Global Airlines transatlantic flights go on sale
April 17, 2025
Despite a sharp downturn in travel from the UK and the rest of Europe to the US following the ripple effects of president Donald Trumps’ tariff-driven policies, UK start-up Global Airlines has begun selling tickets for its first transatlantic flights.
Instead of launching with regular scheduled flights (as originally intended), Global Airlines will begin operations with two one-off charter flights. The first will depart from Glasgow on 15 May and land at JFK seven hours later. The aircraft, an A380, will stay in New York before returning to the Scottish hub on 19 May. A second charter will follow on 21 May, departing from Manchester for another four-day round trip to New York.
Although the aircraft being used for the inaugural service is owned by Global Airlines and registered as 9H-GLOBL, the start-up is yet to receive its air operator’s certificate (AOC). The flights will therefore be operated by Portuguese charter aviation operations company Hi Fly with tickets being sold by GA.Flights, powered by Travelopedia.
Tickets now on sale
Flights currently range in price from around £778 for a return ticket in economy (referred to as Global Traveller by Global Airlines) to £3657 for a return journey in business and over £6,000 for a first class return journey. The aircraft is configured for eight first class seats, 17 in business and 428 in economy. Two out of eight seats in first class are already shown as taken.
In a statement on Linkedin, Global Airlines said: “These flights represent more than just a trip; they signify the beginning of something new, so come and rediscover the magic of flying.
“These flights on the first Global-owned A380 will be operated by Hi Fly. We cannot wait to see it in the sky! We look forward to welcoming you on board next month.”
While many have questioned the decision to start an airline using a fleet comprised exclusively of A380s, James Asquith, the airline’s CEO and founder, has previously defended his decision saying the aircraft, the world’s largest passenger jet, can be used to alleviate congestion at busy airports by handling a large number of passengers in a single flight. The A380 also has a considerable range, allowing airlines to operate long-haul flights without the need for stopovers. While it is initially focused on transatlantic services, Global Airlines (as the name suggests) eventually plans on serving destinations around the world, including the Maldives and Tokyo.
As Global Airlines gears up for the launch of its transatlantic services, official US data has revealed a 17% year-on-year drop in Europeans visitors to the US in March 2025 compared to the previous year. In response major carriers, including British Airways, Delta Air Lines, Air France and United Airlines have slashed their summer fares in a bid to boost transatlantic travel.
