Robert Kraft Purchases Two Patriots Team Airplanes
Robert Deutsch - USA TODAY Sports
In a story first broken by ESPN Business reporter Darren Rovell, the New England Patriots became the first team in the NFL to have purchased not one, but two Boeing 767 aircraft for traveling to and from games on their schedule.
JUST IN: Patriots become first NFL team to buy 767 to fly to games. They actually bought two https://t.co/Sf6C596Gsr pic.twitter.com/UOpJj5hzLR
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) August 8, 2017
New airkrafts. pic.twitter.com/Af2gI3G0vQ
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 9, 2017
According to Rovell, “These planes, depending on miles flown and condition, generally cost between $5 million and $65 million. A source said the planes the Patriots bought are extended range, which allows the planes to fly nonstop for about 12 hours.”
“A brand-new plane could cost $200 million.”
The move by owner Robert Kraft is seen as a cost saving measure as chartered aircraft costs have risen in recent years to go along with the retirement of larger aircraft by major carriers that NFL franchises depend upon for carrying both the players and equipment.
Rovell’s also stated that “sources with knowledge of the deals teams have done with charter companies say the 10 round-trip flights per season can cost up to $4 million.”
Kraft purchased two airplanes with the intent one would serve as a backup, with both being stored and run out of T.F. Green State Airport in Warwick, Rhode Island outside of Providence.
When not in use for travel, the Patriots will allow the aircraft to be rented out, even mid season, in an effort to earn back any expenses but the details are still unknown.
In the meantime, Patriots fans had some fun with the news over social media, with some predictable jabs at their rival to the south in New Jersey.
The Patriots are the 1st team in the NFL to own multiple Jets pic.twitter.com/Tc8dz3wac5
— NFL Retweet (@NFLRT) August 8, 2017
The @patriots plane has to be named AirKraft.
— Fitzy (@FitzyGFY) August 8, 2017
@FitzyGFY @TheOtherPatsFan #airforceone #PatriotsNation #AirForce pic.twitter.com/GsOeYzDXQU
— Boston Bobby (@TheBostonBobby) August 8, 2017
This is just too good from @rslashpatriots #Patriots #GameofThrones pic.twitter.com/rmL19O5tLR
— Tyler Sullivan (@TylerSully) August 9, 2017
Even the Cleveland Indians got in on the fun with a “Major League” reference.
"The Patriots are the first team to own their own plane."
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) August 8, 2017
Posted Under: Patriots Commentary
