James Asquith, a British self-made entrepreneur and record-holder for being the youngest person to visit every country, is venturing into the aviation industry with the launch of the world’s newest airline. Asquith is capitalizing on an opportunity post-pandemic by acquiring second-hand A380 aircraft, often deemed unattractive by many airlines, at a bargain price.
The A380, known as the world’s largest passenger plane, was initially envisioned as the future of air travel, offering comfort, long-range capabilities, and the capacity to accommodate hundreds of passengers. However, due to lower-than-expected sales and the pursuit of more cost-effective and environmentally friendly options, many airlines have abandoned the double-decker aircraft, leading to the end of its production in 2021.
Asquith’s new venture, named Global Airlines, aims to reintroduce the allure of spacious aircraft to passengers and entice them away from established carriers. In an interview with Sky News, Asquith expressed his admiration for the A380, stating, “I think it’s the most fantastic commercial aircraft ever made, but you have to do something with that space that makes passengers want to step on board.
The Instagram influencer-turned-entrepreneur envisions bringing back the “golden age” of flying by offering ample space for socializing and enhancing the economy and business class experience. By purchasing the aircraft rather than leasing them, Asquith believes he can save costs and allocate resources to enhance the overall passenger experience.
Comparisons have been drawn between Asquith and Richard Branson, as both entrepreneurs challenge established airlines within the industry. However, sceptics question the viability of Asquith’s venture, considering the aviation industry’s ongoing recovery from the pandemic, the Ukraine conflict, and the current cost of living crisis.
Paul Charles, founder of the PC Agency and former communications director at Virgin Atlantic, highlighted the challenges faced by newcomers in the aviation industry, stating, “They fail because they can’t bring their prices down low enough and compete with the bigger carriers like BA and Virgin. But they also fail because they can’t attract enough of the premium passengers they need to rely on to charge higher prices.”
Nonetheless, Asquith remains confident and determined to succeed. He emphasized the ambitious nature of his venture, stating, “The name says it all in our ambitions with Global. People can be sceptics, but they always are with any plan that sounds like it’s crazy.”
In a time of turbulence for the aviation industry, James Asquith’s vision and substantial resources position him as a hopeful disruptor. He aims to have his newly acquired A380 planes flying from Gatwick to New York as early as next spring. The success of his venture will ultimately depend on attracting passengers with a unique and compelling experience while navigating the challenges inherent in the aviation industry.
