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 expects the 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.