Lufthansa brought the New England Patriots to Munich on November 12, 2026, aboard a specially arranged Airbus A350-900 flight carrying the NFL team, more than seven tonnes of equipment and all six of the franchise’s Super Bowl trophies.

Special flight LH2573 departed Boston and landed at Munich Airport at 9:38 a.m. local time on Thursday, ahead of the Patriots’ November 15 matchup against the Detroit Lions at Allianz Arena.

Fans welcomed the players on the airport apron following their arrival, marking the beginning of an important weekend for American football in Germany.

The flight also celebrated a new partnership between Lufthansa and the New England Patriots, with the German carrier becoming the team’s official airline partner in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Patriots Travel to Munich in Lufthansa Allegris Cabin

The New England Patriots travelled aboard a Lufthansa Airbus A350-900 equipped with the airline’s Allegris premium cabin, which offers redesigned seating and upgraded comfort on long-haul flights.

The special flight transported the players, coaching staff and other members of the team’s travelling delegation from Boston to Munich.

Heiko Reitz, Lufthansa Airlines Executive Board Member and Munich Hub Manager, welcomed the team to Germany and highlighted the importance of the new partnership.

He said Lufthansa was pleased to provide premium travel comfort for the Patriots ahead of Sunday’s game, allowing the players to concentrate on their preparations.

The flight also highlights Lufthansa’s connections between New England and Germany, with Boston serving as an important gateway for passengers travelling between the United States and Europe.

Six Super Bowl Trophies and Seven Tonnes of Equipment

Transporting an NFL team across the Atlantic requires considerably more cargo capacity than a typical passenger journey.

Lufthansa confirmed that the special flight carried more than seven tonnes of cargo, including sports equipment and other essential items needed for the game.

The shipment included 80 football helmets, alongside the team’s additional training and playing equipment.

Among the most unusual items transported were all six of the New England Patriots’ Super Bowl trophies, accompanying the team to Germany as a reminder of the franchise’s history.

The Patriots have won six Super Bowl championships, placing them among the NFL’s most successful franchises.

For Lufthansa, the flight provided an opportunity to demonstrate the airline’s ability to transport large sports delegations and specialised cargo on international services.

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NFL Munich Game Takes Place November 15

The New England Patriots will face the Detroit Lions at Munich’s Allianz Arena on Sunday, November 15, with kickoff scheduled for 3:30 p.m. local time.

The game marks the NFL’s return to Munich, which previously hosted regular-season games in 2022 and 2024.

The city is preparing a series of fan activities ahead of the matchup, including events in central Munich and opportunities for supporters to experience American football culture.

The programme includes the Lions Fan Fest at Odeonsplatz on November 13 and 14, while the Patriots have organised their own activities for supporters visiting Germany.

American rock band Cage The Elephant will headline the halftime show at Allianz Arena.

The event forms part of the NFL’s expanding international schedule, which includes regular-season games in several European cities and other destinations worldwide.

For Munich, the return of the NFL creates another major international sporting event, bringing visiting supporters and media to the Bavarian capital.

Lufthansa and Patriots Announce Sustainable Aviation Initiative

The new partnership also includes a commitment to support the additional use of more than 20 tonnes of Sustainable Aviation Fuel in Lufthansa Group flight operations.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions compared with conventional aviation fuel, depending on its production pathway and feedstock.

However, Lufthansa’s announcement does not establish that the entire Patriots charter flight operated on sustainable fuel. The commitment concerns additional SAF use within the group’s wider operations.

The partnership brings together one of Europe’s largest airline groups and an NFL franchise with a substantial international following.

With the team now in Munich, attention turns to Sunday’s game against Detroit, while Lufthansa’s special transatlantic flight provides an unusual aviation story involving premium cabins, professional sports logistics and six Super Bowl trophies.