New York Welcomes First Global Airlines Flight From Scotland

Updated: May 15, 2025, 11:09am CDT

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First Passenger Flight by Global Airlines Arrives in New York
Final Thoughts

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It’s a big day for Global Airlines and its founder, James Asquith.

After years of preparation for this pivotal day, the start-up airline officially took off with its first passengers.

The Airbus A380 took off from Glasgow International Airport, Scotland (GLA) at 11:34 a.m. on May 15, bound for New York’s JFK Airport.

Here’s everything you need to know about the key details from this notable day in aviation history.

First Passenger Flight by Global Airlines Arrives in New York

New York City marks an important destination for James Asquith’s startup airline, Global Airlines, as it operates its first passenger flight. The choice of destination reflects the airline’s ambitions — and the high visibility that comes with entering one of the world’s most competitive aviation markets.

After purchasing a single Airbus A380, enduring years of planning, and facing significant skepticism from industry observers, Global Airlines has successfully launched its first flight with paying customers on board. The airline has come a long way since I interviewed Asquith at the 2023 Dubai Airshow.

At the time of writing, Flightradar24 showed the Global Airlines A380 en route over the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador on its transatlantic journey to New York (JFK).

Global Airlines flight from Glasgow to New York JFK — FlightRadar24 shows Global Airlines making its way across the Atlantic with paying passengers for the first time. Image Credit: FlightRadar24

Reports suggest that the aircraft is far from full in economy but has a good amount of occupancy in business and first-class cabins. This could be, in part, because it was only possible to book a round-trip ticket with fixed departure and return dates from Glasgow on May 15 and New York (JFK) on May 19.

Passengers onboard today’s flight could have paid as little as £380 ($504) for a round-trip in economy, while business and first-class fares ran into the thousands of dollars.

Global Airlines will operate a second round-trip service to New York’s JFK next week — this time from Manchester (MAN) in England. Upgraded Points was invited to join Asquith onboard this flight and will be reporting on the experience.

Hot Tip:

The Airbus A380 is the biggest passenger plane in the sky. Here’s an in-depth look at the advantages and challenges this aircraft brings, as well as the various experiences airlines offer when flying this behemoth aircraft.

Final Thoughts

It’s fitting that Global Airlines’ first passenger flight is bound for New York City — a global hub where ambitious ventures often take flight. The city is a place where dreamers from around the world go to give it their best shot, and Global Airlines is doing the same.

As for the onboard experience, we’ll be sharing a firsthand look next week. Stay tuned.