Airbus A380 belonging to new airline that promises ‘a return to the golden age of travel’ touches down in Glasgow, marking the first time the city has welcomed a superjumbo
It’s the brand new airline with a mission to ‘bring passengers back to the golden age of travel’ – and this week it took a huge step forward when the Airbus A380 touched down at Glasgow Prestwick Airport.
Global airlinesfounded in 2021 by Briton James Asquith, who also founded travel company Holiday Swap, called the arrival of his superjumbo in Scotland a ‘momentous moment’, one that ‘signaled that an important milestone had been reached’.
Ian Forgie, CEO of Glasgow Prestwick Airport, said: “We are delighted to have supported Global on this important stage in their exciting journey.
‘It was also the first time an A380 had landed at Prestwick, so this was an exciting moment in Prestwick’s aviation history. It attracted a large crowd of aviation enthusiasts who wanted to witness the landing.”
The A380, registration number 9H-GLOBL, arrived in Glasgow from Mojave Air and Space Port in California after two months of engineering and technical assessments. During this time the crew received tailor-made simulator training.
Global Airlines’ A380 (above) landed at Glasgow Prestwick Airport this week – a milestone for the new airline. And it was the very first superjumbo visit to the airport
Ian Forgie, CEO of Glasgow Prestwick Airport, said: ‘We are delighted to have supported Global on this important stage in their exciting journey’
On Tuesday, April 30, the aircraft, led by Commander Carlos Mirpuri and a crew of three, five hours and 40 minutes, flew to Montreal Mirabel International Airport, where it refueled.
The plane then flew across the Atlantic Ocean, straight to Glasgow Prestwick.
The flight itself generated significant local and online attention and was the most watched flight of the day on Flight Radar on Wednesday, Global Airlines claimed, with nearly 40,000 viewers at its peak.
The flight generated a lot of online attention and was the most watched flight of the day on Flight Radar on Wednesday, Global Airlines claimed, with nearly 40,000 viewers at its peak. Pictured is the plane landing at Glasgow Prestwick
Global Airlines’ A380 takes to the skies at Mojave Air and Space Port
Speaking for the first time since the aircraft arrived in Scotland, Mr Asquith said: ‘There were times when I thought the aircraft would not leave America, but thanks to the great efforts of our brilliant Global team we now have our first aircraft in Europe and are in a position and a place where we can take further steps forward.
‘The trip to Europe is a major milestone for Global Airlines and the result of enormous amounts of energy, determination and belief in the project, on both sides of the Atlantic.
“I am extremely grateful to the team at Glasgow Prestwick Airport for welcoming 9H-GLOBL with such enthusiasm. I’m so pleased that we now have the opportunity to work with industry leaders in Britain to build new A380 capabilities and expertise.
‘Looking ahead, everyone in the team is heading into a very busy summer as we continue to showcase more of the global offerings and innovations that will make our airline unique.’
Commander Carlos Mirpuri, vice chairman of Hi Fly Group, who was chief pilot for the flights, said after arriving in Prestwick: ‘This aircraft is an engineering marvel, and I can’t get enough of it. This was a long journey across America and the Atlantic Ocean, and everything went as expected.
‘I wish Global Airlines the best of luck with it. It’s time to carry out the rest of the reentry work so passengers can enjoy flying on this superjumbo. There’s nothing like this.’