In a significant development, Global Airlines plans to launch daytime flights from the US to Europe utilizing the Airbus A380, marking the first such operation for this aircraft type. The carrier submitted its schedule to OAG, reflecting flights under the IATA code Q4, which are set to commence this summer.
On May 19, the airline is scheduled to fly from New York JFK to Glasgow, followed by a return flight to Manchester on May 25. According to an unnamed source not affiliated with Global Airlines, “they will likely go ahead as they’re probably needed to unlock future investment.”
Despite the introduction of these flights, there is skepticism about the financial viability due to the high operating costs and challenges of filling the large aircraft. Established carrier Norse Atlantic has already encountered difficulties in filling smaller jets and has reduced its network in the US.
The summer flight schedule for 2025 indicates that up to nine daytime flights will operate daily between the US and Europe. Most services involve London Heathrow, a major hub for transatlantic traffic. Changes compared to the previous year include Icelandair ceasing its daytime service from New York JFK to Keflavik and Delta Air Lines and American Airlines ending their respective day routes.
Details of select daytime flights include services by Turkish Airlines, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, United Airlines, JetBlue, American Airlines, Azores Airlines, and Icelandair. Among these, Global Airlines will operate its flights using a HiFly Malta-operated A380, a 12.5-year-old aircraft that recently received approval for the US’s Visa Waiver Program.
These upcoming routes will see the aircraft arriving in New York ahead of their return journeys, incurring significant parking and crew costs. Currently, Global Airlines cannot sell tickets from the US, meaning passengers on these inbound flights will need to fly back on the outbound segment.
The unpopularity of daytime transatlantic flights stems from factors such as shorter distances, fewer timezone changes, and point-to-point demand, which limit the prospects despite potential passenger preferences for minimizing jetlag.
