New UK airline focusing on cheap transatlantic journeys gets major boost – with first flights expected later this year
A NEW UK airline is one step closer to launching flights later this year.
Global Airlines plans to take passengers back to the "golden age of travel" when they eventually operate their transatlantic routes.
The airline was founded in 2021 by James Asquith, a passionate traveller turned entrepreneur who visited 196 countries by the age of 24.
While the airline acquired at least five Airbus A380s throughout 2023, it was given a major boost earlier this year when it purchased its very own plane.
According to , Global Airlines has "taken full ownership" of the aircraft.
The start-up airline bought the Airbus A380, which was previously part of the China Southern Airlines fleet, from used aircraft specialist Jet Midwest.
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While the aircraft is currently in Mojave Airport in California, it will be moved to its next destination in due course, with its route yet to be revealed.
The aircraft has been maintained by several aviation companies since it last flew in December 2022.
But work is already well underway to get the Airbus ready to welcome passengers.
Before holidaymakers can board, or even book, a Global Airlines flight, the aircraft will need a complete refurbishment as well as further tests.
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Global Airlines founder James Asquith told Simple Flying: "Lots of people predicted we wouldn’t make it even this far, and I couldn’t be happier to be giving MSN 120 a second lease of life…
"Purchasing an aircraft takes a phenomenal amount of time, and over the past year, we, with support from partners, have been putting the building blocks in place to take full ownership of the aircraft and plan its first flight."
It is thought that flights will launch later this year, with flights operating from London to New York and Los Angeles.
The start-up airline will directly compete with legacy airlines such as British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, as well as Norwegian low-cost carrier Norse, which began flying between London Gatwick and New York last August.
Before anyone can fly on the planes, the airline will first need approval from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and an air operator certificate (AOC).
It will also need to satisfy the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the US that it is a safe airline.
The problem with Airbus A380s
It believes it is the first new airline to own one of the double-decker superjumbos in eight years.
The vast majority of A380s around the world were put into storage at the height of the coronavirus pandemic, sparking speculation they would never return due to the existence of more fuel-efficient aircraft.
Some people have criticised Global, saying that buying the A380s, the biggest passenger plane available, is a bad idea, with smaller planes predicted to be used much more in the future of air travel.
Smaller planes are now capable of completing longer journeys at a fraction of the cost of larger planes, like the A380.
The golden age of flying
Although the airline promises to be low-cost, it's also aiming to provide a better service than its competitors, according to the entrepreneur who launched the company.
James Asquith, 34, has promised passengers a "return to the golden age of flying", claiming there'll be better food and drink on offer, as well as a more luxurious experience overall.
He told : “People are sick and tired of the service they get on current airlines. We will be better.”
Part of the airline's classier offering will include Laurent-Perrier champagne, even for those flying in economy.
Meanwhile, first-class ticket holders will be entitled to chauffeur-driven airport transfers and have a “proper social space” on board.
He continued: “Having a strong product in first class should filter down to economy, and make people in economy feel like a million dollars."
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Meanwhile, another start-up airline has launched new flights from UK airport to Italy.
Ryanair is also launching flights from Cornwall Airport and Cardiff Airport, with new routes to Paris and Faro among some of those announced.
