Global Airlines, Unknown Company with Used Airbus A380s

Founded by a social media influencer passionate about travel, Global Airlines will operate commercial flights between London and New York.

Will this be the genius takeoff or the biggest crash in aviation history? In any case, it’s the story of a young entrepreneur bold enough to self-style as an airline boss in the 21st century, as if there were still unexplored slots.

Allow us to express skepticism to readers regarding the founding of Global Airlines, a British company born in 2021 from an idea by James Asquith. James Asquith is that British golden boy who swapped his finance tie for business class selfies after having visited 196 countries before turning 25 — an achievement that smells more of a passport stamped than deep cultural immersion.

Between two long-haul flights and three LinkedIn posts dripping with “passion for travel,” he launched Holiday Swap, the Airbnb for broke globetrotters, then saw himself as the messiah of aviation with Global Airlines, vowing to resurrect the Airbus A380, the behemoth grounded by rational airlines. His mission? To restore the prestige of commercial flight, with cocktail bars, showers on board, and aviation dreams reminiscent of the 1930s — all funded by fiery press releases and bold audacity.

Takeoff thwarted by Trump’s policies?

Global Airlines plans to operate a fleet of four Airbus A380s. These aircraft will be configured in three classes, offering a total capacity of 450 to 470 passengers. The company initially considered a five-class setup, including a “Gamer Class,” but eventually opted for a more conventional configuration.

Global Airlines anticipates launching direct flights from London Heathrow to New York and later (before bankruptcy?) to Los Angeles. These transatlantic routes are central to its expansion strategy, but in the midst of a trade war with the United States initiated by Donald Trump, the timing is extremely problematic. Possibly the worst possible at the moment. Travel desires between Europe and the US fell by 40% in the first quarter of 2025, and tour operators are panicking to secure alternative destinations. So, is Global Airlines already doomed before even taking off?

Partnerships and Maintenance

In June 2023, Global Airlines reached an agreement with Hi Fly for the development and maintenance of its used A380s. The first aircraft, previously operated by China Southern Airlines, was transferred to Beja Airport in Portugal in January 2025 for final maintenance operations before entering service later in 2025.

In March 2024, Global Airlines conducted test flights of its first A380 and unveiled its crew uniforms, reflecting a classic yet modern aesthetic. Currently, the website remains an empty shell with little relevant information about future operations. Official communication has been at a standstill since 2024. Concerning?

This launch of Global Airlines resembles the creation of Virgin Atlantic in 1984 (yes, already!). But not everyone can be Richard Branson…

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