Emirates Launches NBA-Themed A380 for Basketball Season

By Ivan PetrenkoOct 19, 2024 16:30 PMNews
Share:
Emirates aircraft flying against a blue sky with clouds
Emirates A380 debuts bold NBA-themed livery for basketball fans. Source: unsplash

Emirates has unveiled a new custom design on one of its A380 aircraft, marking the start of the upcoming NBA campaign and its role as the Official Global Airline Sponsor of the league. This unique aircraft, which will begin flying on international routes in the coming days, emphasizes the collaboration between Emirates and the NBA. The plane’s exterior displays the NBA emblem alongside Emirates’ signature branding, symbolizing the connection between the two global entities.

This newly designed aircraft not only celebrates the partnership but also introduces basketball-inspired services for passengers. Throughout November and December, those flying on this special NBA-themed A380 will enjoy touches like co-branded seat covers, themed coasters, and tailored menus. Additionally, certain NBA Cup matches will be streamed live during flights, offering sports fans a chance to follow the tournament while traveling.

The Emirates NBA Cup, which is being held for the first time, is set to commence in the middle of November. The tournament will see thirty teams participate in group stages, with games held twice per week. The competition will continue until early December, with each team playing several designated group matches. This will lead to the knockout rounds, where teams face elimination in the final stages.

The tournament will culminate in mid-December with the championship game in Las Vegas. After the semifinal round, the final two teams will compete for the title. This significant event is expected to attract basketball fans from all over the globe, reinforcing the bond between the NBA and Emirates, while also showcasing the airline’s commitment to linking sports fans across the world.

For travelers, this initiative brings an added layer of excitement, particularly for basketball enthusiasts. Flying on the NBA-themed plane allows passengers to immerse themselves in the sport while enjoying Emirates' premium services. The option to watch live NBA Cup games on board ensures fans won’t miss a moment of the tournament, even mid-flight.

Moreover, these NBA-themed offerings make long-haul journeys more enjoyable, particularly for those traveling between major hubs in North America and the Middle East. Whether enjoying the services in Emirates lounges or watching live games in-flight, passengers can now enjoy a seamless blend of sports entertainment and world-class travel.

Top Articles
Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Oct 16, 2025 16:22 PM
Smartphone with eSIM logo surrounded by travel essentials like flowers, map, camera, and sunglasses

Where to Buy eSIM at the Best Price: A Full Review of Tariffs and Options

Aug 8, 2025 10:54 AM

Internet on a Cruise: How to Avoid Huge Bills for Connectivity

Aug 6, 2025 09:14 AM

No More SIM Swaps: The eSIM Travel Solution You’ll Actually Use

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM
More News
Flooded area beside fields and trees

Flooding Limits Access to Popular Destinations in Southwest England

Jan 28, 2026 07:54 AM
easyJet aircraft parked at a European airport gate

easyJet Ups Discounts as Big Orange Sale Nears Finish

Jan 28, 2026 07:08 AM

Helsinki Airport Adds Play Area to Ease Winter Baggage Waits

Jan 28, 2026 06:52 AM

Iași Gets Two Italian Routes as Wizz Air Widens Summer Reach

Jan 28, 2026 06:45 AM
American Airlines aircraft in flight during winter travel operations

Storm Fern Leaves American Airlines Scrambling to Restore Flight Operations

Jan 28, 2026 06:39 AM
Air France aircraft on final approach against clear blue sky

US–Riviera Festival Flights Set for 2026

Jan 28, 2026 06:23 AM
Aerial view of Mallorca’s coastline with turquoise bays and towns

Gdańsk Scores New Mallorca Link as Budget Carriers Boost Summer Choice

Jan 28, 2026 06:16 AM
People walking during snowfall on a city street

US Winter Storm Leaves Thousands of Holiday Trips on Hold

Jan 27, 2026 02:27 AM
3D sword smashing the word “FAKE” into fragments

Ticket Scam Case Exposes Odd Gap in Airline Staff Checks

Jan 27, 2026 02:14 AM

Ryanair Flags Possible Summer Disruption as French ATC Strikes Loom

Jan 27, 2026 01:41 AM

Weather Warning Triggers Loganair Flight Changes on 27 January

Jan 27, 2026 01:39 AM
Dark storm clouds moving across the sky

Storm Chandra Brings Challenging Conditions for Travel Across the UK

Jan 27, 2026 01:26 AM
Nantes Cathedral with touristic mini-train in front

Nantes Gets a Summer Gateway to the Croatian Coast

Jan 26, 2026 22:33 PM
Tehran skyline backed by snow-capped mountains

Major Airlines Reroute as Iran Tensions Disrupt Middle East Flights

Jan 26, 2026 00:58 AM
Red sale signage in shop window

Spring Fare Sale Puts Vietjet Deluxe Seats on Offer

Jan 25, 2026 16:55 PM

New Low-Cost Link Brings Romania’s ‘Little Vienna’ Within Reach

Jan 25, 2026 16:49 PM

Rail Works Disrupt Key Rome–Airport Link This Spring

Jan 25, 2026 16:31 PM
KLM aircraft on the runway preparing for departure

KLM Halts Middle East Routes as Airspace Tensions Rise

Jan 25, 2026 16:16 PM
Interior check-in hall at London Heathrow Terminal

UK Tightens Entry Rules with Digital Travel Pass

Jan 24, 2026 19:28 PM
View of Yerevan at sunset with Mount Ararat in the background

Vienna Lands a Direct Airbridge to Yerevan

Jan 24, 2026 18:43 PM
Close-up of a relaxed puppy lying down

Cagliari Airport Opens Pet Zone for Travellers with Animals

Jan 24, 2026 18:14 PM
Reception desk at the new Plaza Premium First lounge in Rome Fiumicino Terminal 1

Fiumicino Adds New Premium Lounge Option

Jan 24, 2026 17:57 PM

Heavy Rain and Wind Begin to Disrupt Journeys Across Britain

Jan 24, 2026 00:52 AM

Asiana Tightens Power Bank Rules

Jan 23, 2026 21:45 PM
Hand holding a large water bottle inside an airport terminal

Big Bottles Back: Heathrow Drops 100ml Liquid Rule

Jan 23, 2026 21:29 PM
Street view with Oujda’s clock tower and busy city traffic

Rotterdam Gains Summer Link to Oujda

Jan 23, 2026 21:13 PM