Global Airlines Launches Historic A380 Flight

Just days ago, Global Airlines did the unexpected—they actually flew their very first Airbus A380. While I initially reported on this, there have been some intriguing updates as reviews are pouring in, and let’s just say, the saga of this airline only gets more bizarre.

Global Airlines A380 Takes to the Skies from Glasgow to New York

I’ve babbled on quite a bit about Global Airlines, a newcomer in the airline game. They’ve snagged what used to be a China Southern A380, mostly intact interior and all. They’ve given the seats a little facelift and even fancy lamps for the VIPs.

The airline has bizarrely started selling tickets—but not for regular flights. Nope, they’re selling spots for two round-trip charters. Not your typical rollout:

• May 15-19: Glasgow (GLA) to New York (JFK) and back.
• May 21-25: Manchester (MAN) to New York (JFK) and back.

The whole point of these trips? Your guess is as good as mine. But here we are, with the 12-year-old A380, known as 9H-GLOBL in aviation-speak, winging its way to New York last Thursday, clocking in at 6 hours and 20 minutes.

Apologies in advance for not being on the inaugural flight. I was on the brink of booking a ticket, but hey, life’s funny that way. Maybe next week’s Manchester flight? Honestly, dodged a bullet there—seems like everyone who’s anyone in the aviation influencer world was packed onto that plane.

Nothing wrong with that, of course, but let’s be real—what does this really show about the airline’s regular service? Not much. I mean, they’re serving caviar in business class and handing out amenity kits in economy—sure, why not?

There were less than 100 passengers onboard (wild, but not really when you think about it—flight enthusiasts, anyone?). Expect even fewer on the return leg since folks are reportedly doing the one-way “throwaway” ticket dance.

Taking Stock of Global Airlines

Cue a round of applause for Global Airlines. Seriously. I never thought they’d actually get passengers on a plane, something many questionable airline startups fail to accomplish. Let’s clear up a few things:

• The flight was technically operated by a Maltese subsidiary of Hi Fly, not Global Airlines itself.
• They already ran a charter flight from Barcelona to Berlin a couple of weeks back.
• This was really just another charter flight, not a regular commercial one.

But honestly, props to them for getting this far. Running a flight isn’t a small feat, and though having money helps—I’m sure buckets of it were spent—it doesn’t take away from the achievement.

What Were the Reviews Like?

First reviews are in, and they’re… a mixed bag, let’s say. The airline did a few things right: there were amenity kits and menus in economy, and business class came with caviar and posh champagne. But, considering it’s a flight for enthusiasts and not regular folks, that’s not exactly earth-shattering.

Then, there are the not-so-great bits. YouTuber V1 Rotate had quite the journey, detailing how some business class seats were falling apart, entertainment was nil, power ports were dead, and meal service took a lifetime, with menu options running out fast. And yet, this guy seems kind of legendary for sharing it all.

Josh Cahill was even harsher, deeming it all “VERY BAD.” In economy, Patrick Shea reported getting business class meals, but well, they weren’t exactly plated for royalty. And Noel Philips, traveling in first class, tried to find some silver linings but couldn’t quite sell the experience as stellar. He also mentioned how the airline seemed to have bought Instagram followers. Hmm.

The Enigma Continues: What’s Next for Global Airlines?

At this point, the future of Global Airlines is anyone’s guess. They claim to want to revive the “good old days” of flying, but the progress toward regular transatlantic operations seems nonexistent. Getting a used A380 isn’t cheap, but it’s just one small piece of what’s needed for success here.

Think about it. The transatlantic market is run by the big dogs—the joint ventures—and that’s where the big bucks are. Is there room for a lone wolf with a jumbo plane like an A380? Not unless you’re showing up to the party with strong financials and strategic prowess.

Who knows? Perhaps they’ll continue with the odd charter flight via Hi Fly. It’s a notion that might sound interesting, but there’s little money in that game, echoed by the likes of Hi Fly’s own brief escapade into A380 charters.

Oh, and speaking of adventures, travel journalist Simon Calder caught a ride on the inaugural flight. In a rather eyebrow-raising moment, Asquith gate-crashed Calder’s TV interview with a not-so-shy “Did you get a cupcake?” There might be optimism in his remarks, but one has to wonder—the CEO admits, “Nothing is guaranteed tomorrow.” Spooky, right?

Bottom Line

Global Airlines has taken its maiden A380 flight from Glasgow to the Big Apple, and almost surprisingly, they pulled it off. Congrats to them or rather, to their partners at Hi Fly. But what lies ahead? Who can tell? They’ve practically tossed away any plans of snagging their own air operator certificate. What’s next, maybe turning that A380 into a flying spa? Who knows—certainly not the current playbook! It would be truly fascinating to peek into their financials as the enigma unravels.