Peter V’landys has confirmed the NRL’s proposed purchase of a private jet for players – and possibly fans – is still on the agenda, and could “happen in the next six months”.
The governing body has been building its asset portfolio with purchases including the Gambaro Hotel in Brisbane, the Quest Woolooware Bay Hotel, adjacent to the Sharks’ home ground, and the Mercure Sunshine Coast. However, the addition of an aircraft, likely to cost at least $15 million, would be the most bold addition yet.
ARLC chair V’landys said a cost analysis was being carried out, with the impending addition of franchises in Perth and Papua New Guinea strengthening the business case for a private plane, which would ease the travel burden on players and fans.
While teams travelling in and out of Perth and PNG would be the main beneficiaries, there are other instances where a private plane would benefit the game. For instance, the five Panthers players participating in Wednesday night’s State of Origin game will probably be rested from next week’s NRL matches because there are no direct flights from Perth to Auckland for the club’s clash against the Warriors on Saturday.
The prospect of making the Penrith stars back up for club duty, after what is likely to be a brutal interstate affair, will prove too much given they will be unable to recover properly while spending an entire day travelling.
Professional sporting teams in the United States often travel via private jets, with some franchises even owning the aircraft. The NRL is now crunching the numbers to determine the feasibility of doing something similar.
The NRL is considering investing in a private plane before expansion teams in Perth and Papua New Guinea enter the competition.Credit: Nine
“We’re looking at all of the models; lease, buy and joint venture,” V’landys said. “We’re doing a cost analysis because once Perth and PNG come in – and even with North Queensland and Auckland – we’re looking [at lengthy journeys].
“That’s definitely on the investigation list because it could work out to be more cost-effective.
“We’re looking at a scheme where, if we have the whole jet, the players go with the fans. So the fans will be able to buy an experience to be on the plane.”
Taking teams to Las Vegas to kick off the NRL season has become an annual affair, but “NRL Air” – if the proposal got off the ground – wouldn’t be used for long-haul international flights.
The new western Sydney airport is expected to be in use 24 hours a day and the NRL has experience with chartered flights during its Covid-impacted seasons.
“It would have to happen in the next six months,” V’landys said. “It would naturally need to have a strong business case. It could get cheaper fares for the fans and be more cost-effective for the players.
“And it could result in better quality for the players; in some instances, they could fly back the same day.”
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