UK start-up Global Airlines expands fleet, eyes spring launch for Transatlantic operations.
Global Airlines, the newly proposed UK long-haul start-up, has struck a deal to secure three additional Airbus A380s, augmenting its existing fleet, which includes an aircraft announced last month. The aspiring carrier is slated to begin transatlantic services using the double-decker aircraft from spring next year.
The start-up airline's momentum is supported by substantial financial infusion from backers and its parent company, Holiday Swap. Earlier in May, Global Airlines announced its inaugural acquisition of an A380 from Doric Aviation and signaled intentions to procure three more. While the company refrained from revealing the specific details of the transaction, it did hint that the maiden A380 was acquired for a sum in the tens of millions.
The A380, whose catalogue price hovered around $450 million while in production, had Airbus cease deliveries in 2021. Nevertheless, Global Airlines envisions a strategic refurbishment and subsequent reentry of the A380s into service. With the A380's unique roominess, the company seeks to inject fresh vitality into the flying experience.
Entrepreneur and CEO James Asquith endorsed the A380 as the premier aircraft in the sky and signaled that Global Airlines would remain vigilant for additional acquisition opportunities. The company is systematically staffing its leadership, with the latest inclusions being former XL Airways COO and SR Technics MD Pierre Madrange, and Capt Ian Black, both of whom will join the advisory board to offer insights into airline operational management.
London City airport corporate affairs director, Liam McKay, is set to transition to Global Airlines as well. The company has nominated Richard Stephenson as the Chief Commercial Officer and has allocated several key roles to industry veterans, including ex-US Air Force assistant secretary Kevin Billings as advisory board chair, and former Emirates pilot Cees van Dooren as the A380 project manager.
Adding further to the advisory board, former Rolls-Royce chief customer officer Jacqueline Sutton and ex-EasyJet captain Emma Henderson are also slated to come aboard.
