LONDON, UK — Innovative Startup Global Airlines Sets New Course with Airbus A380 Acquisition.
Global Airlines, a lesser-known startup carrier, has made its inaugural aircraft purchase, acquiring the massive Airbus A380. The carrier announced the acquisition on Monday, disclosing that the jet was obtained from German investment firm Doric Aviation. Doric currently possesses a fleet of 14 A380s, with 13 being operated by Emirates and one being remarketed for a new operator.
Contrary to popular belief, Global Airlines expressed that the A380 is widely recognized as the ultimate flying experience, boasting unparalleled comfort and unique features. In contrast to the more prevalent practice of leasing jets at the beginning stages of operation, Global emphasized that this was a full-fledged purchase.
James Asquith, the CEO and founder of Global Airlines, known as the youngest person to have visited every sovereign country, commented on the acquisition, stating, "Acquiring our aircraft rather than leasing showcases our commitment to financial security and resilience from day one." Asquith, also the head of the house-swap platform Holiday Swap, initiated his aviation venture in July 2021, garnering substantial support from investors.
As part of their plans, Global Airlines aims to procure an additional three A380s in the forthcoming months and commence flights between the UK and the US from next spring. While the airline has mentioned the potential introduction of a "gamer cabin" onboard, it remains uncertain whether this concept will materialize.
Although the precise purchase price for the A380, which will accommodate approximately 471 seats across economy, business, and first class, has not been disclosed, Global Airlines stated that it is believed to fall within the eight-figure range. Asquith remarked, "The purchase of our first aircraft demonstrates that we are well on the way to launching Global. 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."
Global's decision to opt for the double-decker A380 over more fuel-efficient aircraft like the Boeing 787 stems from their belief that the A380 is the world's most comfortable aircraft and the optimal choice for long-haul flights. However, this sentiment differs from that of numerous other carriers, particularly during the pandemic. Air France, Thai Airways, and Malaysia Airways retired the A380 due to its high operating costs, given its four engines and substantial size.
In 2021, Airbus ceased production of the A380 due to lower-than-anticipated order rates, with Emirates being the primary investor in the aircraft, having purchased over 120 units. A few other carriers, such as Singapore Airlines and Lufthansa, have continued to operate the A380 post-pandemic. In 2019, Bob Lange, Airbus' head of business analysis and market forecast, acknowledged the reality, stating, "In the end, you have to face facts, and we could see that we were building A380s faster than people were ordering them."
