The New England Patriots have made National Football League (NFL) history yet again, this time becoming the first team to buy its own planes.
ESPN's Darren Rovell reported the five-time Super Bowl winners and reigning champions have purchased not one but two Boeing 767 wide-body jets for flying to road games.
The extended-range aircraft can fly up to 12 hours nonstop and have been retrofitted to include only first-class seats, thus ensuring Tom Brady and his teammates are comfortable from takeoff to landing. Some seats will recline completely, making it easier for players to recover after games.
Patriots players, coaches and staff will also arrive in style. On the outside, the planes' unique livery features the Patriots' logo and team colors, as well as five Vince Lombardi Trophies on the tail.
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The planes will operate out of Providence, Rhode Island. One of the aircraft will serve as a backup to the main plane the team will use throughout the season. The franchise is expected to rent out both when they're not being used for official travel.
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While used planes can cost several million dollars and new planes come with a price tag as hefty as $200 million, acquiring its own planes could benefit the Patriots franchise in the long run.
Rovell reports that charter flights have become much more expensive of late as major airlines retire aging aircraft that teams typically use throughout the season. Sources with knowledge of some NFL teams' charter travel deals say 10 roundtrip flights per season can cost as much as $4 million.
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