Knighthood Global to Invest in UK’s Global Airlines A380 Startup

Global Airlines has secured a strategic partnership with Knighthood Global, an Abu Dhabi-based investment and consultancy firm led by former Etihad Airways CEO James Hogan. The firm will provide strategic advisory services and become a shareholder in the UK-based start-up airline, which plans to launch transatlantic services using Airbus A380-800 aircraft.

Knighthood Global confirmed it will help guide Global Airlines through its next growth phase, including support for its pending UK Air Operator Certificate (AOC) application. James Hogan and Knighthood CEO James Rigney, formerly Etihad’s CFO, will serve as strategic advisers.

The size and terms of Knighthood’s equity stake remain undisclosed. However, the announcement comes as Global Airlines prepares for its first transatlantic flights: two roundtrips between Glasgow and New York JFK beginning May 15, and another pair between Manchester and JFK starting May 21. All flights will be operated using Global’s A380, 9H-GLOBL, currently flown by Hi Fly Malta.

Despite earlier announcements of high pre-sale demand, seats remain available for all four flights as of May 2. The aircraft received partial cabin upgrades ahead of these flights but was not fully reconfigured.

Global Airlines, founded by travel tech entrepreneur James Asquith, initially aimed to start operations in early 2024. The company plans to acquire additional A380s in 2025 and later announce a timeline for scheduled services.

The airline is owned by Ihtg Limited, formerly Holiday Swap Group, which is majority-controlled by Asquith. Other shareholders remain undisclosed. Global continues its development as a long-haul, widebody-focused UK airline.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com