logo
Airline founded by UK millionaire 'parks' only plane — after two return flights

Airline founded by UK millionaire 'parks' only plane — after two return flights

Metro3 days ago
From Richard Branson to Elon Musk, powerful men have long been launching themselves into the skies.
But Global Airlines, founded by 36-year-old British multimillionaire James Asquith, has found itself grounded after just two return flights.
The new UK carrier made its maiden journey on May 19, departing from Glasgow Airport in Scotland for New York's JFK, with a return flight four days later.
A second journey from Manchester Airport to New York took place on May 21 and returned on May 25.
Global pledged to take passengers back to the 'Golden Age' of travel, delivering premium service on the world's largest passenger plane: the double-decker A380.
But even before take-off, the plan was on shaky ground.
Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. https://www.instagram.com/p/DJpRInTNaSd/?igsh=dWtjbDVib3hoanc4
Initially, return economy fares were £778, 95% more expensive than a comparative a standard £399 British Airways seat. However, sluggish sales saw those prices more than halved.
And now, Global's only plane, 9H-GLOBL, is currently parked up in Tarbes Airport in France. Home to the largest aircraft storage facility in Europe, it's typically used for long-term storage.
Tarbes also serves as an aircraft recycling centre, the place where aircraft go 'when the time comes', according to Simple Flying.
Global Airlines shared the news on Instagram, but insisted it 'won't be long before [the plane] is up in the clouds once again on the way to the next adventure.'
A statement said: 'After completing the latest maintenance in Dresden, 9H-GLOBL will be heading to Tarbes to park until it is time to head off to the next stage of heavy maintenance.'
From the beginning, Global Airlines has raised eyebrows among aviation insiders, who questioned whether its business model — using big, old, expensive A380s — is sustainable.
And the latest news is only adding to the skepticism.
So — as its only plane is parked up for the foreseeable, what's Global Airlines all about, and will they fly again?
Metro approached Global Airlines, and a spokesperson stressed that the carrier is very much alive and well.
'The aircraft has not gone to storage,' they said.
'It's just parking in Tarbes. We know the people there well, and it was the perfect place for us to stop off until the next hangar slot is ready for us.'
Global says that people have chosen to 'leap to conclusions and got it very wrong.'
The spokesperson added: 'There really isn't anything to see here – an aircraft needs to park somewhere and Tarbes has a lot of experience looking after A380's so it makes it the perfect place for now.'
While it's unclear what its next steps will be, Global said: 'The plans remain for the aircraft to get the next round of maintenance done and then move on to the next round of operations in due course.
'Meanwhile, various other matters are progressing behind the scenes, and we continue to move ahead with the Global journey.'
When asked for specifics on what this plan might be, Global did not respond.
Overall, aviation experts aren't convinced.
The crux of the issue? Global's business plan is based on using a particular type of aircraft: the Airbus A380, the largest commercial passenger aircraft.
These massive, double-decker planes are no longer being made; there are now less than 200 in circulation, after being discontinued in 2021. Today, Emirates remains the largest carrier of A380s.
But across the board, they fell out of favour due to running costs.
'The A380 is a massive plane, with four engines, and space for lots of different classes,' Marina Efthymiou, Aviation expert and professor of aviation management at Dublin City University, tells Metro.
'Starting an airline is already incredibly expensive: you need to buy the planes, find the staff, and get your air operator's certificate from the Civil Aviation Authority, which can cost hundreds of thousands.'
Which begs the question, why does James think he can build a business on these planes?
While some Metro readers welcome the idea of travel being more comfortable for the masses, others have stated that it won't work. Or if it does, it's only a matter of time until money becomes an issue.
You can read their thoughts here.
And that's where the industry is stumped.
The entrepreneur told The Independent that the A380s are actually Global's USP as 'people want the largest commercial aircraft in the world.'
'It's a passenger favourite,' he said. 'It's a crew favourite. It's a pilot favourite. And obviously an airport favourite as well.'
He even cited the glamorous Pan Am flight attendants as a reference point for the kind of experience Global Airlines could offer both passengers and employees.
As the world still digests the confusing news that an army of uber-rich celebrities headed off to space on a glorified hen-do, is this yet another example of a rich man offering the elite an extravagant way to take to the skies?
'It could be a case of 'boys with big toys',' says Marina. 'Maybe he just wanted to own an airline in the same way some men want a football club.
'But A380s aren't that prestigious anymore. They might be a novelty, and people might be curious, but in the aviation world, they're not that impressive.'
And given the ratio of first-class passengers to economy, the idea that Global is only for the top 0.1%, doesn't quite ring true either.
'It would be easy to say he's just catering to an elite, but the majority of Global's passengers will be in economy, paying the lowest fares,' says Marina.
Another problem with A380s is their load factor, which relates to how efficiently they are can fill available seats.
'The A380s can carry from around 500 to more than 800 people, depending on the configuration of seats,' says Marina.
'This is a huge amount of passengers, which even big airlines have problems filling. The average on a transatlantic flight route is about 250.
'Global could be flying with half-empty planes and there are already very thin profit margins when it comes to plane tickets.
'How long Global can survive, will depend on how rich James Asquith is, and how long he is able to afford operating at a loss.'
When asked about the latest development that Global's plane is currently parked in a storage facility, Marina said it was a sign that 'this airline is not working.'
She continued: 'They say the aircraft is being sent for heavy maintenance, but in any case, they're not doing much traffic.'
The statistics are pretty bleak: over 18 months, the aircraft has only clocked up 62 hours of flight time, including test flights and trips for maintenance.
'What are their profit margins, considering how few flights they've taken?' Marina asks.
When asked whether this could be the end of the road for Global, she said she couldn't speculate but added: 'At a minimum, the aircraft will be out for four to 10 weeks, and it's only just taken off.
'As a business model, it's not picking up.'
Global is the brainchild of self-made UK millionaire, James Asquith, who became the youngest person to travel to all 196 countries, aged just 24.
Already CEO and founder of Airbnb rival, Holiday Swap, James announced plans for his start-up airline back in 2022 — a dream he'd had since he was a child, growing up with pilot parents.
In a world where Ryanair charges €55 for the simple pleasure of checking in at the airport, James has vowed that Global would 'bring back the golden age of air travel, with a modern flair.'
In other words, that it will make flying glam again.
For first-class passengers, that would mean 12ft long 'suites' with the potential for a double bed. Forgetting no subgenre of traveller, the airline even created a 'Gamer class', complete with Xbox and Playstations.
However, that plan has since been dropped. More Trending
Ambitious plans said flights would launch from London Gatwick in 2023, and that by 2025, a fleet of 100 planes would fly from European hubs too.
However, as with most start-ups, not everything went according to plan.
After the two transatlantic trips from the UK to NYC in May, no other flights are on sale.
A version of this article was originally published on May 15.
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
MORE: London's Oyster card prices to nearly double – full list of affected cards
MORE: 'First-of-its-kind' Eurostar-style train to directly connect UK with Berlin and two more cities
MORE: Our Travel Editors' picks of underrated destinations in the easyJet summer 2026 sale
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

UK Foreign Office warning to any tourists travelling to Malta
UK Foreign Office warning to any tourists travelling to Malta

Daily Record

time18 minutes ago

  • Daily Record

UK Foreign Office warning to any tourists travelling to Malta

The Foreign Office has issued new guidance to Brits travelling to the popular holiday destination Holidaymakers heading to a beloved getaway spot have been urged to watch their drinks carefully in specific locations. More than 700,000 Brits go to Malta each year to unwind and bask in the Mediterranean sunshine. ‌ Whilst Malta generally poses fewer safety concerns than many other destinations, the Foreign Office cautions in its travel advice that "no travel can be guaranteed safe". A particular threat facing British tourists in Malta involves criminals tampering with food and drink. ‌ The Foreign Office guidance for Malta warns of documented incidents of drink spiking occurring in various bars and what they describe as gentlemen's clubs within the Paceville area. ‌ Paceville stands as Malta's premier nightlife hub, packed with numerous nightclubs and bars that draw many visitors. Yet this bustling atmosphere may also create greater scope for criminal activity. The FCDO guidance warns: "Criminals have drugged people in some bars and gentlemen's clubs in the Paceville district. They've forced them to spend large amounts of money or assaulted them." ‌ Officials recommend that tourists venturing into Paceville exercise extreme caution when purchasing drinks and maintain constant vigilance over their beverages to prevent spiking. Visitors should also scrutinise their bills thoroughly to avoid being overcharged. In the event of a medical emergency, including instances of drink spiking, dialling 112 is recommended. This emergency number connects you to all essential services in Malta, including ambulance, police, and fire brigade. Should you encounter a medical situation while travelling, it's crucial to inform your travel provider and insurance company. They can offer further guidance on available assistance and necessary steps. ‌ Drugs in Malta Tourists should note that any involvement with illegal substances could result in severe penalties. Although Malta legalised home cultivation and personal use of cannabis in 2021, public consumption remains strictly prohibited. Moreover, only Maltese residents are permitted to possess up to 7g of cannabis in public for personal use at home. Brits found violating these drug laws may face extended prison terms and hefty fines. Additionally, upon release from detention, they could be slapped with a Schengen ban lasting up to five years along with fines. Full details on the Foreign Office's advice for Malta can be found here.

Heathrow evacuated amid reports of fire at massive London airport
Heathrow evacuated amid reports of fire at massive London airport

Daily Record

time18 minutes ago

  • Daily Record

Heathrow evacuated amid reports of fire at massive London airport

The airport has responded to concerns on social media and confirmed the evacuation. British holidaymakers have been evacuated from Heathrow Airport following reports of a fire. ‌ Travellers in Terminal Three were told to exit the airport, throwing queues of people about to embark on their summer holidays into chaos. The baggage claim has been closed as staff respond to the alarm. ‌ Heathrow is the largest airport in Europe, with more than 200,000 passengers passing through every day. ‌ The Airport has responded to concerns on social media and confirmed the evacuation. They said: "While the fire service investigate a fire alarm, some areas of Terminal 3 have been temporarily evacuated." Heathrow Airport has also apologised for any disruption caused by the evacuation, reports the Mirror. A spokesperson for the airport said 'Following an earlier fire alarm evacuation in parts of Terminal 3, the incident has now been stood down. We apologise for any disruption caused to journeys.' ‌ Travellers have addressed the chaos that has erupted at the airport. One person wrote on social media: "Border shut down been waiting here forever. "Why is there not a contingency plan for a situation like this? We can't stay here forever." Another commented: "Fire alarm in baggage claim which is where we exit from passport control. All sealed off for now." ‌ Holidaymakers reported being in a standstill as an alarm went off earlier near the baggage claim. One passenger said: "What the hell is going on, this is impossible, you've got everyone, kids, disabled people, crew all just waiting. "Border control is not processing anyone, they're must be at least 10 flights that have landed and is just waiting here. No announcements, no one knows what's going on." ‌ Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. We'll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story. ‌ Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you. Follow us on Twitter @Daily_Record - the official Daily Record Twitter account - real news in real time. We're also on Facebook - your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Daily Record, Sunday Mail and Record Online.

Trump's visit to Scotland is in ‘public interest', says Chancellor
Trump's visit to Scotland is in ‘public interest', says Chancellor

Leader Live

time22 minutes ago

  • Leader Live

Trump's visit to Scotland is in ‘public interest', says Chancellor

Mr Trump is due to touch down in Scotland on Friday evening ahead of a four-day visit, during which he will meet Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and First Minister John Swinney. His meeting with Sir Keir is seen as a chance to refine the UK-US trade deal which came into force last month. Speaking to journalists during a visit to the Rolls-Royce factory near Glasgow Airport on Friday morning, the Chancellor talked up the importance of the visit. 'It's in Britain's national interest to have strong relations with the US administration and as a result of both that long-term special relationship, but actually more importantly, the work that our Prime Minister Keir Starmer has done in building that relationship with President Trump has meant that we were the first country in the world to secure a trade deal,' she said. 'That has a tangible benefit for people here in Scotland, whether it is people working in the Scotch whisky industry or people working in the defence sector like here at Rolls-Royce, that trade deal means lower tariffs than any country in the world on things that we send to the US.' Ms Reeves dodged a question relating to senior ministers – including Health Secretary Wes Streeting, Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Scottish Secretary Ian Murray – supporting a motion when in opposition in 2019 calling for the president's first state visit to be cancelled and accusing him of 'misogyny, racism and xenophobia'. Mr Trump is expected to visit both of his golf clubs in Scotland – in South Ayrshire and Aberdeenshire – during the visit, which has been described as 'private' by the White House, before leaving on Tuesday. His presence is likely to spark protests across the country, with Police Scotland being forced to request aid from other forces to help increase manpower for the trip. In a carefully worded statement ahead of the visit, Mr Swinney said the focus it will bring to Scotland will allow people to have their voice heard on issues including 'war and peace, justice and democracy'. Speaking to the PA news agency on Friday, the First Minister said his meeting with Mr Trump would present an opportunity to 'essentially speak out for Scotland' on issues like trade and the increase of business from the United States in Scotland. 'But there are clearly also significant international issues upon which the people of Scotland have a view and want to have that view expressed by their First Minister,' he said. 'That relates to the awfulness of the situation in Gaza and the unbearable human suffering that is going on in Gaza. 'I want to make sure that those concerns and those views are expressed to the President of the United States. 'We have that opportunity, and I intend to take that opportunity to make sure that Scotland's voice is heard.' Mr Swinney also urged all of those set to protest against the President's visit to do so 'peacefully and to do so within the law'.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store