Global Airlines arrives in the UK

In a move that surprised many in the industry, and a significant milestone for the new upstart airline, Global Airlines has welcomed its first aircraft (9H-GLOBL) to the UK, an Airbus A380, at Glasgow Prestwick Airport.

Global Airlines plans to operate transatlantic services from London to New York and Los Angeles later this year.  Currently it has two A380s in its fleet and intends to acquire four in total.  

The next step for the aircraft will be to commence a full interior refurbishment and certification.

Previously flown by China Southern Airlines, the aircraft will be retrofitted with a three-class configuration and can carry up to 470 passengers.  

Global originally took delivery of the aircraft at the Mojave Air and Space Port (MHV) California.  A base in Europe was considered essential for putting the aircraft back in service, and Prestwick met all the requirements.  

The flight required a rigorous, multi-month planning and a collaborative process involving partners and regulators including Airbus, Hi Fly, TM-CAD and the FAA.

Speaking for the first time since the arrival of the aircraft in Scotland, James Asquith the CEO and Founder of Global Airlines, said: “Getting to Europe is a significant milestone for Global Airlines and it’s the product of huge amounts of energy, resolve and belief in the project, on both sides of the Atlantic.

“I am particularly grateful to the team at Glasgow Prestwick Airport for welcoming 9H-GLOBL with such enthusiasm.  I am so pleased that we now have the opportunity to work with industry leaders in the UK to build new A380 capabilities and expertise”.

With far more access to A380 infrastructure and expertise in Europe, MSN120 will now continue its journey back to commercial operations.

www.travelnewsupdate.co.uk/article/579

www.globalairlines.com

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