Global Airlines: The Ambitious UK Startup Bringing Back the Golden Age of Air Travel
A new name is preparing to take off in the world of aviation: Global Airlines, a UK-based carrier founded by seasoned traveler and entrepreneur James Asquith, is gearing up to launch its first transatlantic flights in May 2025. With an ambitious vision to revive the “golden age of flying,” Global Airlines promises a level of luxury and grandeur not often seen in modern commercial aviation.
Global Airlines, a UK-based startup, is making waves by bringing back the golden age of air travel. With a fleet of Airbus A380s, the airline promises a luxurious flying experience on transatlantic routes. Global Airlines aims to offer a level of comfort and service that’s often lost in today’s fast-paced air travel world. Let’s take a closer look at how this ambitious UK startup plans to redefine flying.
A Bold Vision for Luxury Air Travel
Unlike many startup airlines that begin with leased narrow-body aircraft, Global Airlines is starting big—literally. The company has acquired a fleet of Airbus A380s, the world’s largest passenger aircraft. This move makes it the first new airline to operate the A380 since Hi Fly introduced a secondhand model in 2018.
The first aircraft was purchased in May 2023, and another followed in 2024, with more expected. The interiors of these aircraft are being retrofitted to feature luxurious cabins, in-flight bars, and spacious lounges—elements that harken back to a more elegant era of air travel. Asquith aims to combine the grandeur of the past with modern expectations for comfort and technology.
In an interview with the Telegraph, Asquith said, “We want to show that flying can be glamorous again—not just functional.” This philosophy informs every aspect of Global Airlines’ brand.
Transatlantic Launch: Glasgow & Manchester to New York
Global Airlines’ inaugural commercial flight is scheduled for May 15, 2025, departing from Glasgow Airport and arriving at New York JFK. The return leg is set for May 19. A second service will launch from Manchester to New York on May 21, returning on May 25.
These first flights will operate in collaboration with Hi Fly Malta, as Global Airlines is still in the process of securing its own Air Operator Certificate (AOC). Hi Fly Malta, a subsidiary of the Portuguese charter operator Hi Fly, specializes in wet leasing services—meaning they provide both aircraft and crew to other airlines. You can learn more about this arrangement from The Independent.
Despite the outsourcing, passengers can expect a full Global Airlines experience on board.
Pricing & Booking Information
Tickets for the launch flights are now available exclusively through TravelOpedia Ltd.. Prices start at:
- £218.83 for Economy Class
- £1,605 for Business Class
- £2,726 for First Class
For a seat on these highly anticipated journeys, interested travelers can visit the official booking portal via Business Traveler USA.
The Vision Behind Global Airlines
James Asquith is no stranger to travel. In fact, he holds the Guinness World Record as the youngest person to visit every country in the world, a feat he completed by age 24. His deep passion for aviation and his frequent-flyer insights led him to develop a new kind of airline—one that emphasizes the experience of flying, not just the destination.
Asquith has expressed a desire to counter the no-frills model that dominates today’s skies. In an interview with Condé Nast Traveler, he said, “It’s not just about point A to B. We want to make people excited about getting on a plane again.”
With its unique model, Global Airlines joins a new wave of startups—including Norse Atlantic and Australia’s Bonza—trying to disrupt traditional aviation norms. You can read more about these startups on The Telegraph’s travel startup feature.
What’s Next?
While initial services are limited to transatlantic routes, Global Airlines plans to expand rapidly. Future destinations may include Los Angeles, Dubai, and even Asian hubs, offering premium long-haul service across the globe.
Until then, all eyes are on May 2025. If successful, Global Airlines could redefine the standards of modern flying—bringing comfort, space, and style back to the skies.
