Global Airlines, an upcoming UK-based carrier, has not been in the news for a while. However, progress is surely being made as the airline recently appointed a new cabin design partner. This exciting news shows that Global is serious about truly becoming a successful carrier. Let's look at who the airline has appointed to design its upcoming onboard product.

Who is Global Airlines?

No, this is not a fantasy Flight Simulator X airline. Global Airlines is a real upcoming airline based in London aiming to begin operations in the spring of 2024. The airline wants to launch flights from London to New York City and Los Angeles. What makes its aspirations especially interesting is that the carrier wants to do it with a fleet of Airbus A380s. Global has expressed interest in acquiring up to four A380s and already has one in its possession. That aircraft is 9H-MIP, operated by charter airline HiFly Malta.

Since Airbus has since ended production of the Superjumbo, all of the A380s that will be joining the Global fleet will be secondhand aircraft. 9H-MIP was the first ever secondhand A380 as HiFly acquired it following its retirement from Singapore Airlines. Global will serve as a traditional full-service airline. While it has not specified its A380 configuration, the airline has revealed that its planes will seat 450 to 471 passengers. First Class Suites will be available in addition to standard economy seats.

The fledgling carrier's aspirations to operate an all-A380 fleet have been met with much scepticism. That's mainly because operating four-engine aircraft these days is not very economical. Coming out of the pandemic, we have seen airlines worldwide ditch their quad jet fleets in favor of more fuel-efficient twin jets like the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350.

Coupled with rising fuel costs, operating an all-A380 fleet will be very expensive. This has, perhaps, been the driving question behind whether Global Airlines will succeed in the long run. Either way, the airline is not giving up and is now developing its onboard product.

"Factorydesign" Commissioned

The multi-award-winning agency "Factorydesign", based in West London, has been appointed by Global Airlines to design its onboard cabin product with the end goal of "reimagining the golden age of travel on the A380."

In a recent press release from Global, they included some renderings of what one of the entrances and First Class galley area would look like. Barely noticeable in the background are the First Class Suites.

As shown, Factorydesign has used a variety of reds to create a "mood of onboard elegance and vibrancy." While Factorydesign will be designing the onboard product, it has been previously confirmed that JETMS will bring these designs to life. Global expects that work will begin on its first A380 cabin in the early part of 2024.

Adam White, the owner of Factorydesign, said the following about his company's latest project:

“There are very few projects like this in aviation. It’s a unique opportunity for me and the team to get our creative juices flowing and deliver a new, exciting A380 experience for passengers."

James Asquith, the CEO and Founder of Global Airlines, is excited about his airline's progress:

“The UK is a leader in aircraft interior designs, and it speaks volumes for the progress we are making that Adam and the team at Factorydesign is now officially onboard with us driving the innovation we are all excited to see on our aircraft." "They have worked on some of the most exciting projects in the industry over the past three decades, developing products that passengers all over the world, including me and many of our Global team members, admire and love."

Global and Factory are commissioning a concept, "First Suite", to be exhibited through 2024.