Emirates Unveils Striking New NBA-Themed A380 Livery
Andy
Airliners Live
Emirates has revealed a bold new livery for its A380 aircraft to celebrate the start of the 2024-25 NBA season, marking its role as the Official Global Airline Partner of the NBA. The vibrant design, featuring a blue gradient with the NBA logo and a striking red Emirates logo, brings the excitement of the Emirates NBA Cup to the skies. This visually stunning aircraft is set to make appearances at key UK airports, including London Heathrow, Manchester, and London Gatwick, giving passengers and plane spotters alike a chance to catch a glimpse.
Image: Emirates
Plane spotters will be particularly excited to see this unique livery. The NBA-themed A380, one of only four in the Emirates fleet to feature full nose-to-tail designs, stands out with red engine cowls emblazoned with Emirates’ iconic calligraphy and a basketball illustration connecting the NBA and Emirates logos. The new design, expertly crafted in-house by Emirates Engineering over 24 days, is bound to be a showstopper for aviation enthusiasts when it lands at major international airports. Expect to see this aircraft at various UK airports where the Emirates A380 regularly operates, including the multiple daily flights at London Heathrow and Manchester, and the services at London Gatwick. We personally love the sleek design, and the feint horizontal stripes on the body and engines looks really clean.
Image: Emirates
For passengers onboard, the experience is just as special. Emirates has incorporated NBA-themed inflight services, including custom headrests, specially designed coasters, and courtside-inspired menus. Basketball fans will enjoy live broadcasts of Emirates NBA Cup games on the airline's acclaimed ice entertainment system, making the journey feel like part of the celebration.
Emirates "Destination Dubai" scheme at Manchester Airport
In line with Emirates’ tradition of special liveries, this latest design follows the much-loved “Destination Dubai” livery, celebrating Dubai as a global tourism hub, and the “Journey to the Future” scheme. Just as these aircraft became favorites for spotters, the new NBA-themed A380 promises to be a sought-after sight at airports around the world.
Image: Emirates
Although we're not given any specifics about dates, we have been provided with the following statement from Emirates:
"From 1 November and until 17 December, to coincide with the Emirates NBA Cup, customers will experience on-board NBA inspired products and services on flights when travelling to-and-from 14 points in the U.S. and Canada. Emirates’ NBA-themed livery is one of only four aircrafts in the airline’s fleet with full nose-to-tail bespoke designs."
Whether you’re a passenger or an aviation enthusiast, the arrival of this special livery is a must-see, bringing the excitement of the NBA and Emirates’ long history of unique aircraft designs to the skies. Keep your cameras ready at the likes of Heathrow, Manchester, or Gatwick—it’s sure to be an unforgettable sight!