Global Airlines takes ownership of first aircraft

British start-up Global Airlines has reported that it has taken ownership of its first aircraft, an Airbus A380 previously flown by China Southern.

Global Airlines, which has outlined plans to start operations this spring, has fully acquired MSN 120 from used aircraft specialist Jet Midwest.

Under Maltese registration, 9H-GLOBL is expected to leave California’s Mojave airport in the coming weeks and its next destination will be “announced in due course”.

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Global Airlines founder and chief executive James Asquith (pictured) said: “Lots of people predicted we wouldn’t make it even this far, and I couldn’t be happier to be giving MSN 120 a second lease of life.”

The aircraft, which last flew in December 2022, has been maintained and refreshed over the past year by Hi Fly and Business Class Aviation (BCA), Global Airlines said, with tests showing it is in “very good condition”.

Asquith said: “The fact that after such a rigorous inspection from BCA and Hi Fly, the aircraft was found to be in such good condition is testament not only to our unwavering commitment to safety, but to the engineering excellence of Airbus.

“I must also thank Jet Midwest for all their help and assistance this past year, and hopefully we will be able to work with them on identifying and acquiring more A380s and developing our fleet.”

Jet Midwest chairman Paul Kraus said: “We are delighted to have worked with James and his team on the successful closing of this A380 aircraft.

“Our team here at Jet Midwest is excited about Global Airlines’ innovative vision of welcoming in a new era of commercial air travel.

“The entire Jet Midwest team looks forward to continuing to deepen our relationship with Global Airlines and to supporting their operational excellence with Jet Midwest’s expertise in asset management, component supply and MRO service offerings.”

The work carried out included the testing of all aircraft systems, Global Airlines said, with an engine run performed on tarmac “almost to full thrust”.

As part of “every nook and cranny” of the aircraft being inspected, protective devices were removed and all fluids refreshed.

Hi Fly is expected to operate the first ferry flight from the US.