Global Airlines Launches Inaugural A380 Flight from Glasgow to New York
GLASGOW — On May 15, 2025, Global Airlines marked a historic moment with its inaugural Airbus A380 flight from Glasgow Airport (GLA) to New York JFK. Spearheaded by founder James Asquith, the airline seeks to transform transatlantic travel with a premium onboard experience.
This first flight signals the start of Global Airlines’ mission to revive the “Golden Age of Travel,” offering unmatched service and comfort on the world’s largest passenger aircraft. Yet, the airline faces a tough road ahead in a highly competitive industry.
Global Airlines Maiden Flight
On May 15, 2025, Global Airlines took to the skies for the first time, operating an Airbus A380—the world’s largest passenger jet—from Glasgow Airport (GLA) to New York’s JFK (JFK).
Founded by 36-year-old British entrepreneur James Asquith, the airline aims to transform air travel between the UK and the US. Asquith—who also heads the travel platform Holiday Swap—envisions a revival of luxury in the skies, with a strong emphasis on outstanding service and passenger comfort.
Asquith claims Global Airlines will deliver “the best experience in the sky,” tackling frequent passenger frustrations such as long security lines, inadequate customer service, and low-quality in-flight meals.
The flight was operated as a charter by Hi Fly, the Maltese subsidiary of the Portuguese airline, and carried excited passengers eager to experience the iconic double-decker Airbus A380.
Configured in a three-class layout, the aircraft seats a total of 506 passengers—8 in First Class, 70 in Business, and 428 in Economy, branded as “Global Traveller.”
Unlike British Airways’ A380s, Global Airlines does not include a Premium Economy cabin, opting instead to maximize economy seating. The aircraft, registered as 9H-GLOBL, previously served with China Southern and retains its original cabin configuration.
Passengers on this flight also experienced the rare perk of economy seating on the upper deck, with 76 of the 428 economy seats located there—an uncommon feature on most airlines.
Despite a strong debut, Global Airlines faces significant challenges. The transatlantic market remains fiercely competitive, and major carriers like British Airways have reported softening demand for U.S.-bound leisure travel.
Currently, the airline operates just four charter flights, available exclusively through the Slough-based travel agency Travelopedia. Unlike scheduled services, these charters offer limited flexibility, as Global Airlines has yet to secure the necessary permits and airport slots for regular transatlantic operations.
Challenges and Comparisons
James Asquith has drawn frequent comparisons to Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Atlantic, who famously disrupted transatlantic travel in the 1980s. As highlighted by The Independent, both entrepreneurs launched airlines in their mid-30s with bold visions of improving long-haul air travel, using large secondhand aircraft to challenge established industry players.
However, the similarities largely end there. Virgin Atlantic began with scheduled flights from London Gatwick to Newark, offering customers the flexibility of direct bookings and wide availability through travel agents. In contrast, Global Airlines’ early operations are limited to fixed-date charter flights, currently available only through the travel agency Travelopedia. The airline plans to transition to scheduled services from London Gatwick in the future, moving away from its initial departure points in Glasgow and Manchester—where its next flight is scheduled for May 21, 2025.
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding Global Airlines’ debut, aviation experts remain cautious. The Airbus A380, although beloved by passengers for its quiet cabins and spacious layout, poses significant financial challenges. Its maintenance and operational costs are notably high, particularly as the aircraft ages and spare parts become harder to source.
A senior aviation insider pointed out that the declining market value of secondhand A380s—often sold at prices equivalent to their worth in parts—underscores their limited commercial appeal. The insider speculated that these initial charter flights may serve more as high-profile showcases aimed at attracting investor interest rather than establishing a sustainable, profitable operation. Without scheduled service permits and a broader infrastructure, the long-term viability of Global Airlines remains uncertain.
Aircraft and Operations
Global Airlines currently owns two Airbus A380 aircraft. The active aircraft, registered as 9H-GLOBL, is 12 years old and previously operated by China Southern Airlines. The second A380, a 16-year-old jet formerly flown by Singapore Airlines, remains in storage in Lourdes, France.
The seating layout of the operational A380 differs notably from that of British Airways. While it includes fewer First and Business Class seats, it offers a significantly higher number of Economy seats, aiming to attract a broader customer base. However, the aircraft does not feature the much-anticipated “Gamer Class” — a proposed cabin concept offering a gaming-centric experience at a price point between Business and Premium Economy.
The inaugural charter flight, operating under flight number HFM380, is scheduled to arrive at New York’s JFK Airport at 1:00 PM EDT. Still, the onboard experience lacks some modern amenities: there is no Wi-Fi, and in-flight entertainment depends entirely on passengers using their own devices, as there are no seatback screens.
Despite these shortcomings, Global Airlines is betting on the enduring allure of the A380. The airline believes that many travelers will be willing to pay a premium for the space, comfort, and novelty of flying aboard the world’s largest passenger aircraft.
Bottom Line
Global Airlines, majority-owned by the travel platform Holiday Swap, has already invested heavily in its ambitious launch—spending tens of millions of pounds to acquire and prepare its Airbus A380 fleet. The additional costs of operating charter flights through Hi Fly further add to the financial burden, potentially reaching several million pounds.
Currently, tickets are sold via the travel agency Travelopedia under the ATOL protection scheme, as the airline lacks the necessary permits to offer scheduled services. This arrangement limits flexibility for travelers, confining them to fixed-date, round-trip packages rather than allowing for custom itineraries.
The airline’s long-term viability remains uncertain. While founder James Asquith aspires to follow in the footsteps of Virgin Atlantic’s enduring success, the current aviation landscape presents serious hurdles. Weaker demand for transatlantic leisure travel and the high operational costs of running an older A380 fleet create a challenging environment.
Whether Global Airlines can secure the regulatory approvals, attract steady demand, and launch sustainable scheduled services—particularly on its planned London Gatwick to New York JFK route—will ultimately determine its place in the fiercely competitive airline industry.
Image Credits- Global Airlines
