The A380 lives on: Global Airlines brings new life to the superjumbo
- Paul Aage Hegvik
- Mar 26
- 5 min read
Global Airlines, a British startup founded by James Asquith in 2021, is set to commence its first transatlantic flights in May 2025, connecting Glasgow and Manchester with New York's JFK Airport.
These initial services will utilize the Airbus A380, marking a significant milestone for the airline and offering passengers a luxurious travel experience. This is according to Glasgow Times.
Inaugural flight details
Glasgow to New York (JFK): Departs May 15, 2025, returns May 19, 2025.
Manchester to New York (JFK): Departs May 21, 2025, returns May 25, 2025.
Passengers can secure seats through a VIP pre-sale, providing early access to these inaugural flights.
Five Airbus A380 aircraft
Established with the vision of reviving the grandeur of air travel, Global Airlines has acquired at least five Airbus A380 aircraft, becoming the first new operator of this model in eight years. The airline aims to deliver an enhanced in-flight experience across economy, business, and first-class cabins, featuring upgraded interiors and premium amenities. Economy passengers, for instance, will be treated to Laurent-Perrier champagne, reflecting the airline's commitment to luxury.
From world traveler to airline founder
James Asquith is the founder of Global Airlines. He is no ordinary airline founder. At just 35, the British entrepreneur holds the Guinness World Record for being the youngest person to visit every country in the world—a journey that sparked a lifelong passion for aviation and international travel. Now, he's channeling that global perspective into an ambitious startup: Global Airlines, the first new airline in over a decade to operate the Airbus A380.
Born in the UK, Asquith began traveling young and had already visited all 196 countries by age 24. He later founded the popular travel booking platform Holiday Swap, an app that enables users to exchange homes and cut down on travel costs. This entrepreneurial spirit and travel-first mindset laid the groundwork for his biggest venture yet—Global Airlines.
A380: Bringing back the Queen of the Skies
Asquith is a vocal supporter of the Airbus A380, an aircraft many believed was on its way out after production ended in 2021. While many airlines retired their fleets during the pandemic, he saw an opportunity:
The A380 was written off too quickly. It’s the best passenger aircraft ever made, and travelers still love it. We’re bringing it back—but better.
Global Airlines has already acquired at least four A380s and is preparing to launch transatlantic flights in May 2025, starting with routes from Glasgow and Manchester to New York (JFK).
A new vision for air travel
Asquith envisions an airline that revives the golden era of flying—comfort, space, and service—without pricing out regular travelers. Global Airlines promises a refined experience across all classes, including upgraded interiors and unexpected luxuries like champagne in economy.
We want flying to feel special again. It’s not just about getting from A to B—it’s about enjoying the journey.
His belief is that the A380, despite its size and past criticisms, is the perfect aircraft to deliver that experience.
Looking ahead
With a growing team and increasing industry attention, James Asquith’s Global Airlines is aiming to challenge aviation norms, one A380 at a time. If successful, it could not only reinvent how people think about flying—but also write a new future for one of the most iconic aircraft ever built.
Airlines proving there’s still a future for A380
The Airbus A380, renowned for its spaciousness and comfort, continues to be a preferred choice for several major airlines.
Emirates As the largest operator, Emirates deploys its A380s on routes including Dubai to New York, London, and Sydney.
Singapore Airlines Operates A380 flights to destinations such as London, Sydney, and Hong Kong.
British Airways Utilizes A380s on routes from London to cities like Boston, Washington D.C., and Dubai.
Lufthansa Plans to operate A380 flights from Munich to Boston, New York, Los Angeles, and Bangkok.
Qantas Reintroducing A380s on routes including Sydney to Dallas.
All Nippon Airways (ANA) Operates A380s exclusively on routes to Hawaii.
The reintroduction and continued use of the A380 by these carriers underscore its enduring appeal among travelers seeking comfort on long-haul flights.
Global Airlines' upcoming transatlantic services represent a bold entry into the competitive aviation market, aiming to set new standards in passenger experience with the iconic Airbus A380.
The Airbus A380, renowned as the world's largest passenger airliner, ceased production in 2021 due to shifting market dynamics and a preference for more fuel-efficient, smaller aircraft. However, discussions about reviving or modifying the A380 to enhance its viability have persisted among industry leaders.
Potential modifications
Airlines and industry experts have proposed several modifications to improve the A380's efficiency and appeal:
Engine upgrades Integrating advanced engines, such as Rolls-Royce's UltraFan, could potentially enhance fuel efficiency by up to 25%.
Use of lightweight materials Incorporating modern composite materials in the aircraft's structure could reduce its weight, thereby improving performance and fuel economy.
Aerodynamic enhancements Implementing design improvements like winglets can decrease drag, leading to better fuel efficiency.
Airlines' perspectives on the A380
Emirates, the largest operator of the A380, has expressed interest in a revamped version of the aircraft. Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates, indicated that airlines might consider new orders if the A380 underwent a redesign focusing on fuel efficiency and modern materials.
Clark has according to Business Insider consistently championed the Airbus A380, emphasizing its unparalleled passenger comfort and operational significance. He has expressed interest in a modernized version of the aircraft, suggesting that with advancements in materials and engine technology, a revamped A380 could achieve up to 25% greater fuel efficiency.
If Airbus were to build a new A380 with the same fuselage but using composite materials and new generation engines, we could get a 25% fuel burn improvement. I’d be first in the queue to order it. Sir Tim Clark President of Emirates, regarding the Airbus A380
Clark has also highlighted the A380's role in addressing capacity constraints at major airports, noting that its ability to transport large numbers of passengers efficiently remains unmatched.
Despite Airbus ceasing production of the A380 in 2021, Clark remains optimistic about its future, advocating for its return to production with modern enhancements.
Under Clark's leadership, Emirates has invested significantly in the A380 fleet, including a $5 billion retrofit program to upgrade 191 aircraft, ensuring their service well into the next decade.
Clark's unwavering support underscores his belief in the A380's unique value proposition in the aviation industry.
Airbus's position
Despite these discussions, Airbus has not announced concrete plans to relaunch or extensively modify the A380. The company is currently focusing on developing next-generation aircraft with novel technologies related to propulsion, wings, hybridization, materials, and systems.
Current status of the A380
While production has ended, several airlines continue to operate the A380 on major routes, appreciating its capacity and passenger comfort. Notably, carriers like Emirates and British Airways have invested in refurbishing their A380 fleets to enhance the passenger experience.
In summary, while there is interest from certain airlines in a modernized A380, and various potential enhancements have been proposed, Airbus has not committed to reviving or significantly modifying the aircraft at this time.
