New British startup Global Airlines has now commenced ticket sales for its first transatlantic passenger flights. The airline is set to operate Airbus A380’s.
Initially, these will be one-off round-trip services from Glasgow and Manchester to New York. Scheduled services are expected to follow at a later stage. A return ticket from Manchester to New York is available starting from the equivalent of 916 USD in Economy Class. A round trip from Glasgow starts at 1023 dollars.
The UK start-up, founded by travel entrepreneur James Asquith, will operate its first passenger flight with its second-hand Airbus A380 on May 15th: Glasgow to New York JFK. The return flight is scheduled for May 19th. Subsequently, a flight from Manchester to JFK takes place on May 21st, with the return on May 25th. The product offers Economy, Business, and First Class cabins on board.
Unsurprisingly, travel in the premium cabins comes at a significantly higher cost. A round-trip ticket to New York in Business Class starts at a minimum of 4,000 euros. In First Class, furthermore, it’s at least 6,600 euros. One-way tickets are not available. Many anticipate that aviation enthusiasts and journalists will be among the passengers on these initial flights. They are eager to experience what Global Airlines has to offer.
For the operational execution of the flights, the company is partnering with the well-known Portuguese charter airline HiFly. Global Airlines does not yet possess its own Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC). HiFly, on the other hand, has extensive experience operating the Airbus A380.
Former China Southern Airlines Aircraft
Global Airlines’ first and currently only double-decker Airbus is a former China Southern Airlines aircraft. This A380 flew to Europe last year after spending eighteen months in storage in the Mojave Desert in the US. In Germany, the aircraft underwent significant maintenance. It is currently being further prepared for commercial re-entry into service in Portugal.
Global Airlines’ ambition is to eventually build a large fleet of second-hand Airbus A380s and operate luxurious transatlantic flights from London to the US. The aim is to revive ‘the golden age of aviation’. Many aviation experts remain skeptical about the feasibility of this plan. So far, however, Global Airlines has made more progress in its preparations than many had anticipated.