Global Airlines Takes to the Skies with First Airbus A380 Test Flight in California

Global Airlines conducted a test flight of its first Airbus A380 at Mojave Air and Space Port, marking a key step towards launching transatlantic services with the world's largest passenger aircraft.

Global Airlines achieved a significant milestone on February 15th by conducting a test flight of its first Airbus A380 aircraft above the Mojave Air and Space Port (MHV) in California. The double-decker aircraft, known for its impressive size and capacity, completed two circuits around the airfield during a 20-minute flight, reaching an altitude of 4,300 feet. This event marked a pivotal moment for the startup airline, drawing attention as the most tracked flight on Flightradar24 at the time.

The Mojave Air and Space Port, with its dry climate, serves as an ideal location for aircraft storage and is accustomed to hosting test flights. The port was certified as a spaceport by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 2004, highlighting its significance in aviation and aerospace activities.

Global Airlines, a nascent player in the aviation industry, currently boasts two Airbus A380s in its fleet, with registrations 9H-GLOBL and 9H-MIP, and plans to expand its fleet to four of these iconic aircraft. The airline aims to deploy these A380s on transatlantic routes, including London to New York and Los Angeles, with operations expected to start later this year.

Previously flown by China Southern Airlines, the A380 used for the test flight was configured in a three-class layout, accommodating eight passengers in first class, 70 in business class, and 428 in economy class. Despite earlier plans to introduce a unique 'gamer class,' Global Airlines has decided to retrofit the aircraft with a three-class configuration designed to carry up to 470 passengers. The exact details of the new seating arrangement remain under wraps.

The aircraft, initially delivered to China Southern Airlines in March 2013 and registered as B-6140, comes with a rich operational history. China Southern utilized a fleet of five A380s for its transpacific routes before officially retiring the last of its superjumbos the previous year.

Global Airlines' decision to incorporate the Airbus A380 into its fleet underscores the airline's ambitious plans to make a significant impact on the transatlantic flight market, leveraging the aircraft's renowned capacity and comfort to attract passengers.