Global Airlines to accelerate A380 entry into service programme

In a noteworthy operational milestone, Global Airlines and Hi Fly, the largest Airbus wide-body aircraft wet-lease specialist, have formalised a partnership agreement to jointly undertake the development and maintenance of the four A380 aircraft that Global Airlines has committed to procuring.

Hi Fly, which was first to operate the A380 in the secondary market, will use its extensive experience of the aircraft, to work with Global on not only preparing it for service, but on helping the new carrier realise its ambition to provide customers with the best way to fly on commercial services, as it prepares for operations.

The short-term focus for both organisations is the EIS and Return to Service (RTS) processes for Global's first aircraft, expected to commence in the months ahead. However, both companies will explore further ways to broaden their collaboration, united by a passion for the aircraft and a shared belief in its enduring potential and appeal.

James Asquith, CEO and Founder of Global Airlines said: “This announcement has been a long time in the making, and I've said from the start, we at Global want to work with the best, most experienced partners and Hi Fly is exactly that. The great news for us is that the team at Hi Fly know the A380 inside-out and will be invaluable in helping us with their industry knowledge around the maintenance and technical acceptance required for our first aircraft – all crucial steps before work begins on introducing our new interiors and other vital elements of the Global service and passenger proposition.”

Global Airlines was launched in 2023 with an aspiration to offer passengers the best way to fly. The airline is a wholly owned subsidiary of Holiday Swap Group and headquartered in London, United Kingdom. The airline is led by CEO James Asquith and backed by aviation experts and investors around the world. The airline has commenced an aircraft acquisition programme with four A380s secured.