New Startup Global Airlines has purchased an Airbus A380 to operate transatlantic flights starting this summer.
The UK carrier becomes the first new airline to operate an A380 in eight years and the first to launch an airline starting with A380s. The carrier is already in the process of adding three more A380s.
“Our aspiration is to be the best way to fly, and the A380, with its unmatched levels of space, comfort, and service, will be absolutely central to achieving that vision. The purchase of our first aircraft demonstrates that we are well on the way to launching Global. The next step is to overhaul and refit the aircraft to our high specification, providing our customers with the best experience in the sky today. Acquiring our aircraft rather than leasing showcases our commitment to financial security and resilience from day one.” James Asquith, CEO and Founder of Global Airlines
The Airbus A380 is a double-deck, wide-body commercial airliner that is the largest passenger airliner in the world. The first A380 was delivered to Singapore Airlines in 2007 and since then 250 more A380’s were built with the production rate reaching its peak in 2012 with 30 aircraft per year.
The A380 is known for its spacious interior, quiet operation, and advanced technology, including a fly-by-wire flight control system and a glass cockpit. However, due to its high operating costs and declining demand for large aircraft, Airbus announced in 2019 that it would stop producing the A380 after fulfilling existing orders. The last Airbus A380 produced was delivered to the 380’s largest customer Emirates in 2021.