Just Because You Have an Aircraft doesn’t mean you have an airline. And no, launching a party flight with Hi Fly and calling it a “new airline” doesn’t count either. Let’s get one thing straight: owning an aircraft, yes, even a Global Airlines single A380, doesn’t magically make you an airline. If I buy a double-decker bus, I’m not suddenly TfL. And if someone has a dream, I’m not contractually obliged to clap along to it.
But that didn’t stop Global Airlines from parading their A380 debut like they just reinvented long-haul. Spoiler: they didn’t. What actually happened was a Hi Fly-operated jolly with some familiar aviation faces, a bucketload of PR fluff, and an onboard product that felt more “YouTuber content farm” than “credible carrier launch.”
In This Post
The Branson Comparison: Delete Immediately
Look, I get it. Everyone wants a hero arc. But comparing Global’s founder to Richard Branson is a slap in the face to Branson, and I say that with all the side-eye in the world. At least Branson built an airline with real aircraft, a licence, a network, and a business plan that didn’t rely on bloggers paying for their own flights.
Offence Is Taken, Not Given
We live in a time where calling out smoke and mirrors is seen as “mean.” But let’s be clear: calling Global Airlines single A380 a legitimate airline when it doesn’t have an AOC, a route network, or a functioning operation isn’t just premature. It’s misleading, and aviation deserves better than a vanity project on autopilot.
So, About That Flight…
The so-called “inaugural” Global flight with its single A380 was actually operated by Hi Fly. And on board? A few well-known travel creators, industry press like Simon Calder, and you guessed it, Noel Philips.
Now, for the record, I like Noel. We’ve never met, but he’s honest, transparent, and tries to give everything a fair shake. His video of the flight is linked below, and frankly, it says a lot more than any press release ever could.
Bloggers Paying to Attend?
Yep, there’s talk that some creators were invited but expected to pay for their seats. That’s like launching a restaurant and charging food critics for the tasting menu. Curious, I nearly bought a ticket, but I had a gut feeling. And after seeing the end result? I’m glad I skipped it. The product didn’t scream “luxury new airline.” It screamed, “school trip at 38,000 feet.”
So What Is Global Airlines?
Good question. Right now, it’s an idea with one (owned) A380, a slick brand presence, and a whole lot of buzz. But beneath the surface? Not much that qualifies it as an actual airline.
What’s Still Missing at Global Airlines:
- No Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC)
- No confirmed scheduled routes
- No publicly available fare structure
- No known cabin configuration for commercial ops
- No partnership announcements or airline alliances
- No proven demand for ultra-luxury A380 routes in 2025
Yes, Global owns the aircraft. But that just makes it a costly, well-branded paperweight at least until they secure regulatory approvals and start selling real tickets. It’s giving “aviation-themed NFT project,” not Emirates 2.0.
Final Boarding Call
There’s no shame in dreaming big. But if you want to be taken seriously in aviation, you need more than vibes, influencer selfies, and a press jolly on someone else’s operating licence.
Right now, Global Airlines A380 is more theatre than take-off. Prove us wrong. But until then, maybe cool it on the Branson comparisons. Here’s their website.
Still Taxiing? Read On:
