Which Iconic Boeing Jets Flew the Patriots and Seahawks to Super Bowl 60?
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
The New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks arrived for Super Bowl 60 on two distinct Boeing wide-body jets, the custom 767-300ER and a chartered Atlas Air 747.
Key Takeaways
- •The New England Patriots flew their custom-liveried Boeing 767-300ER, 'AirKraft,' which was purchased by Robert Kraft in 2017.
- •The Seattle Seahawks chartered a Boeing 747-400 from Atlas Air, highlighting the 'Queen in the Skies' rarity in U.S. passenger operations.
- •The 767-300ER's actual Maximum Takeoff Weight is over 400,000 pounds, a key metric for this twin-engine wide-body airliner.
- •Only a few global carriers, like Lufthansa and Korean Air, still operate the four-engine Boeing 747 for scheduled passenger service.
The New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks have landed in the San Francisco Bay Area. They are preparing for Super Bowl 60 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. Both teams arrived on large, iconic Boeing wide-body jets.
This high-profile travel highlights a key logistical challenge. Professional sports teams require massive aircraft. They must move large rosters and equipment across the country. The choice of aircraft also provides a unique branding opportunity.
The Patriots' Custom "AirKraft"
The New England Patriots travel on a pair of custom Boeing 767-300ER aircraft. These planes are affectionately known as “AirKraft.” Team owner Robert Kraft purchased the jets in 2017. The aircraft feature a unique, recognizable livery. This paint scheme includes the team’s red, white, and blue colors. It also displays the franchise’s six Super Bowl Championship trophies.
These twin-engine wide-body airliners are configured for the team’s comfort. They can seat more than 300 people in a standard layout. The Boeing 767-300ER is a popular choice for transcontinental routes. Its Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) is over 400,000 pounds. This is significantly more than the 20,000 pounds reported by some sources. Many U.S. carriers, like Fort Worth-based American Airlines, retired their 767-300ER passenger fleets around 2020.
The Seahawks and the 'Queen in the Skies'
The Seattle Seahawks arrived in San Jose aboard a chartered Boeing 747 aircraft. This provided a nostalgic moment for commercial aviation news followers. The jet was chartered from New York state-based Atlas Air. The 747 is popularly known worldwide as “The Queen in the Skies.”
The 747 is easily recognized by its distinctive upper-deck hump. It is a four-engine jumbo jet. Atlas Air’s fleet of 747s has a range exceeding 8,000 miles. Some models can seat over 400 people. The use of a 747 for passenger charter is now rare in the United States. U.S. airlines no longer operate the type for scheduled passenger service.
Globally, a few carriers still fly the iconic jet. German flag carrier Lufthansa operates both the 747-400 and the newer 747-8 models. Korean Air and Air China also feature versions of the Boeing 747 in their long-haul fleet.
Aviation Logistics and Branding Impact
Chartering large aircraft like the Boeing 767-300ER and 747 offers major benefits. It gives teams scheduling flexibility. It also provides a private, customized travel environment. This is crucial for player recovery and comfort.
- Logistical Advantage: Teams bypass standard airport logistics and passenger gates.
- Custom Comfort: The aircraft interiors are modified for large athletes.
- Branding Power: The Patriots’ “AirKraft” livery serves as a flying billboard.
For the aviation industry, these flights highlight the versatility of wide-body airliners. The Atlas Air charter demonstrates the continued utility of the 747. While retired from many passenger routes, the 747 remains a key player. It is vital for cargo and specialized charter operations globally. The sight of these two distinct Boeing jets arriving for Super Bowl 60 underscores the intersection of professional sports and specialized air travel.
For global airline trends and commercial aviation news, turn to flying.flights. Discover how innovation is shaping aviation through aircraft systems, avionics, and digital tools at flying.flights/technology.
Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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