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A new name has officially entered the transatlantic aviation arena. On May 15, 2025, Global Airlines completed its inaugural flight, a non-stop journey from Glasgow Airport (GLA) to New York’s JFK International Airport aboard a refurbished Airbus A380.
The flight, which departed at 11:00 AM local time, marked the first-ever direct A380 service between Glasgow and New York. Onboard were a mix of journalists, aviation influencers, and early adopters eager to experience the airline’s promise of a “Golden Age of Travel.” Among them was Simon Calder, Travel Correspondent for The Independent, who reported live from the cabin.
The flight’s track from Flightradar24
Global Airlines, founded in 2021 by travel entrepreneur James Asquith, aims to disrupt the transatlantic market by focusing on luxury, service, and nostalgia. The airline operates its A380s under a wet lease agreement with Hi Fly Malta, allowing it to commence operations without its own air operator’s certificate.
The first aircraft in the fleet is 9H-GLOBL, which previously flew for China Southern Airlines.
What Next?
The airline’s next scheduled service is a Manchester to New York JFK flight, departing on May 21 and returning on May 25.
Global Airlines’ ambitious plans include offering regular scheduled transatlantic services, challenging established carriers like British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. However, the airline faces significant hurdles, including operating in a market where many airlines are retiring A380s due to high operating costs and maintenance challenges.
Despite these challenges, Global Airlines is positioning itself as a premium alternative in the transatlantic market. With its focus on luxury and customer experience, the airline aims to attract passengers dissatisfied with current offerings.
As the airline continues to expand, the aviation industry will be watching closely to see if Global Airlines can carve out a sustainable niche in the competitive transatlantic market.
For more updates on Global Airlines and other aviation news, stay tuned to Airport Spotting.
