Global Airlines, a UK-based startup founded in 2021 by travel entrepreneur James Asquith, is making headlines as it works to reinvent the golden age of flying. With a bold vision, a fleet of Airbus A380s, and commitment to elevated passenger experiences, the airline is quickly becoming one of the most watched newcomers in the aviation world.

James Asquith, Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Global Airlines, announced that on May 2 and May 3 2025, the airline’s A380, registered as 9H-GLOBL, completed its first international flights. These were operated by Hi Fly, a Portugal-based ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance) provider, with operations conducted under the Maltese air operator’s certificate (AOC) where the aircraft is registered. On May 2, the A380 flew from Beja International Airport (BYJ) to Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN).

As the airline prepares to launch commercial services, we examine its origins and evolution to the present day

🛫 A Grand Vision

Founded by Asquith who himself is the youngest person to travel to every country, Global Airlines was born from a frustration with declining in-flight experiences and a desire to recapture the romance of air travel. Backed by the mission to deliver exceptional service in First, Business, and Economy (branded "Global Traveller"), the airline is making a deliberate break from modern commercial flying norms.

Notably, Global Airlines has eschewed the increasingly common Premium Economy cabin, with Asquith explaining that it often fails to deliver genuine value to passengers.

READ: World’s Best Value Premium Economy

🛫 A Milestone Arrival in Scotland in April 2024

On April 30, 2024, the airline achieved a significant operational milestone when its first fully owned Airbus A380, registered as 9H-GLOBL, touched down at Glasgow Prestwick Airport. This marked the first time an A380 had landed at Prestwick, drawing large crowds of aviation enthusiasts and setting a new chapter in both the airline’s and the airport’s history.

The transatlantic flight from Mojave Air and Space Port in California was no ordinary repositioning. It required months of coordinated planning and collaboration between Global Airlines, Airbus, Hi Fly, TM-CAD, and the FAA. The aircraft first flew to Montreal Mirabel International Airport to refuel, before completing its journey to Scotland.

Commanded by Carlos Mirpuri, Vice-Chairman of Hi Fly Group, the flight drew widespread attention online, becoming the most tracked flight of the day on Flight Radar with nearly 40,000 viewers.

“There were moments when I thought the aircraft would not make it out of America,” said Asquith. “But thanks to amazing efforts from Airbus, Hi Fly, our maintenance partners, and our brilliant Global team, we now have our first aircraft in Europe and are in a place where we can take even further strides forward.”

🛫 A Cabin and Sky Pub’ revelaed

Global Airlines' A380s will feature a three-class cabin configuration and introduce one of the most novel onboard offerings in the skies: the “Sky Pub.” This social space on the upper deck is designed to foster human connection at 35,000 feet—something Asquith views as essential to recapturing the joy of air travel.

Take a look on board here.

🛫 The Road Ahead

The inaugural flights, launched in partnership with Hi Fly Malta, began this month, starting with the Glasgow to New York route and will be followed by services from Manchester to New York. For these initial journeys, the airline is offering special ‘A380 Experience’ fares.

The special promotional return tickets are £380 for economy and £1999 for business class passengers and can be booked at www.ga.flights using the promo codes below

Economy - GLOBAL380
Business - GLOBAL1999

15 - 19 May: Glasgow - New York
21- 25 May: Manchester - New York

Meanwhile, the airline continues to work toward full operational certification for its own fleet.