UK-based Global Airlines has officially debuted, touching down at JFK after its first-ever flight from Glasgow to New York City on 15 May 2025. The new transatlantic UK airline startup aims to fly between the UK and US on a fleet of Airbus A380s.
The “one-off experience” from Glasgow to NYC was the carrier’s entry ahead of an inaugural Manchester–JFK flight taking off today (21 May 2025).
Without an air operating certificate or operating licence from the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), flights are currently operated by Portuguese charter airline Hi Fly pilots and crew.
A CAA operating licence could take up to 18 months keeping future operations for Global Airlines up the air for now.
Founded by Holiday Swap CEO James Asquith in 2021, who acquired the startup’s first A380 in 2023, Global Airlines intends to make Gatwick Airport its base for scheduled flights on the busiest routes to the US.
According to the website, Asquith wanted to launch a luxury carrier serving Laurent-Perrier Champagne and Rova caviar in all cabin classes.
“We are revolutionising commercial flying,” the website stated. “Once you get used to Global Airlines, it is very hard to go back to anything else.”
Reviews of last week’s GLA-JFK test flight with 95 passengers and 27 crew on board ranged from “fine” to “the most comfortable and fun transatlantic trip”.
On board, the A380 offers First Class, Business Class and Economy Class seats with a Sky Pub on the upper deck and British brand Margaret Dabb amenities.
Three-course menus are on offer, plus Champagne – even in economy – along with a drinks offering that includes full bottles of wine and soft drink.
And from Global Airlines itself? While the website is currently offline, it promises news about its inaugural flights soon. Watch this (air)space.
For more info, head to globalairlines.com
