Citadel Completions has delivered a fully reconfigured and refurbished VIP Boeing 757 for an NBA team in record time. In a downtime of just four months, the aircraft underwent a complete cabin transformation while also undergoing a meticulous heavy maintenance check, ensuring it is not only luxurious but also safe, reliable and ready to perform at the highest level.

The newly redesigned cabin of this Boeing 757 is more than just a mode of transportation; it's a flying sanctuary designed to meet the unique needs of players, coaches and staff. Every detail has been carefully crafted to enhance comfort, functionality and the overall travel experience.

As part of the project, a customised, bespoke in-flight entertainment and cabin management system was developed, tested and installed on the aircraft. Highlights of the custom IFE/CMS installation include: main entry door buffet monument – as VIPs and players step aboard through the centre of the aircraft, they are greeted with a refined and inviting entry experience. The newly designed buffet station, wrapped in premium crafted leather with intricate stitching, exudes sophistication. Thoughtfully integrated, it offers ample storage for fine dining ware, seamlessly combining elegance with functionality to elevate the onboard experience; high-resolution touch screens – each player's seat is equipped with touch screens featuring excellent viewing angles, ensuring an immersive entertainment experience; custom graphics and themes – the system's interface reflects the team's vision, creating a personalised and cohesive aesthetic; mood lighting control – full-spectrum ambient lighting can be customised to promote sleep or create a specific atmosphere, with the ability to illuminate different cabins uniquely; zero-latency video distribution – players are equipped to game or stream seamlessly via multiple HDMI ports; 4K monitors – 32” 4Kp60 bulkhead monitors are installed in both the players' and coaches' seating areas for crystal-clear viewing; and tablet wireless control – The CMS and IFE systems can be controlled via tablets, complete with custom graphics and themes for ease of use.

In each zone of the aircraft, the Citadel team handcrafted every aspect of the interior, ensuring no detail was overlooked, as the aircraft features refurbished cockpit panels, seats and crew lavatory; upgraded flooring, galley panels and club seating for a polished entry experience; and in the coach cabin there are: upgraded overhead bins, lavatory and luxurious full-grain, team-branded leather seating; elegantly tailored dado panels, headliners and carpets for a refined atmosphere; exclusively crafted VIP shade assemblies and overlays; and purpose-built furniture for efficient and organised storage.

In the player cabin there is: luxurious full-grain, team-branded leather VIP club seating, expertly designed by Citadel Completions with bespoke side ledges, intricate stitching, tailored bulkheads and precision-engineered window plugs. The seats are first-of-their-kind, single-pedestal VVIP seats with frames crafted by PAC Seating Systems; custom-designed furniture ensures organised and efficient storage, tailored to meet the needs of players; thoughtfully crafted side ledges with built-in storage provide convenient space for players' carry-on items, and additional storage with ceiling height closets placed thoughtfully throughout the cabin, combining functionality with elegance.

Finally, the staff cabin is configured with business-class seating; enhanced galley, lavatory, media features monitors and tables.

The 757 boasts a wider single-aisle cabin with more spacious comfortable seating; the latest in wi-fi connectivity to keep everyone connected on the go; power stations at every seat, with a total of 63 sets for passengers, 21 doubles in the coach and media cabin, and eight doubles and five singles in the players' cabin; greater overhead storage space and closets; and antimicrobial coatings in lavatories for enhanced hygiene.

A spokesperson for the company comments: “At Citadel Completions, we don't just refurbish aircraft, we redefine what's possible. This project is a testament to our commitment to excellence, innovation and delivering an exceptional customer experience. The redelivery of this VIP Boeing 757 is a game-changer for the NBA team and a testament to our expertise in delivering excellence with efficiency. The true victory here lies in the significantly reduced downtime for the aircraft, a critical achievement for owners and operators. By seamlessly collaborating with our customer, we orchestrated a complex full reconfiguration and refurbishment, maximising the aircraft's availability and overall utilisation while minimising unnecessary downtime. This state-of-the-art aircraft, with its cutting-edge technology, luxurious amenities and meticulous craftsmanship, is more than just a mode of transportation, it's a strategic advantage. VIPs, players, coaches and staff can now travel in unmatched comfort, arriving at their destinations rested, focused and ready to dominate.”