With a game in Spain approaching, the travel manager of a top-flight Italian football club got in touch with an unusually challenging request. Players and a large group of support staff would be travelling, taking the total to 70 people. The team's star status meant scheduled flights were out of the question, with the team wanting to stretch out and rest ahead of the match.
Flying a top-flight team
With a game in Spain approaching, the travel manager of a top-flight Italian football club got in touch with an unusually challenging request. Players and a large group of support staff would be travelling, taking the total to 70 people. The team's star status meant scheduled flights were out of the question, with the team wanting to stretch out and rest ahead of the match.
OUR SOLUTION
Aircraft: Boeing 757-200
Route: Milan – Seville – Milan
Fortunately, the team’s account manager knew just the jet for the job – a Boeing 757-200 with 74 business class seats. And, thanks to a quick reaction and a longstanding relationship with the airline, she was able to reserve the last available aircraft in Europe, well ahead of our competitors.
Before the flight, both the account manager and ACS’ Global Football Sales Director went to visit the club to discuss the finer details and ensure their every request was catered for, both on board and at the airport. The team took off for Seville without a hitch and returned home with a draw, taking them a step closer to the knockout stage.
THE FINER DETAILS
Flight representation:
An ACS rep travelled with the team on both flights to take care of all the logistics on the ground and in the air, keeping the travel manager in the loop throughout.
Fast-track check-in:
Getting the team through Malpensa airport undetected would be all but impossible, but our fast-track lane helped them reach the tranquillity of the VIP lounge in next to no time.
Bespoke catering:
To help keep the team in tip-top shape, specially designed, nutritionally balanced meals and extra snacks were arranged. To ensure everything was up to scratch, an ACS team member double-checked the catering before the aircraft left its base in Paris.
Onboard branding:
Club-branded headrest covers and napkins were used on board to give the flight a final VIP flourish.