own team planes.

Yes, that's planes ... plural.

ESPN reports that the defending Super Bowl Champions have purchased two Boeing 767 aircraft and had them retrofitted with all first-class seating which recline completely. At least one of the planes is decorated in team livery with depictions of their five Lombardi trophies on the tail.

The cost of the aircraft was not disclosed, but the team said that the aircraft are extended range models which can fly nonstop for about 12 hours. Such aircraft, depending on condition and length of service, generally cost  between $5 and $65 million each.

One aircraft will be used as the primary plane to carry the team to road games, while the second will be a backup aircraft. While team planes have not been common in the NFL, ESPN reports that the rising costs of charter flights is making owning team aircraft more business sense.

Patriots spokesman Stacey James said the team would have no comment on the purchase. Sources with knowledge of the cost of team charters said that companies charge up to $4 million for 10 round-trip flights per season.

The Patriots will allow the aircraft to be rented out when they are not needed for team travel, according to the report.

(Image from YouTube video)

FMI: Original Report