Global Airlines Launches First-Ever Transatlantic Flight From Glasgow To New York With Fares Now On Sale

Streda, apríl 16, 2025

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A new chapter in transatlantic air travel is taking off as British start-up Global Airlines officially launches ticket sales for its debut flight.

The carrier has opened bookings just one month ahead of its highly anticipated inaugural journey, which will see an Airbus A380 depart from Glasgow (Scotland) to New York on 15 May at 11am. Boasting more than 500 seats, the world’s largest passenger aircraft is set to touch down at JFK Airport roughly seven hours after takeoff.

After arriving in New York, the double-decker jet will stay grounded for four days before making its return to Glasgow on 19 May. Shortly after, Global Airlines will expand operations with a second flight departing from Manchester on 21 May, marking another four-day round trip to the Big Apple.

The aircraft set to launch Global Airlines’ debut is a 12-year-old Airbus A380 that once flew for China Southern. While now owned by Global Airlines, the jet will be operated under the banner of Hi Fly Malta, a subsidiary of the Portuguese aviation group Hi Fly.

This initial service is technically a charter flight, with tickets being distributed through Travelopedia, a travel solutions company headquartered in Slough.

The aircraft retains its original cabin layout from its China Southern days, offering 428 seats in economy, 70 in business class, and just eight exclusive first-class suites.

Return fares for Global Airlines’ “Global Traveller” economy seats are currently priced at £778. Business class comes in at £3,700, while the luxury of first class commands £7,127. As of 9am on Tuesday, the seat map indicated that two of the eight first-class suites had already been booked.

Rather than launching with the previously proposed scheduled route between London Gatwick and JFK, the airline is starting with two standalone charter flights, marking a symbolic—but temporary—entry into the transatlantic market.

In May 2024, the Sunday Times Rich List valued Mr Asquith’s fortune at an estimated £182 million.

Numerous aviation experts have expressed skepticism over the viability of a start-up airline turning a profit while operating the world’s largest passenger aircraft on transatlantic routes—particularly amid a noticeable decline in UK and European travel to the US following the start of Donald Trump’s second presidential term.

Currently, no carriers operate direct flights between Glasgow and New York. However, just 42 miles away at Edinburgh Airport, travelers can choose from three competing airlines—JetBlue, United, and Virgin Atlantic—all offering transatlantic service to the Big Apple.

For the same travel dates as Global Airlines, United is listing return fares starting at £413, excluding checked baggage. By comparison, Global’s pricing reflects an 88 percent premium for passengers departing from Glasgow.