The first ‘fully acquired’ Airbus A380 of UK start-up Global Airlines has taken to the skies. The former China Southern Airlines example re-registered 9H-GLOBL (c/n 120), carried out a 20-minute test flight from Mojave Airport, California.

The Rolls-Royce Trent 900-powered aircraft has been undergoing refurbishment work with Hi Fly and Business Class Aviation. This has included replacing fluids, testing all systems and performing a full inspection. Global said it expectsthe aircraft to leave the US in the coming weeks.

Founded in 2021, Global Airlines has a unique business model, planning to “reinvigorate the flying experience” with an all-Airbus A380 fleet on transatlantic routes. While the airline awaits its UK Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC), Hi Fly will operate the aircraft on its behalf. The wet-lease specialist has previous experience of the A380 after using an ex-Singapore Airlines airframe for a number of years before removing the type from its fleet during 2020.

CEO James Asquith said acquiring 9H-GLOBL had taken “a phenomenal amount of time” and that the airline and its partners had been “putting the building blocks in place to take full ownership of the aircraft and plan its first flight.” The carrier has reportedly entered agreements to purchase further A380s, adding that it will reveal more details in due course.

(Photo Global Airlines)