New British airline opens first transatlantic flight sale – here's how much tickets cost
Seats have gone on sale one month before planned inaugural flight from Glasgow to New York. An Airbus A380 is scheduled to depart from the Scottish city at 11am on 15 May. The world's biggest passenger plane is due to arrive at JFK airport seven hours later.
The aircraft will remain on the ground in New York for four days, returning to Scotland on 19 May. The next venture leaves Manchester two days later, on 21 May, for another four-day trip to New York.
The aircraft is a 12-year-old former China Southern jet. Although it is owned by Global Airlines, it will be operated by Hi Fly Malta, a subsidiary of the Portuguese aviation firm Hi Fly. Tickets for what is a charter flight are being sold through a Slough-based 'travel solutions company', Travelopedia.
A 'Global Traveller' (economy class) return ticket is selling for £778. Business class is £3,700, while First costs £7,127. At 9am on Tuesday, the online seat map shows two of the eight First class seats filled.
Unlike the originally envisaged scheduled link between London Gatwick and JFK, the maiden flight is one of a pair of one-off charters rather than regular scheduled flights.
Ahead of the launch, founder and chief executive James Asquith posted on Instagram: 'There is nothing better than seeing our first aircraft in the sky where it belongs.
'Seeing 9H-GLOBL flying reminds me of the monumental efforts of so many people in the last two years that have led us to this moment. I want to say a huge thank you to every single person who has played their part in this journey.'
In May 2024, the Sunday Times Rich List estimated Mr Asquith's wealth at £182m.
The 36-year-old airline founder told The Independent before the first tickets went on sale: 'I'm feeling good. It's been a long road to get here. It's those crazy kind of last couple of days and weeks looking to enter into service and it has certainly not been easy.
'We knew it would be massively challenging. But we persevered and here we are.'
Many aviation industry insiders have questioned the prospects of a start-up airline profitably filling seats on the world's biggest passenger plane across the Atlantic – especially with figures showing a sharp downturn in travel to the US from the UK and the rest of Europe since Donald Trump began his second term as president.
At present no other airline flies from Glasgow to New York. But from Edinburgh airport, 42 miles away, three airlines compete between the Scottish capital and America's biggest city: JetBlue, United and Virgin Atlantic.
On the same dates as Global Airlines, United is selling tickets for £413 return – though this does not include checked baggage.
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Wales Online
an hour ago
- Wales Online
North Wales café bar perfect for 'leisurely lunch' with posh Welsh rarebit
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Casual dining at its best, the recently opened Social café bar is a lively addition to Rhos on Sea's culinary scene - a "go-to" spot for every occasion. In just a few months this chic new venue in the centre of the charming little North Wales resort has established itself as a versatile destination, offering a selection of mostly classic British fare, with some surprises from other countries, that can be eaten in house or taken away. Customers can indulge in everything from hearty breakfasts, brunch, salads, sandwiches, cakes and pastries to special Friday and Saturday night wood fired pizzas that sell like the proverbial hot cakes! There are veggie, vegan and gluten free options and dietary needs are catered for. Portions are generous, the atmosphere is laid back and prices are affordable. Delicious freshly prepared food in a spacious and inviting setting – Social really delivers - as my former hotelier friend Nerys and I found when we popped in for a leisurely lunch. I had taken the precaution of booking a table- a wise move, for when we arrived just after midday, the place was already busy with couples, groups and ladies who lunched, tucking into attractive looking platters of food and obviously enjoying themselves. (Image: Social) A mouth watering aroma of cooking and coffee filled the air.... all very promising, Nerys and I thought. The brainchild of husband and wife team Jon and Tessa Turner, who come from a well known local catering family, Social opened last March in what had been a branch of Nat West Bank and most recently Johnny Dough's pizza bar. Since then it has gone from strength to strength, remaining open until 8pm for the popular weekend pizza evenings. King of the kitchen is classically trained chef Tom Durkan, who has worked at Watsons Bistro in Conwy and on Disney cruise ships. Nerys and I liked the smart new decor that was an attractive mix of modern style and practicality. Comfortably seating more than 32 people at well spaced wooden topped tables, the ground floor café was spotlessly clean, bright and airy with cream painted walls, distinctive lighting and greenery on the window sills. Mega sized photographs of underwater scenes taken by Tessa's cousin in Australia highlighted the exposed brick wall at the far end of the room. With my friend's car safely parked in the street nearby, we got down to the serious business of deciding what to eat and drink from the extensive a la carte menu. Available until noon, the breakfast menu offered toasted crumpets, freshly baked croissants, poached or scrambled eggs on toast and smoked salmon and scrambled eggs on crumpets with chopped cornichons. Served until 3pm, brunch/lunch dishes included full Welsh breakfast, avocado on sourdough, homemade welsh rarebit, a fruity breakfast bowl and even sriracha benny ie poached eggs with a spicy sauce that originated in Thailand . From noon onwards customers can also order cakes and pastries, sandwiches, including the famous New York deli and salads such as classic Caesar, honey glazed goats cheese, tofu and smoked salmon. Affrogato, burnt Basque cheese cake and luxury Welsh ice cream provided a sweet finish. Star attractions on Friday and Saturday evenings are the homemade wood fired pizzas. Vegan cheese is available at no extra cost. Eight different choices priced between £11.50 and £15.95 include classics such as margherita, pepperoni and Hawaiian as well as more unusual spicy beef, truffled mushroom and nduja calabrese piccante, topped with a fiery Italian salami. Licensed for alcohol, the drinks list features beers including artisan Nokota IPA from the Llandudno based Wild Horse Brewery, as well as lagers and cider. Also available are gins, alcoholic and mock cocktails, alternative milks, soft drinks and a carefully chosen selection of international red, white and rose wines sold by the glass from £5.50 for 250ml or bottle from £25. The most expensive vintage – an exceptional Australian red shiraz- was priced at £39. (Image: Social) As Nerys was driving, she selected a bottle of alcohol free Peroni lager and I opted for a latte coffee that went down well with my choice of a house favourite - Welsh rarebit. Priced at £10.95 this, however, was an upmarket version that came on two slices of toasted sourdough bread, topped with pieces of roast ham and finished with chilli jam. Piping hot, rich and creamy, the savoury sauce was given a real kick with a generous slug of Wild Horse Nokota beer. I could have added a poached egg for an extra £1.75 but the dish was fine as it was and went down a treat. Full marks to chef Tom! Nerys went for classic Caesar salad with lots of crisp green leaves and homemade parmesan and sourdough croutons tossed in a tangy dressing. Adding warm pieces of chicken breast for an extra £3.50 transformed the salad into a substantial main course. (Image: Social) 'Absolutely delicious, but far too much for me, I just can't manage it all," Nerys commented sadly. However, customers often take their leftovers away with them and our very helpful server provided my friend with a takeaway box so she could finish the dish at home. Social has a real "feel good" vibe that makes eating and drinking there a pleasure. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience at this delightful new café bar and plan a return visit in the near future to sample the pizzas. One for the notebook? Most definitely!
North Wales Live
an hour ago
- North Wales Live
North Wales café bar perfect for 'leisurely lunch' with posh Welsh rarebit
Casual dining at its best, the recently opened Social café bar is a lively addition to Rhos on Sea's culinary scene - a "go-to" spot for every occasion. In just a few months this chic new venue in the centre of the charming little North Wales resort has established itself as a versatile destination, offering a selection of mostly classic British fare, with some surprises from other countries, that can be eaten in house or taken away. Customers can indulge in everything from hearty breakfasts, brunch, salads, sandwiches, cakes and pastries to special Friday and Saturday night wood fired pizzas that sell like the proverbial hot cakes! There are veggie, vegan and gluten free options and dietary needs are catered for. Portions are generous, the atmosphere is laid back and prices are affordable. Delicious freshly prepared food in a spacious and inviting setting – Social really delivers - as my former hotelier friend Nerys and I found when we popped in for a leisurely lunch. I had taken the precaution of booking a table- a wise move, for when we arrived just after midday, the place was already busy with couples, groups and ladies who lunched, tucking into attractive looking platters of food and obviously enjoying themselves. A mouth watering aroma of cooking and coffee filled the air.... all very promising, Nerys and I thought. The brainchild of husband and wife team Jon and Tessa Turner, who come from a well known local catering family, Social opened last March in what had been a branch of Nat West Bank and most recently Johnny Dough's pizza bar. Since then it has gone from strength to strength, remaining open until 8pm for the popular weekend pizza evenings. King of the kitchen is classically trained chef Tom Durkan, who has worked at Watsons Bistro in Conwy and on Disney cruise ships. Nerys and I liked the smart new decor that was an attractive mix of modern style and practicality. Comfortably seating more than 32 people at well spaced wooden topped tables, the ground floor café was spotlessly clean, bright and airy with cream painted walls, distinctive lighting and greenery on the window sills. Mega sized photographs of underwater scenes taken by Tessa's cousin in Australia highlighted the exposed brick wall at the far end of the room. With my friend's car safely parked in the street nearby, we got down to the serious business of deciding what to eat and drink from the extensive a la carte menu. Available until noon, the breakfast menu offered toasted crumpets, freshly baked croissants, poached or scrambled eggs on toast and smoked salmon and scrambled eggs on crumpets with chopped cornichons. Served until 3pm, brunch/lunch dishes included full Welsh breakfast, avocado on sourdough, homemade welsh rarebit, a fruity breakfast bowl and even sriracha benny ie poached eggs with a spicy sauce that originated in Thailand . From noon onwards customers can also order cakes and pastries, sandwiches, including the famous New York deli and salads such as classic Caesar, honey glazed goats cheese, tofu and smoked salmon. Affrogato, burnt Basque cheese cake and luxury Welsh ice cream provided a sweet finish. Star attractions on Friday and Saturday evenings are the homemade wood fired pizzas. Vegan cheese is available at no extra cost. Eight different choices priced between £11.50 and £15.95 include classics such as margherita, pepperoni and Hawaiian as well as more unusual spicy beef, truffled mushroom and nduja calabrese piccante, topped with a fiery Italian salami. Licensed for alcohol, the drinks list features beers including artisan Nokota IPA from the Llandudno based Wild Horse Brewery, as well as lagers and cider. Also available are gins, alcoholic and mock cocktails, alternative milks, soft drinks and a carefully chosen selection of international red, white and rose wines sold by the glass from £5.50 for 250ml or bottle from £25. The most expensive vintage – an exceptional Australian red shiraz- was priced at £39. As Nerys was driving, she selected a bottle of alcohol free Peroni lager and I opted for a latte coffee that went down well with my choice of a house favourite - Welsh rarebit. Priced at £10.95 this, however, was an upmarket version that came on two slices of toasted sourdough bread, topped with pieces of roast ham and finished with chilli jam. Piping hot, rich and creamy, the savoury sauce was given a real kick with a generous slug of Wild Horse Nokota beer. I could have added a poached egg for an extra £1.75 but the dish was fine as it was and went down a treat. Full marks to chef Tom! Nerys went for classic Caesar salad with lots of crisp green leaves and homemade parmesan and sourdough croutons tossed in a tangy dressing. Adding warm pieces of chicken breast for an extra £3.50 transformed the salad into a substantial main course. 'Absolutely delicious, but far too much for me, I just can't manage it all," Nerys commented sadly. However, customers often take their leftovers away with them and our very helpful server provided my friend with a takeaway box so she could finish the dish at home. Social has a real "feel good" vibe that makes eating and drinking there a pleasure. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience at this delightful new café bar and plan a return visit in the near future to sample the pizzas. One for the notebook? Most definitely!
The Herald Scotland
an hour ago
- The Herald Scotland
Reeves did not discuss Grangemouth during Ineos meeting
Sir Jim, who is ranked seventh on the Sunday Times Rich List and is reportedly worth over £17 billion, was among several 'external stakeholders' present at the meeting, understood to have taken place on Monday April 8. The Grangemouth refinery ceased processing crude oil on Monday April 29. READ MORE: The SNP called the revelation 'damning', while the GMB described it as an 'inexplicable abdication of responsibility'. Petroineos, the joint venture between Ineos and PetroChina that owns the 100-year-old site, first announced plans to close the facility in November 2023. The company said it was losing £385,000 a day, and that its future as an import terminal would 'require significantly fewer people to operate', with a 'net reduction of approximately 400 roles over the next two years'. It was the last oil refinery operating north of the Border. In recent months, hundreds of workers have taken voluntary redundancy, while a number of compulsory redundancies have also been made. A report commissioned by the Scottish and UK governments — known as Project Willow — was tasked with charting a low-carbon future for the site. But it concluded that around £3.5 billion in private investment would be needed. Grangemouth stopped refining at the end of April (Image: Jeff Mitchell/Getty) As well as the impact on local jobs, the closure has also hit the economy. Recent figures from the Scottish Government show GDP growth fell by 0.4% in the three months to May — wiping out the 0.4% increase seen in the first quarter of the year. In May alone, GDP contracted by 0.2%, following a 0.1% boost the previous month. The largest drop was seen in the manufacturing sector, which was badly affected by the refinery's closure. Output fell by 4.1% that month. In response to an FOI submitted by the SNP, UK Government officials initially refused to disclose details of the meeting, before finally conceding that 'a meeting did take place in April 2025 at which the Chancellor and Sir Jim Ratcliffe were present'. However, they confirmed: 'The threatened closure of the Grangemouth refinery was not discussed at that meeting.' The Treasury said its obligations under the Freedom of Information Act meant it was unable to say who else was present. SNP energy spokesperson Graham Leadbitter said the episode demonstrated a lack of political will from the UK Government when it came to protecting Grangemouth, especially compared to the nationalisation of the Scunthorpe steel plant, the support for a refinery in Lincolnshire, and the £100 billion spent on nuclear energy in England. He said: 'This is a damning revelation. Scots will be disgusted to learn that just days before the Grangemouth doors slammed shut, Rachel Reeves held a meeting with the owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, yet didn't even bother to mention the refinery. 'The UK Government only conceded the information after significant pressure, which speaks volumes about how desperate they were to keep this under wraps. 'That's because the truth is that never mind being an afterthought, the fact the Labour Government didn't even think it worthwhile to bring up such a critical issue to Scottish jobs shows Scotland doesn't even register as a thought at all. 'A steel plant in Scunthorpe was nationalised, a refinery in Lincolnshire was bailed out, and £100bn is found for English nuclear power plants — yet when it came to a Scottish refinery the UK Labour Government didn't lift a finger to keep it in operation. "That tells Scots all they need to know about Westminster and where Scotland lies in its priorities. 'It is this disregard for Scottish industry that leaves a growing number of Scots to wonder just how long we stay tied to this so-called Union of Equals, because only with independence can we prioritise Scottish jobs, Scottish growth and Scotland's people.' Robert Deavy, a senior organiser with GMB Scotland, representing contractors at the site, said: 'In the months and years leading to its needless closure, the public support of ministers on both sides of the Border did nothing to save Grangemouth. 'Now we discover that despite all the warm words in public, in private, the Chancellor did not even think it worth raising with the owner. 'Her silence only confirms the lack of political will or even interest in protecting our industrial infrastructure and all the jobs and communities it supports. 'It beggars belief that Rachel Reeves did not discuss Grangemouth with Jim Ratcliffe weeks before he pulled the shutters down but thought it worth asking for his help to formulate government policy? 'The Chancellor would be far better asking for guidance from the workers, families and communities shattered by this avoidable closure.' The Treasury said the meeting in question was regarding a different issue and that the Chancellor has had "extensive engagement" on the future of Grangemouth. They also pointed to the £100 million funding package to "secure a just transition for the Grangemouth workforce and community," and the Prime Minister's promise to allocate £200m from the National Wealth Fund to "grasp the opportunities" of Grangemouth. A UK Government spokesperson told The Herald on Sunday: "This Government recognises Scotland's vital role in the UK economy, with the Chancellor delivering a record settlement in the Spending Review, the largest in real terms since devolution in 1998. "We are investing millions of pounds in Scotland's defence and clean energy industries, securing tens of thousands of jobs, and we have already announced a £300m package to secure a just transition for Grangemouth workers and secure the long-term future of the site." Ineos declined to comment. Sir Jim is Manchester United's minority owner (Image: PA/Adam Davy) Earlier this year it emerged it took First Minister John Swinney more than two months to secure a meeting with Sir Jim. According to investigative website The Ferret, the two men finally spoke via video call on April 25, after Mr Swinney had written to the Ineos chair requesting a meeting at a 'very early opportunity' to discuss 'a way forward that protects employment at Grangemouth'. Most of the meeting's details remain redacted, but partial minutes show Ineos arguing the refinery was 'aged and loss making', and Sir Jim expressing 'concern about carbon taxes and energy costs'. The Scottish and UK governments jointly funded the £1.5 million Project Willow feasibility study, which was carried out by Ernst & Young and commissioned by Petroineos to assess the future of the site. READ MORE Last month, UK energy minister Michael Shanks said there was a 'certain inevitability' that Grangemouth would close by the time Labour came to power. Appearing before the Scottish Affairs Committee in the Commons, he described Grangemouth currently as a 'hugely investable opportunity' for businesses. Asked whether the UK Government considered bringing Grangemouth into public ownership, Mr Shanks told MPs: 'I think it is fair to say we didn't take any option off the table and we did look at a whole series of options. 'But firstly, the Government's not in the business of nationalising failing businesses. 'That is difficult to say, but it is the reality that a business that's losing tens of millions of pounds, it can't be nationalised with the public facing the cost of that. 'That's the same position we're in with the Prax Lindsey refinery (North Lincolnshire), and it's the same position with Grangemouth.' Mr Shanks said Labour 'moved every possible option forward' to do what it could to save the refinery. He added: 'The truth is, we were far too far down the line with the Grangemouth process to really change the outcome and as regrettable as that is — and it genuinely is, and I've met the workers on a number of occasions, I know how significant the impact is on them and their families — there was a certain inevitability about the outcome by the point in which we came into Government.'
