A new chapter in aviation is about to unfold as all eyes turn to Glasgow, where Global Airlines is preparing to launch its maiden transatlantic charter flight. The UK-based long-haul startup will operate a special service from Glasgow Airport to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport this Thursday, marking its debut with the world’s largest passenger aircraft, the Airbus A380.
The return leg is scheduled to land back in Glasgow on Monday, bookending a significant moment not just for the airline, but for Scotland’s aviation landscape.
Operated in partnership with Portuguese charter specialist Hi Fly, the aircraft, registered 9H-GLOBL, touched down at Glasgow Airport to a ceremonial water cannon salute after a positioning flight from Beja, Portugal. The superjumbo previously underwent maintenance in Dresden and Beja, where it was prepped for its first outing with the airline.
Excitement around the inaugural flight has been building both on the ground and online. Flight tracking giants like FlightRadar24 and AirNav Systems took to social media platform X to mark the event, with AirNav declaring: “A new chapter in transatlantic travel is about to begin!” The airline’s bold move has captured global attention, making headlines as it enters the long-haul market with the iconic double-decker aircraft.
Global Airlines recently made waves with a sharp reduction in ticket prices for the upcoming flight. Originally priced at £778 for economy, £3,700 for business, and £7,127 for first class, the airline is now offering economy fares for just £380 return, in a nod to the aircraft type. CEO and founder James Asquith announced the promotion via LinkedIn, encouraging aviation enthusiasts and curious travellers alike to join the “A380 Experience.”
Founded in 2021 by Asquith, Global Airlines is on a mission to revive the glamour of air travel’s golden age, combining classic service with modern comfort across its First, Business, and Global Traveller cabins. With plans to commence regular flights between London, New York, and Los Angeles, the airline aims to redefine long-haul flying with a fleet of four A380s.
Its first aircraft, formerly part of China Southern Airlines’ fleet, was acquired outright in early 2024. Before entering service with Global, it had been stored at the Mojave Air & Space Port in California. The aircraft’s arrival at Prestwick Airport earlier this year, the first A380 ever to land there, drew significant public interest and marked the start of its transformation. It underwent a livery refresh by Airbourne Colours, Europe’s only privately-owned commercial aircraft painting specialists, before flying on to Germany for extensive technical work by Elbe Flugzeugwerke GmbH, a venture between Airbus and ST Engineering.
To support its next phase of growth, Global Airlines has also enlisted the expertise of Knighthood Global, the aviation consultancy led by former Etihad Airways CEO James Hogan. The firm will advise on the airline’s strategic development as it eyes scheduled operations and potential expansion of its widebody fleet in 2025.
As Global Airlines prepares for its inaugural flight, it’s not just launching a route, it’s launching a vision: a return to elegance in air travel, powered by innovation and ambition.