Latest news with #A380
Metro
5 hours ago
- Business
- Metro
Airline founded by UK millionaire 'parks' only plane — after two return flights
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. 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@ 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
India.com
7 hours ago
- Business
- India.com
Top 10 Best Airlines In The World 2025: IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet Miss List — No. 8 Will Surprise You! Check Full List Here
photoDetails english 2935348 Top 10 Best Airlines In The World: Choosing the right airline can truly change your travel experience, especially on long international flights. A good airline offers more legroom, better food, friendly service, and enjoyable entertainment. All of this can make your journey much smoother and more comfortable. But a poor airline? It can make those long hours in the air feel even longer. Every year, millions of passengers share their travel experiences. The Skytrax Awards compile those reviews to rank the best airlines in the world. These awards are among the most trusted in the aviation industry. So, let's take a quick look at the top 10 best airlines in the world, as voted by passengers in the 2025 Skytrax Awards. Notably, airlines like IndiGo, Air India, Akasa Air, SpiceJet, and Air India Express did not make it to this list. Updated:Jul 22, 2025, 05:55 PM IST Qatar Airways 1 / 10 Qatar Airways has once again been crowned World's Best Airline at the 2025 Skytrax Awards. Based in Doha, the airline is celebrated for its luxurious cabins, exceptional service, and global reach—flying to over 170 destinations across six continents with unmatched comfort and hospitality. Singapore Airlines 2 / 10 It is ranked second globally in 2025. Singapore Airlines is known for innovation and comfort. Its $850 million upgrade includes a redesigned A380 cabin. With a modern fleet of A350s and 777s, the airline consistently delivers outstanding service, efficient operations, and a relaxing in-flight experience. Cathay Pacific 3 / 10 Cathay Pacific, based in Hong Kong, secured the third spot in the 2025 Skytrax Awards. It also won Best Economy Class Airline and Best Inflight Entertainment. The airline features Michelin-starred meals, refreshed cabins, and onboard Wi-Fi, making it a strong favorite for long-haul travelers. Emirates 4 / 10 The Emirates, headquartered in Dubai, serves cities on six continents with top-notch comfort and reliability. Known for spacious cabins and excellent customer service, the airline is also committed to sustainability—investing in fuel efficiency, emission reductions, and wildlife conservation efforts to build a greener future in aviation. All Nippon Airways (ANA) 5 / 10 ANA, based in Tokyo, operates a wide network with 42 international and about 50 domestic destinations. It continues to earn praise for its high service standards, timely flights, and passenger comfort. ANA's consistent Skytrax rankings reflect its strong reputation in both Japan and worldwide. Turkish Airlines 6 / 10 The airline is established in 1933. Turkish Airlines flies to 130 countries and operates over 480 aircraft. Nearly half state-owned, it's celebrated for great onboard service, delicious catering, affordable pricing, and impressive entertainment options, making it one of the most well-connected and traveler-friendly airlines in the world. Korean Air 7 / 10 Korean Air, ranked seventh in 2025, is expanding fast after its merger with Asiana Airlines. Based in Seoul, the airline is strengthening its role as a full-service leader in Asia. It offers reliable performance, quality service, and an ever-growing network of global destinations. Air France 8 / 10 Air France climbed to eighth place in 2025 and has remained Best Airline in Western Europe for five consecutive years. A key member of the Air France-KLM Group, it offers elegant lounges, refined First Class service, and a smooth travel experience across its global network. Japan Airlines (JAL) 9 / 10 Japan Airlines has earned a 5-Star Skytrax rating for eight years running. Known for spotless cabins, on-time performance, and exceptional in-flight service, JAL continues to lead in both domestic and international travel, especially with the addition of the advanced Airbus A350-1000 to its fleet. Hainan Airlines 10 / 10 Hainan Airlines is expanding its reach with the new Airbus A321neo and now operates more than 1,700 routes. Known for safety, comfort, and growing global presence, the Chinese carrier continues to rise as a key player in the international aviation industry. (Image Credit: Wikipedia/ Social Media)
CairoScene
8 hours ago
- Business
- CairoScene
Emirates Launches Limited-Edition Luggage Made From Aircraft Interiors
The new 'Aircrafted by Emirates 2025' collection turns retrofitted aircraft parts into travel bags—with proceeds going to charity. Emirates has unveiled a new limited-edition line of luggage made from the interiors of its retrofitted A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft—offering aviation enthusiasts a chance to own a piece of flying history. Titled the 'Aircrafted by Emirates 2025 Collection,' the 167 handmade pieces are now available at the Emirates Official Store. Each item is constructed using repurposed materials like leather headrests, aluminium panels, and even seatbelts—painstakingly cleaned and transformed by a team of in-house artisans. The collection includes new trolley bags, backpacks, and handbags, one of which features fur from an Emirates captain's seat. Prices range from USD 80 to USD 350, with proceeds supporting children's initiatives via the Emirates Airline Foundation. This project is part of Emirates' broader sustainability efforts and ties into its multi-billion-dollar retrofit programme, which has repurposed 30,000 kg of cabin materials from 63 aircraft to date.
Gulf Insider
11 hours ago
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Emirates Adds Daily Dubai-Mauritius Flight
Emirates will introduce a third daily flight to Mauritius. Starting December 1 2025, the move forms as part of the airline's efforts to support inbound tourism to the island nation. The additional service, to be operated by a Boeing 777 aircraft as EK709/710, will complement existing operations and provide more options for customers travelling to Mauritius from Emirates' network of over 140 destinations. The airline currently operates two daily services to Mauritius using its A380 aircraft, under flight numbers EK701/702 and EK703/704. The new Boeing 777 service, introduced under a codeshare agreement with Air Mauritius, will offer alternative timings to support passenger itineraries and enhance connectivity for travellers from the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas. Emirates also plans to promote the route in Far East markets, including Japan, China, Malaysia, and Hong Kong. The new service is expected to contribute to demand from these regions. Flight EK709 will depart Dubai daily at 06:55hrs and arrive in Mauritius at 13:40hrs. The return flight, EK710, will depart Mauritius at 18:30hrs and arrive in Dubai at 01:10hrs the next day. All timings are local. Tickets for the new flight are now available for booking through the Emirates website, app, retail stores, contact centre, or authorised travel agents. Adnan Kazim, Emirates' Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, said: 'We would like to thank the Mauritian authorities for making an additional daily service possible. We have been proudly serving Mauritius since 2002 and our double daily A380 services have been a major success and contributor to the growth of the country's tourism industry. The additional daily service on our wide-body Boeing 777 aircraft will enable a more than 30 percent increase in capacity on the route, while also providing additional flight options for leisure and business travellers to seamlessly connect to flights.' He added: 'We recently reaffirmed our codeshare partnership with Air Mauritius and our shared commitment to putting the destination on the global stage by facilitating steady growth in tourist demand for visits to Mauritius. We are also pleased to support and complement the operations of the national carrier, whose services have contributed to our success on this route. The additional daily service will allow both airlines to meet demand from global travellers.' Emirates began scheduled services to Mauritius in 2002. Since then, it has carried more than 8.8 million passengers and more than 126,000 tonnes of cargo to and from the island. Emirates' operations have contributed $119 million in direct impact from flights, $264 million in tourism receipts, and $530 million to the Mauritian economy through tourism-related spending. The airline's operations have supported the creation of 3,600 jobs in Mauritius. Emirates also employs several Mauritian nationals in roles such as pilots, cabin crew, engineering, customer service, and corporate support. The partnership between Emirates and Air Mauritius dates back to 2003, while Emirates' collaboration with the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority began in 2012. The two organisations have jointly promoted Mauritius in key source markets. The airline currently operates 14 flights per week between Dubai and Mauritius using its A380 aircraft, offering a weekly capacity of more than 15,000 seats. Emirates is the only airline offering A380 services to Mauritius and the only one providing First Class cabins on the route. Also read: Dubai's Emirates Launches Third Daily Dublin Service From October 2025
Time Out Dubai
a day ago
- Business
- Time Out Dubai
Limited edition Emirates luggage made from old planes now on sale Limited edition Emirates luggage made from old planes now on sale
The worst part about travelling is packing, but cute luggage helps. And now, those who love all things Emirates can get a selection of cabin bags, suitcases, backpacks and handbags by the airline for their next trip. All designed and handmade by Emirates tailors, the collection is made from upcycled materials from retrofitted aircraft. Materials used from the Aircrafted by Emirates 2025 Collection have all been gathered from the interiors of the airline's old A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft. All fabrics are freshly laundered in a facility, then further deep cleaned by hand, leather-conditioned and thoroughly disinfected before being sewn into unique pieces. New lining is added to the bags, along with functional zippers and some bags even feature actual Emirates' seatbelts as straps. The limited-edition range is on sale in the Emirates Official Store, and you won't need to feel guilty about splashing the cash as most proceeds will be donated to children in need via the Emirates Airline Foundation. A previous collection sold out in 2023. (Credit: Emirates) The latest collection features three new trolley bag styles – the most popular item from the launch collection. Backpacks and handbags are available in two different styles – one of which is made using fur from the captain's seat. Prices of each handmade item range from around Dhs290 and Dhs1,250. All bags have been designed and handmade by Emirates tailors in a dedicated cabin workshop at the airline's engineering facility in Dubai. A team of 14 tailors, known as Engineering Maintenance Assistants, work on fixing and stitching any tears in the interiors of the airline's aircraft fleet. Emirates has been retrofitting the interior cabins of 219 of its A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft, the two largest commercial aircraft types today. Several of the new-look, re-upholstered aircraft have been taking to the skies from Dubai in the past year. Jetting off soon? Everything you need to know about Al Maktoum International Airport A deep dive about the big project When is the next UAE public holiday? Your public holiday questions, answered Dubai flights: When will flydubai start operations in Al Maktoum International Airport? The budget airline will open at Al Maktoum International Airport sooner than you'd think
