New budget airline launching direct flights from UK next year reveals plans to scrap premium economy
A NEW budget airline launching direct flights from the UK to the US next year has revealed its plans to ditch premium economy.
The company will scrap the fancy seats as the CEO claims they’re “not good for the passenger” and “only financially benefit airlines”.
Global Airlines is a new carrier which aims to make hopping across the pond far more affordable.
It will use the world’s largest and most spacious passenger aircraft – Airbus A380’s – and plans to send its first planes into the sky in 2025.
But, despite there being lots of room inside the airbus, James Asquith – the CEO of Global airlines – will not have Premium on his planes.
James told Aviation Source News: “I’ve always been very much against having a Premium Economy cabin”.
“I think it only financially benefits airlines most of the time. It’s great because it acts as a barrier for them between upgrades from economy to business. It’s not good for the passenger, however”.
He added that if premium economy was 20 per cent more than the price of economy then it would be worth it but currently it’s “priced way above the market”.
James concluded by stressing that Global Airlines want to “maximize the value of money versus the product and cabin that people fly on”.
And, while he doesn’t agree with cramming in as many seats as possible, the entrepreneur said he will try and find a “middle ground”.
He intends to refit the aircraft in its own style, while also carrying out essential maintenance needed for it to be able to serve passengers.
Once up in the air, the plane will take passengers from London to New York and Los Angeles, according to the airline’s start-up announcement.
For the time being, however, the plane will remain in Glasgow, where it is being prepared.
A spokesperson for the airline told aviation site Flight Global: ”[Operations] and maintenance timelines, like for any airline, have led us to reappraise when we’ll be operational,
“2025 is the target and we’re working with various partners to achieve this.
“The next stage of maintenance is due to commence in the coming weeks that will take the airline a step closer towards launching passenger flights next year.”
As well as cheap tickets, the airline has told passengers that they will “feel a million dollars” when flying on their planes.
The entrepreneur who launched the company, James Asquith, has previously promised a “return to the golden age of flying”.
He has also claimed there’ll be better food and drink on offer, as well as a more luxurious experience overall.
He told the Times last summer: “People are sick and tired of the service they get on current airlines. We will be better.”
Part of the airline’s classier offering will include Laurent-Perrier champagne, even for those flying in economy.
Meanwhile, first-class ticket holders will be entitled to chauffeur-driven airport transfers and have a “proper social space” on board.
Airlines with the best plane food
Korean Air
Korean Air won best airline cuisine in last year’s Global Traveler’s awards.
Some of their popular dishes onboard include bibimbap, a Korean rice dish, and ssambap, Korean rice lettuce rolls.
It also made the top 10 for airlines with the best plane food in CN Travelers 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards.
Japan Airlines
Coming in first place in the Reader’s Choice Awards was Japan Airlines.
The airline has partnered with six Michelin-star chefs, each of whom have three stars – so you can expect it to be good.
Passengers can choose bento boxes and miso soups onboard.
Singapore Airlines
Often voted one of the best airlines in the world, it is no surprising Singapore Airlines is said to have some of the best plane food.
Chef Dennis Littley said: “Their gourmet meals rival those of ground-based restaurants.”
Dishes include congee, a rice porridge, as well as Singaporean rice and curry options.