Global Airlines' Airbus A380 completes final test flight before commercial debut

The A380, having undergone maintenance at Elbe Flugzeugwerke in Dresden, Germany, since September 2024, arrived in Portugal on January 19. This maintenance, carried out by EFW, involved comprehensive inspections and component replacements. EFW, a joint venture between Airbus and ST Engineering, expressed the significance of this project in re-entering the A380 maintenance market, having also maintained another A380 owned by Qantas.

After maintenance, the A380 was transported to Beja, where it received its full livery, eliminating the previous China Southern Airlines markings. The aircraft was previously operated by the Chinese carrier until 2022.

Global Airlines, in cooperation with Hi Fly, aims to begin flights from Glasgow and Manchester to New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport in May. Initial flights are scheduled from Glasgow on May 15 and returning on May 19, with additional itineraries from Manchester set for May 21 and returning May 25. These flights await the company's air operator’s certificate.

Upcoming flights will feature overhauled cabin designs, with new menus and special amenity kits. In First or Business Class, there is an option for a chauffeur-driven car provided by Blacklane, subject to terms and conditions.

The aircraft will remain at New York-JFK for four days during these initial flights, posing potential logistical challenges due to extended parking periods. Global Airlines has announced ticket pre-sales through a VIP presale window before general ticket sales are opened.

Rumors and skepticism have surrounded Global Airlines since its inception. However, with the planned launch, the company moves one step closer to establishing its presence in the aviation industry.