Florida Panthers Will Travel In Style With New Charter Plane
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FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) – The Florida Panthers are a team on the rise, entering what they hope is an extended period of relevance and playoff appearances in the NHL.
While the season gets underway in less than a month, the team announced an off-ice partnership on Tuesday that will have its players feeling like the superstars that they are expected to become.
The Panthers and Eastern Airlines have entered a leasing partnership, announcing a customized 737-700 aircraft which will transport the team across two nations as they play out their 82-game schedule.
The charter plane is outfitted with a Panthers logo, an American Flag and a #FlaPanthers hashtag decal on the winglet.
"We are pleased to partner with the iconic Eastern Airlines for this upcoming season," said Panthers Executive Chairman Peter Luukko. "This is a tremendous opportunity for our hockey team, affording us the opportunity to save time and money as we travel throughout North America."
The organization will see a net reduction in yearly travel costs due to the aircraft requiring low maintenance and operating costs.
"Eastern Airlines is honored and delighted to be selected to fly the Florida Panthers to their away games this season and beyond. The 737-700 aircraft is perfect for their travel requirements and our crews will ensure they get to the game on time, safely and very comfortably. We look forward to flying the Panthers to the Stanley Cup finals" said Edward J. Wegel, President and CEO of Eastern Airlines.
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