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Atlanta-based 
Delta Air Lines has received its first Airbus A321neo in a charter configuration, with plans for the new aircraft to begin operating by the end of the month. These new planes are set to gradually replace the aging Boeing 757-200 fleet of charter planes that regularly transport sports teams, among other VIP charter operations.
The new aircraft are set up with a total of just 90 seats onboard, spread across three seating types: 16 lie-flat beds, 44 extra legroom seats, and then 30 main cabin seats at the rear.
Welcoming The Airbus A321neo To The VIP Charter Fleet
According to ch-aviation, Delta has taken delivery of N701DH, the first VIP configured A321neo, which is set to be dedicated to NBA charters. This aircraft is the first of 14 custom-built planes that are leased from SMBC Aviation Capital and operated under the Delta air carrier certificate.
Aircraft Registration | N701DH |
|---|---|
Serial Number (MSN) | 13110 |
Airbus Test Registration | D-AZYN |
Plane Age | 0.5 years |
First Test Flight Date | March 9, 2026 |
Type | Airbus A321-271NX |
These new jets will replace the aging 757-200s, many of which have accumulated more than 30 years of active service. The ‘Flying Pencils’ have been the dedicated charter aircraft for the NBA and other sports teams since 2015 as part of the airline’s VIP fleet. For those now traveling on the new aircraft, these cabin upgrades will provide a more comfortable onboard experience, while in the belly of the jet, expanded cargo space will be key to transporting bulky equipment and baggage required for athletes and the teams they play for.
With the first aircraft in hand, deliveries of additional aircraft will roll out for the 2026 and 2027 NBA seasons. During the basketball offseason, the luxury jets will be redeployed for ad hoc premium operations.
First Of 14 A321neo Set To Replace The 757-200
Many aviation enthusiasts will be sad to see the 757-200’s take their final flight for Delta as part of the VIP fleet. The new A321s have been long awaited as part of the renewal of one of the most demanding charter fleets in the United States. The existing 757- 200s are leased from Aviation Capital Group, and retiring them marks the retirement of some of the oldest airframes, which are dedicated to premium charter duty, coming offline.
The new aircraft aligns with the broader direction of the Delta mainline fleet, with the airline reviewing its narrowbody strategy and opting for aircraft with superior fuel efficiency, range, and a quieter onboard experience. The new aircraft type being deployed on the high-profile NBA flights will show passengers some of the best onboard offerings and newest airframes in the airline’s fleet.
The retirement of the 757-200, an aircraft type that stopped production in 2004, will happen gradually, with the remaining Boeing aircraft continuing to fly until the full fleet renewal is complete. The approach will see these specialized charter fleets be managed without disrupting scheduled team movements across the playing season.
A321neo Interiors: Lie Flat Beds and Elevated Design
As reported by Simple Flying in August, the new aircraft have bespoke interiors designed by Comlux. These aircraft will shuttle more than 30 teams nationwide as part of its NBA partnerships, and players and their support teams have high demands to keep team members in optimal condition.
Over the next three years, the 14 new A321neo will be delivered, and the lie-flat beds, humidifiers, and customizable lighting make for a more comfortable onboard experience at a lower cabin altitude. The larger seats accommodate taller players, who can be more than six feet (1.83 m).
Sports teams often need to fly on charter aircraft because of the logistical challenges of flight times and the need to carry large amounts of equipment at times outsideregular scheduled flights. Teams often fly in the early morning or late evening after games to reach their next destination and allow players to adjust to new time differences.
