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Global Airlines CEO Announces Partnership with American Express

The all-Airbus A380 startup paper airline has partnered with American Express to provide exclusive benefits to its passengers and cardholders

by Fergus Cole

July 31, 2023

Photo: Courtesy of Global Airlines

Global Airlines, the new start-up airline headquartered in the U.K., has announced its intention to commence transatlantic flights in the coming year. In a recent development, the airline has partnered with American Express, which will provide special privileges to passengers and cardmembers alike.

The partnership was revealed during a recent ‘Welcome Aboard’ press event at London’s Soho House to celebrate the airline’s progress ahead of its first commercial flights scheduled for 2024.

Although exact details on how the partnership will work have yet to be confirmed, the agreement promises to provide Amex Cardmembers with a “range of exclusive fly-drive offers, hotel stays, and restaurant bookings.”

Photo: Courtesy of Global Airways

American Express Cardmembers will also be first in line to buy tickets on Global Airlines’ first flights next year, according to the start-up carrier. At the same time, passengers can also book flights with Global Airlines using American Express’ quick and secure Pay with Bank Transfer solution.

Global Airlines is scheduled to launch its first commercial flights from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in the spring of 2024, with plans to later expand to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

Photo: Courtesy of Global Airlines

The new airline has recently obtained four Airbus A380s, which will be renovated with modern and improved interiors. These updated cabins will have three classes – First, Business, and Economy. The airline intends to revolutionize the transatlantic market and attract more business travelers.

“I’m delighted to announce our latest major partnership with one of the world’s leading brands,” said James Asquith, CEO of Global Airlines. “Teaming up with American Express to provide Cardmembers with exclusive offers and promotions and the chance to join us on some of our very first flights, alongside delivering a best-in-class payments experience, is a really important step for the airline.”

“Both Global Airlines and Amex are united by a desire to offer the best possible customer service and experience, and I can’t wait to encourage as many of its Cardmembers as possible to go Global when flying transatlantic,” Asquith said.

Dan Edelman, Vice President and General Manager of U.K. Merchant Services at Global Airlines, added: “We’re committed to ensuring that Amex is accepted wherever our Cardmembers want to spend, so we are delighted to bring them the opportunity to be among the first passengers on Global Airlines. With our long history in travel, this new partnership is hugely exciting for us.”