The New England Patriots arrived in Germany on a Lufthansa special flight from Boston on Thursday ahead of the NFL Munich Game, the airline said in a press release.

Flight LH2573 landed at Munich Airport at 9:38 am local time, according to Lufthansa. It said enthusiastic fans greeted the team on the airport apron.

The airline said the team flew on an Airbus A350-900 with its Lufthansa Allegris cabin. It described the flight as the start of a new partnership with the Patriots, for which Lufthansa is the official partner in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

“The New England Patriots are one of the most successful teams in NFL history. We are delighted to have brought them to Munich today,” said Heiko Reitz, Lufthansa Airlines Executive Board member and Munich Hub Manager. “With our premium Lufthansa Allegris cabin, we were able to provide the players and their entourage with exceptional travel comfort, allowing them to focus entirely on the challenge ahead.”

Reitz said Lufthansa wishes the team every success in Sunday’s game. The Patriots are due to play the Detroit Lions, according to the release.

Besides players and coaching staff, the airline carried more than seven tonnes of cargo, including 80 football helmets and other equipment, it said. All six of the Patriots’ Super Bowl trophies also travelled on board.

Under the partnership, the Patriots and Lufthansa are jointly supporting the additional use of more than 20 tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in Lufthansa Group flight operations, the release said. It did not say over what period the fuel will be used.

Source: PR