If you've jetted off from Manchester Airport to New York, chances are you did so aboard Aer Lingus or Virgin Atlantic, or maybe you took a British Airways flight with a stopover in London. Now, there's an up-and-comer ready to disrupt the transatlantic travel game, promising a revival of the 'Golden Age' of aviation.

Global Airlines, an ambitious new player, has emerged to challenge the dominance of established carriers by deploying the colossal "Superjumbo" Airbus A380.

Established in 2021 by entrepreneurial mogul James Asquith, Global Airlines snagged a pre-loved 12 year old A380 in May 2023 that had formerly seen service with China Southern. Asquith, a 'multimillionaire' who cut his teeth in the travel industry with Holiday Swap – a competitor to Airbnb – is also known for setting a Guinness World Record as the youngest man to step foot in every nation on earth.

Asquith has declared that starting up his own airline has been a lifelong ambition, but the question remains: can this dream be successfully realised?

The strategy includes radically overhauling the jumbo jet by offering five distinct travel classes, establishing an onboard 'gaming' cabin, stirring up excitement with a lively bar area, and introducing a novel class that strikes a balance between business and premium economy comfort, reports the Manchester Evening News.

This vision also intends to give travellers the increasingly rare chance to fly on a four-engine double-decker aircraft, a concept other airlines shy away from in favour of smaller, simpler planes. Notably, Emirates continues to operate three daily A380 flights out of Manchester, maintaining its stake in the A380 arena.

On May 15, the inaugural Global Airlines flight, operated by Hi Fly, took off from Glasgow to New York JFK and received a mixed response. The much-anticipated 'gamer cabin' was nowhere to be seen, and the aircraft retained a strong China Southern vibe.

Youtuber Josh Cahill didn't mince words with his review titled: "Global Airlines STRANGE First Flight and it was VERY BAD!" He concluded that the airline's promises fell short of reality. However, Simon Calder from The Independent had a different take, describing the journey as a "very comfortable flight" and a "fascinating event".

Despite its ambitious name, Global Airlines isn't actually an airline and lacks an operating licence. It operates under the wing of Portuguese carrier Hi Fly, while Travelopedia handles the ticket sales.

I joined the second Global Airlines flight on May 21 from Manchester Airport to New York JFK, and it was an experience I won't soon forget. The buzz around the flight was electric, from check-in to the take-off watched by eager plane spotters along the airport's perimeter.

The sense of being part of something unique was undeniable. Nevertheless, as the flight progressed, it became clear that the Global Airlines offering is still very much a work in progress.

Despite the presence of branded headrest covers, vanity kits, and flight menus, it was impossible to ignore the fact that the aircraft was showing its 12 years of age.

Remove the logos from most major airlines, and you'd still have a sense of the brand's identity. However, take away the Global Airlines logos, and you'd be hard-pressed to identify the airline - a concerning aspect, especially when customer trust in brands is crucial.

On the other hand, flying on an Airbus A380 was an exciting experience. Many of my fellow passengers, including several YouTubers, were thrilled to be on board, with cameras popping up everywhere to capture the moment.

Notable YouTubers, such as husband-and-wife duo Kara and Nate, with 4.2 million subscribers, and another creator who had travelled from Melbourne, Australia, were among those documenting their experience.

Here's my account of the Global Airlines flight from Manchester Airport to New York JFK.

Check-in and Boarding

On the eve of the flight, we received an email from James Asquith himself, stating that he was "looking forward to seeing us" and providing information on which check-in desks to use, as well as a reminder to ensure we had an ESTA - practical advice, albeit a bit late for anyone who hadn't already acquired one. Passengers aboard were urged to 'charge up' their gadgets, as using our own devices was necessary for the in-flight entertainment system, especially since there was no wifi available.

For me, the absence of wifi was scarcely bothersome; I relish unplugged time during a long haul flight to immerse myself in films—regardless of not owning a tablet and being unenthusiastic about watching on my small phone screen.

It's also worth mentioning that Global Airlines offers a rather basic website, lacking in customer service guidance. I found it devoid of a contact number and received no response to emails about booking queries.

In stark contrast with most major airlines that offer online 'manage your booking' capabilities, this was conspicuously absent here.

Upon arriving at Manchester Airport's Terminal 1 for check-in, we were greeted by Global Airline's banners (with "operated by Hi Fly" discreetly mentioned), each representing a different class: Global Traveller, Global Business, and Global First. The atmosphere was alive with excitement featuring a glittering photo spot, branded cupcakes, and eager passengers.

I spotted two men with Airbus A380 keyrings on their bags and struck up a conversation with a pair of young lads who had bagged their tickets from an Instagram contest just 48 hours before takeoff.

After receiving my economy ticket, I proceeded through security like any other traveller. I must mention that this was the smoothest security experience I've ever had, breezing through in under five minutes thanks to the new scanners that don't require you to remove anything from your bags - a seamless process for passengers.

I can't say whether business and first-class passengers were whisked away to a lounge, but I found myself left to my own devices in Manchester's soon-to-be-demolished Terminal 1. However, I did enjoy views of the Global Airlines A380 as I savoured my coffee at Starbucks, the aircraft dwarfing all others nearby.

After purchasing my obligatory (at least for me) magazines and a 750ml bottle of Buxton from WH Smiths, gate 20D was announced and I headed there, where a gentleman directed me downstairs.

It quickly became apparent that the flight would be far from full. I later learned that there were between 80-90 passengers on the plane, which has a capacity of around 500.

It does make one wonder: why operate such a large aircraft if it can't be filled?

Asquith himself made an appearance, accompanied by a group of people, but without any fanfare. If you didn't recognise his face, you wouldn't know it was him - no grandstanding here.

First-class passengers were, naturally, called up first, partially filling the bus that would transport them to the aircraft.

The rest of us were then ushered on, although when my boarding ticket was checked I was told it needed to be altered and received a premium ticket - there was no mention of an 'upgrade', simply that I had been issued the incorrect ticket at check in.

We sped across the apron towards the plane, which bore the Global Airlines livery, its colossal size truly becoming apparent. It was indeed a behemoth of a plane - genuinely massive.

Even the ground staff seemed thrilled about it. We ascended the steps to the lower deck, and ventured inside.

We were guided upstairs, passing through the first class cabin en route, before I settled into my seat in business class.

Take off and settling in:

The flight was scheduled to depart at 12.25pm, by 12.45pm we were taxiing to the runway, and following a smooth take off - observed by dozens of plane spotters - we were airborne by 1pm, with the pilot informing us that the flight would last six hours and 30 minutes.

My business class cabin was barely a quarter full, unlike any other flight I've experienced. The layout is such that there are four seats across - one at each window and two in the middle.

Each has a side table, a screen directly in front of the seat and a foot rest which comes into use when you recline the seat into the flat position.

The foot rest also has a convenient storage section for your shoes or bag. There's a tray table that can be pulled out for dining, and ample storage for your books, phones and more beside the seat.

My seat was prepared with a certificate for the maiden voyage, a menu, a bookmark bearing a message from Asquith, a blanket, a cushion and a vanity kit. The vanity kit was housed in an elegant leather wallet with a zip, containing socks, an eye mask, ear plugs and a dental kit, along with a pen.

It was satisfactory but not too different from a Turkish Airlines economy kit I recently acquired - which even included slippers.

The seat was undoubtedly comfortable and roomy; having the side table was a significant advantage. However, it appeared worn and outdated; I spotted several scuffs and stains, and when I fully reclined my seat, what seemed like tea or coffee stains were visible on the plastic back of the seat.

It was evident where old stickers had been peeled off, and new ones were covering up the old ones. Patterns from China Southern were still noticeable and overall, it felt somewhat shabby.

Clearly, this wasn't what Global Airline's had envisioned.

Food and drink:

My menu was the Global Traveller option, which presumably meant I was receiving the economy meal whilst seated in business class, not unheard of if you're upgraded at the last minute but still slightly odd. It stated that we would be offered a selection of drinks including Laurent Perrier Champagne, fine wines, spirits and beers, soft drinks and juices, and snacks.

I anticipated a round of drinks before the meal, but none was forthcoming, although it was intriguing to note that a few passengers near the front were being served. It became evident throughout the flight that they were enjoying the authentic business experience, while I and other nearby passengers were not.

After a reasonable wait, lunch was served: a starter of caprese salad, a main course choice of herbed chicken ballantine, pan-fried sea bass or spiced white bean and aubergine cassolette, and a citrus tart for dessert.

I opted for the chicken, which was delightful, accompanied by carrots, spring onion, and crushed potatoes with gravy. The salad was flavoursome, complete with a charming miniature bottle of dressing, while the tart was exceptional, offering a refreshing tanginess and lightness.

However, the bread roll was not served warm, as is customary on flights, rendering it rather chewy. There was also no salt and pepper, or wet wipe provided with the cutlery.

We were offered a drink, but there was no sign of the champagne, so I selected white wine. The meal was satisfactory, but it lacked refinement.

I was informed that during the Glasgow flight there was a delay in loading the food, resulting in lengthy waits for passengers, although this was not the case on our flight.

About an hour later, the crew came around offering snacks such as crisps, olives and sweets, along with a drink. This time I requested champagne and indeed received it, accompanied by some salted Kettle chips.

Our menu also had an 'a la carte' section which included two types of afternoon tea, one for meat-eaters and one vegetarian. Roughly 90 minutes before we were due to land the crew came round asking if we wanted anything - but didn't explicitly say 'would you like the afternoon tea', it was only by me pushing for more information that they said the afternoon tea was available.

I feared a bout of turbulence would threaten its arrival, but it safely appeared, although the sandwiches were a mix from both the options and the scones were missing. It was delicious though and filled a hole - I was just glad I had the initiative to push for it.

In flight entertainment:

Inflight entertainment, particularly if you're not going to offer wifi, is key on a long haul flight. Across most major airlines it's gone from strength to strength and often it's a chance to catch up on new releases you may have missed in the cinema.

So to be told the screens wouldn't be working on board was a huge disappointment for me, particularly as I didn't have a tablet computer. I knew I wasn't going to bother watching anything but out of curiosity I scanned the QR code which connected me to the Global Times network.

The option to view the flight route was available, albeit in a rudimentary manner: it lacked details such as departure time, arrival time, ground speed - essentially all the standard information typically provided on flights. I suspect my friends and family on the ground had more insight into my flight than I did whilst airborne.

A few films were on offer, including Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Barbie and Twister, along with several others unfamiliar to me. There was a category labelled 'Europeen' - misspelled, and only a handful of TV shows, surprisingly including the Fresh Prince of Bel Air.

I opted to stick with my magazines and podcasts, often catching my blurred reflection in the redundant screen opposite me.

The service:

The plane was staffed by a Hi Fly crew, though I was told that some had undergone Global Airlines training and were donned in their uniform. All crew members were friendly, courteous and executed their duties professionally.

At one point, we were offered hot damp cloths (always a delight) and an assortment of hand, feet and cuticle creams - I utilised the hand cream but due to cabin pressure, it wouldn't cease dispensing, leading me to use a wet wipe to manage the excessive greasiness. Nonetheless, a thoughtful gesture.

However, you can't escape the feeling that it's not a Global Airlines crew, contributing to the sense of an incomplete product. Cabin crews usually take immense pride in their airlines; this crew seemed to be merely playing a part.

The other cabins:

I had the opportunity to explore both the first class cabin, located on the lower deck, and the economy cabin. The latter was pretty much as you'd anticipate.

Similar to the business cabin, first class was spacious, with each seat situated in its own cubicle equipped with screens that could be closed for privacy. The Global Airlines touch was once again noticeable in the soft product: petite leather handbags containing the vanity kits, beige pyjama sets (which one Youtuber demonstrated has a zip that encloses the hood part completely, almost like a morph suit), and slippers.

I managed to get a glimpse of the first class menu, which boasted more options than a high-end restaurant. Lunch choices included caviar, antipasti, a cheese platter and a smoked salmon platter.

An 'amuse bouche' course featured dishes of tuna tartar, duck foie gras, and smoked duck breast.

Interestingly, while economy's 'a la carte' offered a lighter snack option of afternoon tea, first class presented a three-course feast.

Considering this is a flight of under seven hours, after their lunch, passengers in first could then dine on: beetroot salad, tomato and mozzarella or balik salmon; followed by: blackened miso cod, beef tender rib, chicken ballantine or pan fried butternut squash; and finished with 'pina colada' and 'strawberry gem' desserts or a chocolate and avocado mousse.

The menu is certainly ambitious and impressive, but one might prefer to enjoy such fare in a brand new first class seat rather than one that's over a decade old.

So, what was the cost of the flights?

We shelled out £697.28 for return flights from Manchester Airport to New York JFK, booked just a week before departure. This price included 10kg hand luggage and 23kg hold luggage.

However, in the weeks leading up to our departure, several flash sales were announced, with return economy tickets starting from £380 and business class returns from £1999.

A smooth landing, but an uncertain future.

As we caught sight of the iconic Manhattan skyline, our plane made a smooth landing at JFK, and our bags were promptly ready for collection after clearing passport control.

The A380, owned by Global Airlines, successfully took off and safely delivered its passengers to their destination.

Given the buzz surrounding the A380, perhaps Asquith is onto something. There was a palpable sense of excitement in the air, a hint that this could be the beginning of something truly thrilling.

However, the experience I had felt somewhat unfinished. It seemed akin to a publicity stunt, reminiscent of those who rent grounded private jets solely for social media photo ops, creating a facade.

It felt as though the A380 had been similarly hired, hastily adorned with logos, and dispatched on what could potentially be a one-off service.

Global Airlines has a significant journey ahead to establish a robust brand identity, transform its A380 (let alone expand its fleet), and crucially, it needs to become an official airline. Until then, trusted brands such as Aer Lingus, Virgin and British Airways seem much more attractive for transatlantic routes from Manchester.

If Asquith succeeds, Global Airlines will represent a new chapter in the history of aviation. But that's a very big, Superjumbo jet-sized if.