Emirates Unveils Striking NBA Livery Ahead of the Emirates NBA Cup

Photo : Dubai government media office

Emirates Airlines is kicking off the highly anticipated 2024-25 NBA season with an eye-catching new livery, designed to celebrate its role as the Official Global Airline Partner of the NBA and the inaugural title partner of the Emirates NBA Cup. This vibrant livery, which is set to hit the skies starting next week, reflects the spirit of the collaboration between the two brands.

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The aircraft's livery features a striking blue gradient that stretches across the fuselage, prominently showcasing the NBA logo. In a notable design shift, the distinct Emirates lettering, typically in gold, has been transformed to a bold red. The new design is accentuated by an illustration of a basketball bouncing between the NBA and Emirates logos. Additionally, the aircraft’s engines are adorned with bright red cowls that feature the Emirates logo in elegant white calligraphy.

This transformation required a full repaint of the Emirates A380, executed as part of an elaborate project involving design, painting, production, and installation. The Emirates Engineering Aircraft Appearance Centre teams completed the entire process in-house, taking 24 days to finish the intricate work of stripping, painting, and applying graphics to bring the customized aircraft to life.

From November 1 until December 17, coinciding with the Emirates NBA Cup, passengers can look forward to onboard experiences featuring NBA-themed products and services on flights to and from 14 destinations in the U.S. and Canada. This NBA-themed livery is one of only four in the Emirates fleet to feature full nose-to-tail bespoke designs.

Passengers will enjoy various unique experiences, including co-branded headrests, drinks served on specially designed coasters, and courtside-themed menus featuring sports-inspired dishes and drinks available across all cabin classes. For those traveling on the iconic A380 aircraft, basketball fans can watch select Emirates NBA Cup games live on Sport24, the airline’s inflight entertainment system.

In addition to onboard offerings, customers can indulge in a limited-time NBA-themed menu at Emirates lounges located in Dubai, New York JFK, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Boston.

Boutros Boutros, Emirates’ Executive Vice President of Corporate Communications, Marketing, and Brand, expressed pride in the partnership, stating, “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. We hope to spread the passion and connect with fans across basketball-loving nations.”

The 2024 Emirates NBA Cup kicks off on November 12 with a doubleheader on TNT, featuring the New York Knicks visiting the Philadelphia 76ers at 7:30 p.m. ET, followed by the Golden State Warriors hosting the Dallas Mavericks at 10 p.m. ET. Group play will continue through December 3, with teams competing on designated Cup Nights every Tuesday and Friday.

Eight teams will advance to the Knockout Rounds, which will feature single-elimination games in the Quarterfinals on December 10 and 11, culminating in Semifinals on December 14 and the Championship on December 17 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Fans looking to commemorate this partnership can purchase limited edition replica aircraft models in the new livery, along with other merchandise available at the Emirates Official Store.

This bold move by Emirates signifies not just a marketing strategy but a deeper commitment to engaging fans and enhancing their travel experience, all while celebrating the excitement of the NBA season.