Brand-new UK-based Global Airlines will start transatlantic flights next Northern hemisphere spring, squaring up to British Airways and Virgin Atlantic head-on. The carrier plans to operate transatlantic flights from London Gatwick to New York JFK and London Gatwick to Los Angeles in time for the spring of 2024.
All-A380 fleet
The airline says its entire fleet will be A380s, and it has just recently acquired the first. And, said the carrier, it had three more of the aircraft on order, to be delivered in the coming months; and an unknown number more are to enter the fleet in 2024.
It’s a bold choice and it shows Global Airlines’ faith that the current numbers filling aircraft on transatlantic routes will be sustained.
The A380 lost popularity in the two years preceding the pandemic and in 2019 many airlines mothballed or sold their A380s due to high operating costs. The aircraft was economical to use on long-haul routes with high payloads, but with decreasing passenger loads leading up to early 2020, many A380 fleets were retired.
But the travel surge post-pandemic has seen these superjumbos returning to the skies with excellent passenger loads. Emirates, the largest A380 operator in the world, now operates these aircraft to over 40 destinations. Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, British Airways and ANA are also using them on long-haul routes.
The A380 can carry 500-853 passengers depending on the cabin configuration, but Global says it intends to carry just 471 passengers in total.
Global believes it is the first new customer for the ‘Superjumbo’ A380 in eight years, and says its purchase of the aircraft, rather than leasing it, shows its commitment to financial security and resilience from the get-go.
3 Classes
The flights will be operated with the aircraft in a three-class configuration – first, business and economy. The airline’s website says the first-class cabin will have private suites. Business class, it promises will be defined by comfort and sophistication, spacious seating, exclusive lounges, and a host of premium services. Economy class has “thoughtfully-designed seating, attentive service, and a range of amenities”.
Global Airlines’ CE,
, said: “Our aspiration is to be the best way to fly, and the A380 – with its unmatched levels of space, comfort and service – will be absolutely central to achieving that vision.
“The next step is to overhaul and refit the aircraft to our high specification, providing our customers with the best experience in the sky today.”
Amex partnership
The airline has entered a partnership with American Express to collaborate by offering exclusive deals to Amex cardholders.
The agreement will allow high-spending Amex cardholders to be among the first to book seats on Global Airlines, and give them access to exclusive offers and promotions for the inaugural services between London Gatwick and New York’s JFK. The partnership with American Express will also provide those cardholders with special fly-drive offers, hotel stays, and restaurant bookings.
