The Florida Panthers already have two Stanley Cups, a strong fan base, and many reasons to celebrate their franchise growth. Apparently, that wasn’t enough. So, they added something that won’t fit inside Amerant Bank Arena: an airplane.
Boston, We Have a Panther!
On November 5, JetBlue and the Florida Panthers unveiled “Go Cats Go,” a specially designed, 162-seat Airbus A320, at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. According to JetBlue’s official announcement, the aircraft features the Panthers' red, a giant cat on its sides, the team’s shield on its tail, and a nostalgic palm tree-and-hockey-stick logo near the front - plus “FLORIDA” in giant red letters underneath.
That brand-new, Panthers-themed JetBlue aircraft was headed to Boston after its official introduction. Of all places, it was the same city where the Bruins set an NHL record with 65 regular-season wins in 2023, only to watch Florida eliminate them in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Farewell to Sergei Bobrovsky!
The Panthers’ general manager Bill Zito, captain Aleksander Barkov, and forward Brad Marchand attended the ceremony. Marchand’s presence made the Boston destination particularly amusing. After spending most of his NHL career in black and gold, the former Boston captain was now celebrating a Panthers aircraft heading straight into his old hockey territory.
According to WFLX, Marchand joked that the Boston destination might have been intentional.
Bear Force One vs. Air Cat One
The Boston connection becomes even better when you consider that JetBlue already operates a Bruins-themed aircraft called “Bear Force One.” Now the fleet includes another hockey-inspired plane: Florida’s “Go Cats Go,” also known as “Air Cat One.”
The Florida Panthers eliminated Boston in consecutive postseasons in 2023 and 2024, giving Bruins fans a few memories they’d probably prefer to forget. Now, Bear Force One and Air Cat One could end up parked at neighboring airport gates. So, the rivalry has taken off to a new sky-high level.
From Empty Seats to Airport Gates
Beyond the hockey jokes, the aircraft represents something much bigger for the Panthers. Not so long ago, Florida was an easy target for criticism over attendance, empty seats, and questions about whether professional hockey belonged in South Florida. Today, the franchise has back-to-back Stanley Cups, a global fan base, and a flying advertisement.
The Cats are officially out of the bag. 🐆🏒 Meet "Go Cats Go", our newest A320 livery celebrating the @flapanthers.
— JetBlue (@JetBlue) November 5, 2026
With the iconic Panthers red and nods to Florida throughout the design, it's our way of showing some love to a place that's been part of our story since day… pic.twitter.com/PbCcFetFQj
That’s quite a transformation.
Interestingly, the Panthers' relationship with JetBlue began long before the championships. The New York-based airline became the Florida Panthers' official domestic airline partner 17 years ago.
Of course, airline sponsorships aren’t exactly the kind of hockey news that keeps fans awake at night. Still, who paid attention to that partnership over the years? Probably not nearly as many as will notice a giant red Panther pulling up to an airport gate.
This bond has evolved considerably. In June 2026, the Panthers announced a multi-year extension, naming JetBlue as the presenting partner of the reimagined Champions Club and introducing JetBlue Landing at Amerant Bank Arena.
But the aircraft takes the marketing campaign much further, turning the Panthers’ identity into a traveling advertisement. And unlike a billboard along the highway, this one can fly.
Flying with the Cats, Without the Cats
However, one important detail remains: despite its appearance, “Go Cats Go” is not the Panthers’ team charter. As Florida Hockey Now reported, Barkov, Marchand, and their teammates will continue traveling on their Delta charter, while the JetBlue aircraft carries regular passengers.
Don't get confused now.
You don't have to be an NHL player, coach, or team executive to fly on the new Panthers-themed aircraft. In fact, you might have a better chance of boarding it than Aleksander Barkov or Brad Marchand.
Although JetBlue has been the Panthers' official airline partner since 2009, the team itself travels on a Delta charter.
JetBlue representatives told local media that the Panthers-themed design will remain on the aircraft for at least five years.
The airplane won’t score goals, improve Florida’s power play, or guarantee another championship. Still, as a marketing move, it shows how far the Panthers have come.
A franchise that once struggled to fill seats now has its identity traveling across borders and reaching audiences beyond South Florida ice.
Boston, your Panthers' flight has arrived.
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