When I first heard about Global Airlines, I had two simultaneous reactions, curiosity and skepticism. You don’t hear about startups launching with Airbus A380s very often, especially not in a post-COVID world where even giants like Air France and Thai Airways retired their superjumbos.
But here we are. A British virtual airline, backed by bold ambition, acquiring not one, but four, A380s with plans to reintroduce luxury, space, and a “golden age” ethos to long-haul flying. For someone who has clocked over a million miles in the air, mostly in cramped seats or rushed terminals, this caught my attention.
What Global Airlines is trying to do is unusual. In a world obsessed with cutting costs, shrinking seats, and streamlining operations, they’re aiming for something different: grandeur at altitude. But does it stand a chance in a fiercely competitive transatlantic market? I’ve done the research. I’ve flown the A380 across multiple airlines. And I’ve seen what it takes to make an airline more than just a logo on a fuselage.
Here is my breakdown for the airlines.
What Makes Global Airlines Different in Today’s Market?
Global Airlines isn’t just another boutique start-up hoping to fill a few charter seats. The airline has positioned itself as a challenger brand, leaning heavily on the romance of travel and the opulence once associated with the A380.
The differentiators are clear:
- They’re going big, literally. The Airbus A380 is the world’s largest passenger aircraft, and most operators have either grounded them or shifted to more fuel-efficient widebodies.
- Their vision is product-first. Rather than race to the bottom on pricing, Global promises a service-oriented approach, starting with wide seats, real meals, and generous baggage allowances.
- The founder is a traveler, not just a financier. James Asquith, who claims the Guinness World Record as the youngest person to visit every country, is behind the company. He understands aviation from a passenger perspective, and that shapes the airline’s messaging.
Still, talk is cheap in this industry. To me, what will define Global’s credibility is execution, particularly how they configure their fleet, deliver service, and maintain reliability.
Who’s Behind Global Airlines?
James Asquith is not your average airline CEO. He isn’t a former airline executive or private equity veteran. Instead, he made headlines for traveling to every country in the world by age 24, and later launched Holiday Swap, a tech platform for global accommodation exchange.
His passion for aviation appears genuine. He’s visible in the press, active on social media, and deeply involved in brand positioning. But passion alone doesn’t fly planes.
As of now, Global Airlines does not have an Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC). That means it cannot independently operate commercial flights. The initial plan is to launch service using wet-leased crews and partnerships, while working toward full certification.
This virtual setup is not unprecedented, but it does present a logistical and credibility challenge, especially when safety regulators and paying customers are involved.
What Aircraft Will Global Airlines Operate?
Global Airlines has committed to operating a fleet of four Airbus A380s, starting with MSN 120, an ex-Singapore Airlines aircraft.
A closer look at the aircraft profile:
| Aircraft Model | Registration | History | Configuration | Status |
| Airbus A380-841 | 9H-GLOBL | Ex-SIA (MSN 120) | TBD (likely 3-class) | Acquired & under retrofit |
| Airbus A380 (x3) | TBA | Storage in Europe/Middle East | Formerly SIA/Emirates | In progress |
The A380 is a double-decker with incredible capacity, up to 853 passengers in all-economy, or 400–600 in typical 3-class layouts. From a passenger standpoint, it offers:
- Whisper-quiet cabin
- Incredible space per seat
- Massive galleys and crew rest zones
- Smooth flight characteristics, even in turbulence
But as I’ve seen on numerous A380 flights over the years, maintaining and operating this jet isn’t cheap. Fuel burn, gate restrictions, and maintenance costs make it a high-risk asset unless you’re flying at high load factors on long-haul routes.
Where Will Global Airlines Fly?
Global Airlines has announced London Gatwick (LGW) to New York JFK (JFK) as its launch route. It’s one of the busiest long-haul corridors in the world, with dozens of daily flights operated by:
- British Airways
- Virgin Atlantic
- JetBlue (Mint)
- Delta Air Lines
- American Airlines
- Norse Atlantic
Choosing Gatwick over Heathrow is notable. It’s less congested and cheaper to operate from, but also less premium, though that could be an advantage for a startup. Gatwick has room to accommodate the A380 and attracts both leisure and price-sensitive business travelers.
Why JFK?
New York is a prestige route and offers high yield potential, especially for business and premium economy. The A380’s scale plays well here, if you can fill it.
If Global succeeds on this route, expansion could include:
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- Dubai (DXB)
- Singapore (SIN)
- Toronto (YYZ)
But that’s speculative. As of July 2025, the airline hasn’t flown a single commercial passenger.
What Will the Passenger Experience Look Like?
Global Airlines has teased a premium-heavy service, focused on comfort, simplicity, and nostalgia. But no cabin photos or seat specs have been released yet.
Here’s what we know, and what I expect, based on experience and their positioning.
First Class
- Potential for private suites or mini-cabins
- Lounge/bar area on the upper deck (à la Emirates or Etihad)
- Personalized dining service
The real challenge here is cost vs. yield. Emirates can afford opulent First Class because it operates at scale. Global needs to strike a balance, luxury without overspending.
Business Class
- Likely 1-2-1 seating with full flat beds
- Modern IFE, power outlets, and privacy screens
- Enhanced soft product (linen, food, amenity kits)
Given the ex-SIA origin of their A380, retrofitting will be essential. The original business class on these birds is dated by 2025 standards.
Economy Class
- Promised 34-inch pitch (generous by modern standards)
- 10-abreast layout on main deck
- Improved service model, free meals, checked bags, and IFE
If they can deliver an Emirates-style economy experience at Virgin-level fares, they’ll have a strong product.
Can Global Airlines Succeed in Today’s Aviation Market?
Success in aviation is measured by more than ambition. Here’s what Global Airlines must overcome:
1. Regulatory & Certification
They need an AOC to operate independently. Until then, they’re dependent on partners for crew, insurance, and safety oversight. This affects investor confidence and customer trust.
2. Operational Costs
The A380 is expensive to run. According to IBA Aviation, the A380 costs $25,000–$30,000 per block hour, including fuel, crew, and maintenance. Without economies of scale, break-even load factors are high, usually over 80%.
3. Brand Trust
There are no flights yet. No seat maps. No loyalty program. Travelers need evidence before loyalty. I’d expect early adopters, but mass trust takes time, and flights.
My Perspective as a Frequent Flyer
I’ve flown on over 100 international carriers, logged more A380 hours than I can count, and sat in every class from budget basic to onboard suites. What Global Airlines is promising feels like a throwback to aspirational flying, something we haven’t seen in years.
There’s clearly an emotional appeal to the A380, and I admire the guts it takes to bet on it in 2025. The aircraft still has the best cabin comfort in the sky. But romance alone won’t fill seats.
If Global delivers:
- Consistent service
- Reasonable pricing
- A functioning operational model
- And an AOC within the next 12 months,
then yes, I’ll be one of the first to book a seat on that upper deck. Until then, I remain cautiously optimistic, cheering from the gate, waiting for the doors to close and the engines to spool up.
FAQs About Global Airlines
What is Global Airlines?
Global Airlines is a British virtual airline planning to operate Airbus A380s on long-haul routes.
Who founded Global Airlines?
James Asquith, a record-holding traveler and CEO of Holiday Swap, founded the airline in 2023.
What aircraft does Global Airlines use?
Global plans to operate four Airbus A380 aircraft, starting with an ex-Singapore Airlines jet.
When will Global Airlines start flying?
As of July 2025, no commercial flights have started. The airline is still awaiting certification.
Where will Global Airlines fly first?
The first planned route is London Gatwick (LGW) to New York JFK (JFK).
Does Global Airlines have an AOC?
No, it does not yet have an Air Operator’s Certificate. It may initially operate through leased arrangements.
What can passengers expect onboard?
Spacious cabins, generous legroom, a three-class layout, and upgraded service are expected.
Is Global Airlines a budget airline?
No, it positions itself as a premium, experience-driven carrier, not low-cost.
Can I book a flight now?
Booking is not yet available as the airline hasn’t launched operations.
Will there be a loyalty program?
No program has been announced yet, but frequent flyer options may be added post-launch.