Less than a year after announcing a striking plan to launch a new airline offering premium transatlantic flights, Global Airlines, founded by entrepreneur James Asquith, has purchased its first Airbus A380 from the German company Doric Aviation.
The acquisition was made possible thanks to the support of investors and its parent company, Holiday Swap Group. However, the transaction amount was not disclosed.
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Global Airlines aims to use its Airbus A380 on transatlantic routes
According to a press release published on its official website, Global Airlines noted that the first commercial operations would take place in the northern spring of 2024. Initially, it would offer connections between London Gatwick Airport (LGW) and the American cities of New York and Los Angeles.
The same text states: «Unlike other new airlines, Global Airlines, with significant backing from investors and parent company Holiday Swap, has chosen to acquire its first aircraft from Doric Aviation rather than opting for the traditional leasing route».
Furthermore, Global Airlines assured that it is «already making progress in adding more A380 aircraft to its fleet» and plans to acquire three more in the coming months.
«Our aspiration is to be the best way to fly», said Asquith, founder and CEO of the company. «The A380, with its unmatched levels of space, comfort, and service, will be absolutely central to achieving that vision», he added.
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A striking plan
Rumors about the new company first emerged in mid-2022. The proposal seemed somewhat unbelievable: the startup claimed to already own three Airbus A380 (although there was no record of the purchase or leasing of one of these aircraft) and projected to build a fleet of up to a hundred by 2025, which is difficult to imagine given the already limited space at London Gatwick.
Since then, no further details about their plans have been revealed. However, the company continues to express its goal of returning to the «Golden Age» of air travel. In this regard, its proposal combines large four-engined aircraft with a differential and innovative service, including spacious private areas in first class (with double beds and private bathrooms) and the introduction of a cabin with video game consoles.
The company itself stated that the official launch could take place during the northern summer of 2023. At that time, they would provide a detailed description of the proposal for their customers, «a number of unique industry partnerships» and their future plans.
However, the project may be too ambitious and unrealistic: for example, the company included a route between London and Sydney in its network, a connection that not even Qantas can operate with its A380s and will only be possible with its Airbus A350 as part of the Project Sunrise, an initiative to connect Australia and Europe through direct flights of about twenty hours in duration.
Factors favoring the introduction of the A380
Acquiring an aircraft of this nature instead of opting for leasing options could be risky considering the current commercial aviation market. In recent years, operators have progressively replaced four-engined aircraft with the latest developments in twin-engined planes, which are more operationally efficient.
However, on routes like those Global Airlines plans to operate, which are characterized by high demand between airports with space limitations, using larger aircraft to increase seat density per route could be a viable alternative.
