Manchester United touched down in Bangkok in a Boeing 747 operated by Texas-based company Atlas which is kitted out to business-class standards to transport US sports teams in style.
United had to change their carrier after ditching club sponsor Aeroflot in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine whose airspace has been closed to civilian flights since February. Some club staff on the flight were a little relieved to see the plane’s flight path divert around the war zone on the 13-hour journey to Thailand.
United have reduced their travelling party in recent years to cut costs with around 120 on the 16-day trip which also takes in Melbourne and Perth.