Hi Fly to operate initial refurbished A380 for Global Airlines

Wet-lease specialist Hi Fly will operate initial Airbus A380 services for start-up Global Airlines, but the company is aiming to secure its own UK air operator’s certificate. Hi Fly has previous experience in Airbus A380 operations having used an ex-Singapore Airlines aircraft, MSN6, for about two years on wet-lease services. The company withdrew the type towards the end of 2020, as the pandemic weakened the long-haul market – particularly for high-capacity aircraft – and the jet was returned to lessor Doric. But Global Airlines, which is pursuing its own A380 operation, last year recruited Hi Fly to take advantage of its technical, maintenance and secondary-market experience with the type and speed up Global’s ambitious plans to commence services. With Global’s acquisition of an ex-China Southern Airlines A380 – the terms of which have not been disclosed – the tie-up with Hi Fly is developing into an operational partnership.<br/>