Global Airlines has revealed the details of its first Airbus A380, bearing the serial number (MSN) 120. The aircraft has been stored in the Mojave Desert for 13 months since its last flight on December 22, 2022.
Global Airlines is collaborating with Hi Fly and Business Class Aviation to prepare the aircraft for its return to service. The meticulous preparations for its return to the skies include a thorough inspection of each component. All fluids—hydraulic, oil, fuel, and water—have been changed, and following Airbus’ instructions, the aircraft’s systems have undergone extensive testing, including a full-power engine test.
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According to the company, reports confirm that MSN 120 is in excellent condition. The aircraft is now fully owned by Global and will operate under the Maltese registration 9H-GLOBL. James Asquith, CEO and founder of Global Airlines, expressed satisfaction with the progress. «Acquiring an aircraft takes a phenomenal amount of time, and over the past year, we have been laying the groundwork to take full ownership of the aircraft and plan its inaugural flight,» he noted.
Asquith added, «The fact that such a rigorous inspection found the aircraft to be in such good condition is a testament to both our unwavering commitment to safety and Airbus’ engineering excellence.»
MSN 120 had its first flight on September 25, 2012, under test registration F-WWSB, operating for Airbus. It later flew for China Southern Airlines under the registration B-6140. The aircraft was delivered to the airline on March 1, 2013, and its registration was delisted on November 5, 2022.
Global Airlines expects the first commercial operations to take place in the northern spring of 2024. Initially, it will offer connections between London Gatwick Airport (LGW) and the U.S. cities of New York and Los Angeles. Among its intriguing future route map, the company plans a direct link between London and Sydney, Australia.