The Florida Panthers and JetBlue unveiled the “Go Cats Go” aircraft Nov. 5 at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. The special-edition livery celebrates the expanded partnership between the organizations and highlights the growth of hockey in South Florida. The plane honors the two-time Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.
Florida Panthers President of Hockey Operations & General Manager Bill Zito, captain Aleksander Barkov and forward Brad Marchand attended the ceremony. The design includes Panthers red, Florida references, a large panther and a palm tree and hockey stick logo. The aircraft gives the partnership a visible symbol tied to the Panthers’ South Florida identity.
Panthers officials react to aircraft design
Zito said the aircraft produced an immediate emotional response when he saw it. “There’s an energy from it. It’s so beautiful. It’s so cool. I’m already proud of it, and I really have no reason to be proud of it. It’s just really special and really cool.”
Zito also praised the livery’s visual details, including the large panther and the palm tree and hockey stick logo. “It’s elegant It’s almost perfect,” he said. He connected the aircraft to Fort Lauderdale and Broward County, saying, “Initially, it’s pride in Fort Lauderdale and in Broward County, and all the people who work so hard to enjoy and make it such a wonderful place for all of us to live.”
Barkov, Marchand highlight South Florida growth
Barkov compared the aircraft with a JetBlue plane he had previously seen honoring the Boston Bruins. “It’s unreal. Obviously, I’ve seen the Boston Bruins [JetBlue] plane before, and it was really nice, but this one’s also really nice. I love it.”
The Panthers captain said the aircraft reflected the organization’s growing visibility in South Florida. “Every single day here since I joined the organization, I feel like we’ve been taking steps forward. I’m just looking forward to many more things to come.” Barkov also said, “You play for the team, but then it’s much bigger than that. You play for the fans, you play for the community, for the city.”
Marchand said the aircraft would stand out to fans and travelers. “It’s not a plane that you’re gonna miss. It stands out. They did an incredible job with it.” He added, “After being down here for a few years and seeing how the fans really appreciate the game of hockey, how it’s grown down here, it’s incredible.”
Marchand said the aircraft represented the Panthers’ recognition in the region. “It’s special for the Panthers to have that recognition. It’s been earned.” His comments tied the unveiling to the team’s stated focus on the growth of hockey in South Florida.
FSB Take
The “Go Cats Go” aircraft turns the Panthers’ expanded partnership with JetBlue into a highly visible South Florida display. Its Fort Lauderdale unveiling and regional design elements connect the organization to the community highlighted by Zito, Barkov and Marchand. The event shows how the Panthers’ identity is being represented beyond the ice through a partnership built around the area’s growing hockey connection.
Source: Original report