Latest news with #GlobalTraveller
Business Mayor
08-05-2025
- Business
- Business Mayor
New UK airline slashes flights to New York by £100s — even cheaper than EasyJet
A new UK airline has almost halved the price of tickets for its first ever flight from Glasgow to New York. Global Airlines, the brainchild of self-made UK millionaire, James Asquith, raised eyebrows last month, when eye-watering ticket prices were announced. Back in April, Global Airlines sold an economy return ticket for £778 for their inaugural flight, departing Glasgow for JFK on May 15, returning May 19. Compared to the £399 British Airways were charging for the same dates, it was almost 95% more expensive. But two weeks later and Global are now offering promo codes that slash these prices by (almost) half. According to a post on their Instagram page, you can now bag a Global Traveller (economy) flight from Manchester or Glasgow return for just £380 by using the code GLOBAL380. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. It means the new Global prices are even cheaper than EasyJet. At the time of writing, the cheapest EasyJet return (operated by EasyJet and Norse) from Glasgow to JFK on the same dates costs £573.21. For those feeling a little more flush, the code GLOBAL1999 will get you business class return for £1,999. That's a huge saving from the £3,700 originally advertised in April. Commenters on Instagram post were thrilled by the news. 'I'm booked,' commented @globalairlines_fans, 'Can't wait.' While another added 'Looks amazing! Can't wait to experience it.' But Global Airlines' business model has caused controversy among the aviation industry, who are skeptical as to whether they can survive long-term. Read More Valentine's Day: Quirky bouquets to send to your loved one James, who is already CEO and founder of Airbnb rival, Holiday Swap, 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. He vowed that Global would 'bring back the golden age of air travel, with a modern flair.' He wanted to make flying glam again, with 12ft long 'suites' for first-class passengers, and even a 'Gamer class', complete with Xbox and Playstations. He hoped that by 2025, a fleet of 100 planes would fly from European hubs around the world. And while he hasn't quite achieved this goal, Global's maiden voyage is just one week away. Why aren't experts convinced by Global? The airline's business plan is based on using the Airbus A380, the largest commercial passenger aircraft. These massive, double-decker planes are no longer being made and there are now less than 200 in circulation, after being discontinued in 2021. While James says these planes are a passenger, pilot and crew 'favourite' they are costly to run, and require full planes to make them worthwhile. The novelty of such a big plane, may not be enough to get tickets sold. Aviation expert and professor of aviation management at Dublin City University, Marina Efthymiou, previously told Metro: 'The A380s can carry from around 500 to more than 800 people, depending on the configuration of seats. '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.' Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Spain's 'Garden of Europe' is 27C in May — and you can fly there for £15 MORE: Train travel loophole 'cheats' expensive fares to save £15 on tickets MORE: Amazon launches new UK outlet set to rival Temu with 'crazy low prices'
Metro
08-05-2025
- Business
- Metro
New UK airline slashes flights to New York by £100s — even cheaper than EasyJet
A new UK airline has almost halved the price of tickets for its first ever flight from Glasgow to New York. Global Airlines, the brainchild of self-made UK millionaire, James Asquith, raised eyebrows last month, when eye-watering ticket prices were announced. Back in April, Global Airlines sold an economy return ticket for £778 for their inaugural flight, departing Glasgow for JFK on May 15, returning May 19. Compared to the £399 British Airways were charging for the same dates, it was almost 95% more expensive. But two weeks later and Global are now offering promo codes that slash these prices by (almost) half. According to a post on their Instagram page, you can now bag a Global Traveller (economy) flight from Manchester or Glasgow return for just £380 by using the code GLOBAL380. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. It means the new Global prices are even cheaper than EasyJet. At the time of writing, the cheapest EasyJet return (operated by EasyJet and Norse) from Glasgow to JFK on the same dates costs £573.21. For those feeling a little more flush, the code GLOBAL1999 will get you business class return for £1,999. That's a huge saving from the £3,700 originally advertised in April. Commenters on Instagram post were thrilled by the news. 'I'm booked,' commented @globalairlines_fans, 'Can't wait.' While another added 'Looks amazing! Can't wait to experience it.' But Global Airlines' business model has caused controversy among the aviation industry, who are skeptical as to whether they can survive long-term. James, who is already CEO and founder of Airbnb rival, Holiday Swap, 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. He vowed that Global would 'bring back the golden age of air travel, with a modern flair.' He wanted to make flying glam again, with 12ft long 'suites' for first-class passengers, and even a 'Gamer class', complete with Xbox and Playstations. He hoped that by 2025, a fleet of 100 planes would fly from European hubs around the world. And while he hasn't quite achieved this goal, Global's maiden voyage is just one week away. Why aren't experts convinced by Global? The airline's business plan is based on using the Airbus A380, the largest commercial passenger aircraft. These massive, double-decker planes are no longer being made and there are now less than 200 in circulation, after being discontinued in 2021. While James says these planes are a passenger, pilot and crew 'favourite' they are costly to run, and require full planes to make them worthwhile. The novelty of such a big plane, may not be enough to get tickets sold. More Trending Aviation expert and professor of aviation management at Dublin City University, Marina Efthymiou, previously told Metro: 'The A380s can carry from around 500 to more than 800 people, depending on the configuration of seats. '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.' Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Spain's 'Garden of Europe' is 27C in May — and you can fly there for £15 MORE: Train travel loophole 'cheats' expensive fares to save £15 on tickets MORE: Amazon launches new UK outlet set to rival Temu with 'crazy low prices'
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New UK airline slashes transatlantic flight prices in half ahead of inaugural trip
Start-up carrier Global Airlines has reduced prices by half for its inaugural transatlantic passenger flights, with promotional codes introduced around two weeks after seats first went on sale. Global Airlines is currently running a flash sale for its first passenger journeys, scheduled to depart from Glasgow on 15 May and Manchester on 21 May for flights to New York JFK on four-day round trips. The airline's Instagram states that passengers can book 'a spontaneous escape to the Big Apple' from the two UK cities to New York on return flights at £380 when using promo code GLOBAL380. Discounts are also available on business class seats for £1,999 return when using the promo code GLOBAL1999. Tickets for both flights went on general sale on 15 April. On 28 April, Global Airlines announced 100 'Global Traveller' seats and 20 business class tickets were available to be bought in a flash sale. When the tickets went on sale before the promo codes were introduced, and when the code is not applied, economy return tickets from Glasgow are priced at around £778 return and £696 from Manchester. The airline said limited seats were available, while its founder and CEO, James Asquith, said earlier this week it is the 'last few days of special fares,' although it is unclear when the deal will end. Mr Asquith wrote on LinkedIn: '£380 return!!! We love our Global Traveller cabin on the Global A380. 'If anyone wants to jump onboard for one of the next 'A380 Experience' flights to JFK flights [sic] this month, you can get economy tickets for just £380 return. 'Come join us – it will be fun!' Mr Asquith founded Global Airlines in 2021, promising 'a new era of commercial air travel' and 'fast relief from the aches and pains associated with commercial air travel'. Global Airlines flew its Airbus A380 aircraft from the maintenance facility of Beja in Portugal to Barcelona on Friday 2 May before it later took off for Berlin. This marked the first time the aircraft, 9H-GLOBL, landed at a major airport since it was brought out of retirement to be refurbished ahead of proposed transatlantic flights. The aircraft is at the Beja Air Base as of Saturday 3 May, after flying to Gatwick for the afternoon from Berlin. The initial commercial flights will use the Global Airlines A380 but will be operated by a Portuguese firm, Hi Fly, which specialises in providing short-term aircraft and crew to help airlines fill gaps in schedules. A spokesperson for the airline said: 'As the first Global owned A380 prepares to take to the skies with its first passengers, the Global team and partners have achieved what many thought was impossible and are now focused on the next phase of development. 'Global intends to introduce further widebody aircraft in 2025 before announcing a timeline for scheduled operations. "During the past year, Global has successfully inducted one A380 into service, and is now progressing with the acquisitions of further A380 aircraft scheduled for entry into service.' The Independent has contacted Global Airlines for comment.
The Independent
08-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
New UK airline slashes transatlantic flight prices in half ahead of inaugural trip
Start-up carrier Global Airlines has reduced prices by half for its inaugural transatlantic passenger flights, with promotional codes introduced around two weeks after seats first went on sale. Global Airlines is currently running a flash sale for its first passenger journeys, scheduled to depart from Glasgow on 15 May and Manchester on 21 May for flights to New York JFK on four-day round trips. The airline's Instagram states that passengers can book 'a spontaneous escape to the Big Apple' from the two UK cities to New York on return flights at £380 when using promo code GLOBAL380. Discounts are also available on business class seats for £1,999 return when using the promo code GLOBAL1999. Tickets for both flights went on general sale on 15 April. On 28 April, Global Airlines announced 100 'Global Traveller' seats and 20 business class tickets were available to be bought in a flash sale. When the tickets went on sale before the promo codes were introduced, and when the code is not applied, economy return tickets from Glasgow are priced at around £778 return and £696 from Manchester. The airline said limited seats were available, while its founder and CEO, James Asquith, said earlier this week it is the 'last few days of special fares,' although it is unclear when the deal will end. Mr Asquith wrote on LinkedIn: '£380 return!!! We love our Global Traveller cabin on the Global A380. 'If anyone wants to jump onboard for one of the next 'A380 Experience' flights to JFK flights [sic] this month, you can get economy tickets for just £380 return. 'Come join us – it will be fun!' Mr Asquith founded Global Airlines in 2021, promising 'a new era of commercial air travel' and 'fast relief from the aches and pains associated with commercial air travel'. Global Airlines flew its Airbus A380 aircraft from the maintenance facility of Beja in Portugal to Barcelona on Friday 2 May before it later took off for Berlin. This marked the first time the aircraft, 9H-GLOBL, landed at a major airport since it was brought out of retirement to be refurbished ahead of proposed transatlantic flights. The aircraft is at the Beja Air Base as of Saturday 3 May, after flying to Gatwick for the afternoon from Berlin. The initial commercial flights will use the Global Airlines A380 but will be operated by a Portuguese firm, Hi Fly, which specialises in providing short-term aircraft and crew to help airlines fill gaps in schedules. A spokesperson for the airline said: 'As the first Global owned A380 prepares to take to the skies with its first passengers, the Global team and partners have achieved what many thought was impossible and are now focused on the next phase of development. 'Global intends to introduce further widebody aircraft in 2025 before announcing a timeline for scheduled operations. "During the past year, Global has successfully inducted one A380 into service, and is now progressing with the acquisitions of further A380 aircraft scheduled for entry into service.'
The Herald Scotland
07-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Global Airlines slashes prices on maiden Glasgow flight
Global will then operate a flight from Manchester Airport to JFK on Wednesday, May 21, before returning to Manchester on Sunday, May 25. The "special A380 flights' will be operated by Portuguese charter airline Hi Fly, which ferried the airline's superjumbo from Dresden in Germany to Beja in Portugal to allow it to undergo maintenance in January. Return ticket prices were originally set at £778 for economy, £3,700 for business, and £7,127 for first class. READ MORE: Global Airlines to debut with A380 flight from Glasgow Global Airlines 'takes step closer towards passenger flights' Airline unveils interior of first A380 and 'Sky Pub' ahead of debut However, in a post on social networking platform LinkedIn, Global Founder and CEO James Asquith to offer reduced prices on the forthcoming flights. He wrote: "£380 return!!! We love our Global Traveller cabin (economy) on the Global A380. "If anyone wants to jump onboard for one of the next 'A380 Experience' flights to JFK flights this month, you can get economy tickets for just £380 return." Asquith also shared a promo code which those wishing to book the flights could use to get the discount. News of the discounted sale fares comes after Global operated its first demonstration flight between Barcelona And Berlin. Global plans to operate its first commerial flight from Glasgow Airport to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York Berlin Brandenburg Airport greeted the the plane with a water canon as the first A380 arrival into Berlin with passengers onboard. Meanwhile, Global has announced that it contracted Knighthood Global, a consultancy and investment firm led by James Hogan, former President and CEO of Etihad Airways, as strategic advisers to support the next stages of its development towards operations. Knighthood Global said that Global intends to introduce further widebody aircraft in 2025 before announcing a timeline for scheduled operations. Founded by UK entrepreneur James Asquith in 2021, Global Airlines aims to begin regular operations from London to New York City and Los Angeles, using a fleet of four Airbus A380s. The airline's mission is to take passengers back to the "Golden Age of Travel, reinvigorating the onboard experience with elevated service and products across all three cabins: First, Business and Global Traveller". READ MORE: UK startup airline hopes to run A380 flight from Scotland in future Historic Scottish company acquires major US rival for $305 million Ryanair announces 'exciting' new summer 2025 routes for Scotland Global took full ownership of its first A380, formerly operated by China Southern Airlines, in February 2024. Prior to that, the superjumbo was withdrawn from use and ferried to Mojave Air & Space Port in California in late 2022. In May 2024, Global Airlines debuted its first A380 in Scotland after it arrived at Glasgow Prestwick Airport from Mojave via Montreal. The arrival at Prestwick, which drew a large crowd of aviation enthusiasts, marked the first time an Airbus A380 has landed at the nationalised airport. The flight also garnered significant interest online, with thousands tracking its journey on flight tracking site Flightradar24. While at Prestwick, the aircraft underwent a livery overhaul, with Airbourne Colours - Europe's only privately-owned aircraft painting specialists in commercial and corporate aircraft painting, repainting and refinishing - completing the initial phase of the new livery identity. The A380 then departed Prestwick for Dresden in October last year to undergo heavy maintenance - including mandatory inspections and component replacements - at Elbe Flugzeugwerke GmbH, a joint venture between Airbus and ST Engineering. Last month, Global Airlines unveiled a first look at the interior of its first A380 aircraft ahead of its commercial flight debut from Glasgow. Global Founder and CEO James Asquith took to social networking site LinkedIn to shared images and video footage of the interior of the company's first aircraft, registered as 9H-GLOBL. He wrote: "Fresh new look onboard Global Airlines. Just to lift the lid on one of the many, many challenges and complexities in aviation, it's the cabin refurbishment side. "Supply chain issues are hurting everyone, and I think it's clear that any airline launching a new cabin is being hit with extensive delays, that is industry wide, and we faced delays on materials ourselves. "Regardless, I'm really proud of what we have done in a short space of time, and of course, this is just the start for us. Remember the first product on Virgin in the early days…it only got better and better with time." Asquith also took the opportunity to tease a new standout feature of the plane - The Global 'Sky Pub'. He added: "A fun idea that we came up with, and this is, in my opinion the best thing about the extra space that the a380 affords you. We will certainly add more as we go, but for anyone that is familiar with Major Mods on an aircraft, you're looking at many years to certify bigger social spaces and bars, so we will develop our social spaces even more when we have more aircraft in the sky…it's all bit by bit progression. "To do more would mean a multi-year wait, and we can't wait to get flying, but I couldn't be happier with our Global Traveller (economy) cabin."
