Key Takeaways
• James Hogan and James Rigney joined Global Airlines as strategic advisors in May 2025 via Knighthood Global.
• Global Airlines will launch Airbus A380 flights from the UK to the US in May 2025 using Hi Fly Malta.
• Obtaining the UK Air Operator’s Certificate is essential for Global Airlines to operate independently and reduce costs.
Global Airlines has taken a major step forward by bringing on board James Hogan, the former CEO of Etihad Airways. This move, announced in early May 2025, has drawn much attention in the world of aviation and immigration, as the airline tries to shake up the transatlantic market. Hogan comes to Global Airlines through his consulting company, Knighthood Global, which is also owned by James Rigney, the former Chief Financial Officer at Etihad Airways. By choosing these two experienced leaders, Global Airlines hopes to benefit from years of industry knowledge and strong expertise in airline finance and operations.
James Hogan: Experienced Leader Joins Global Airlines
James Hogan is known for transforming Etihad Airways into a major player during his 11 years as CEO, from 2006 to 2017. When Hogan started at Etihad Airways, the company had just $300 million in annual revenue. Under his guidance, it grew to earn $20 billion every year. Hogan also led Etihad Airways to place a $43 billion order for 205 new airplanes and introduced the Airbus A380 to the airline’s fleet in 2014.
After leaving Etihad Airways in 2017, Hogan began Knighthood Global, a high-level consulting firm made up of experts from the aviation industry. Since its founding, Knighthood Global has been involved with many important projects, working with the Maltese government on plans to restructure Air Malta and advising the Estonian government about its national airline, Nordica. Now, with Hogan and Rigney both involved with Global Airlines, the startup can draw from their detailed experience across many areas of airline business and government policy.
The Role of Hogan and Knighthood Global
Global Airlines has brought Hogan and Rigney on board to act as strategic advisors. Their main job will be to help the airline with its finance and operations, which are the most important areas for any new carrier looking to compete with bigger, more established airlines. By making use of Knighthood Global’s consulting service, Global Airlines wants to make the best possible decisions as it grows and faces new challenges.
Another key part of Knighthood Global’s work will be to help Global Airlines move forward with its application for a UK Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC). This certificate is required before an airline can operate its own planes and sell tickets in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧. Until Global Airlines gets its own AOC, it must rely on outside airlines, such as Portugal’s 🇵🇹 Hi Fly Malta, to operate flights on its behalf. The process of getting an AOC can be long and detailed, including many steps like safety checks, crew training, and showing the company’s ability to run safe and reliable flights. Hogan and Rigney’s years of experience may make it easier and faster for Global Airlines to earn the approvals it needs.
The relationship between Global Airlines and Knighthood Global is stronger than just a basic consulting deal. Knighthood Global will also become a shareholder in Global Airlines. The exact size of its ownership and other financial details have not been made public yet, but this move means Knighthood Global has a strong interest in the long-term success of the airline.
Global Airlines’ Ambitions and Plans
Global Airlines is a UK-based startup that wants to quickly grow into a strong competitor on transatlantic routes. Its goal is to fly widebody planes, starting with the Airbus A380, between the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 and the United States 🇺🇸. The Airbus A380 is the world’s largest passenger jet, and very few airlines use this plane for regular flights these days. By choosing this aircraft, Global Airlines hopes to offer passengers something special—more space, comfort, and a unique experience.
The company is preparing for its first passenger flights in May 2025. These first flights will include:
- Glasgow International to New York JFK on May 15, 2025 (returning May 19)
- Manchester to New York JFK on May 21, 2025 (returning May 25)
These flights will be flown on Global Airlines’ A380-800 plane, registered as 9H-GLOBL. However, because Global Airlines does not yet have its own operating certificate, the flights will be operated by Hi Fly Malta, a specialist carrier that provides “wet-lease” services, which means they supply the plane, crew, and all necessary approvals to fly on behalf of Global Airlines.
Global Airlines’ CEO and founder, James Asquith, has said, “We have successfully inducted one A380 into service and are now moving forward with acquiring more A380 aircraft for entry into service.” The company plans to bring in additional widebody aircraft in 2025 and has said it will announce a timeline for regular scheduled operations later.
Why This Matters: The Impact on Passengers, Workers, and the Industry
By hiring James Hogan and giving Knighthood Global a stake in the business, Global Airlines makes clear that it wants to be taken seriously. For passengers, this could mean new choices and possibly lower prices on flights between the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 and the United States 🇺🇸. More competition often leads airlines to improve their service or cut prices to win customers.
For people working in the airline industry—from pilots to cabin crew, ground staff to engineers—Global Airlines could bring new jobs. As the airline grows and builds its own team, it will hire people in different roles. Plus, successful new airlines can also boost the local economy by supporting the airports and businesses around them.
For the wider market, Global Airlines’ entry with large Airbus A380 planes could encourage other airlines to rethink how they run their transatlantic flights. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the aviation industry often sees changes in business models and customer service when a new player comes in with a unique approach.
The Role of the AOC and Regulatory Challenges
One major task ahead for Global Airlines is getting its UK Air Operator’s Certificate. This is a legal requirement for all airlines that fly commercially in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧. The AOC proves to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) that the airline is safe, reliable, and financially sound. To get the certificate, a company has to follow strict rules, provide proof of proper safety systems, and show it has the right people and equipment. The UK CAA provides guidance on the process.
Without an AOC, Global Airlines cannot operate its own planes or sell flights under its own name. That is why, until it gets the certificate, the company must use partners that are already certified, like Hi Fly Malta. This “wet lease” solution is common in the industry but does add extra costs and limits what Global Airlines can do.
With James Hogan and Knighthood Global’s background—including advising governments on how to run and fix their airlines—Global Airlines is in a much better position to complete all the steps needed for its AOC. Their guidance can help the startup avoid common mistakes and move faster through the process.
Industry Reactions and Wider Implications
Bringing someone of James Hogan’s reputation into a new airline startup sends a strong message to the market. Other airlines, especially those already working in the busy transatlantic sector, will watch closely to see if Global Airlines can succeed where others have struggled. Many new airlines have launched with big plans, but few have lasted long. With Hogan’s record at Etihad Airways, where he handled huge aircraft orders and complex business changes, there is a belief that he can bring real know-how to Global Airlines.
Also, Knighthood Global’s decision to become a shareholder, not just an advisor, means they have even more reason to make sure Global Airlines becomes successful and stable. This level of commitment is rare in the consulting world and could give Global Airlines extra stability and inside knowledge.
For the British aviation industry, the success or failure of Global Airlines could show how open the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 is to new carriers and how hard (or simple) it is for startups to enter the market. For passengers, if Global Airlines is successful, there could be more choice for direct flights to the United States 🇺🇸, which might even lead other airlines to improve their own services to compete.
The Legacy of Etihad Airways under Hogan
James Hogan’s story at Etihad Airways is one of rapid growth and bold moves. In more than a decade leading the airline, he oversaw the expansion of the fleet, new business partnerships, and a focus on high-quality service. Placing a $43 billion order for 205 new planes helped Etihad Airways become a global name.
One of his most famous ideas was to bring the Airbus A380—one of the biggest and most comfortable planes ever made—into Etihad Airways’ regular passenger service in 2014. This move drew worldwide attention and showed that Hogan was willing to try new things.
After Hogan’s time at Etihad Airways, he used his leadership skills to set up Knighthood Global, which has taken on projects for organizations and governments looking to fix or grow airlines. In helping Global Airlines, Hogan will likely use many of the lessons learned during his career leading one of the world’s more ambitious airlines.
The Road Ahead: What to Watch for in 2025 and Beyond
As Global Airlines gets ready for takeoff, all eyes are on whether the airline can complete its first passenger flights and how it manages the challenges of starting up in a busy market. Specific things to watch include:
- Whether Global Airlines can get its own UK Air Operator’s Certificate in 2025 without too many delays.
- How quickly it can add new Airbus A380 or other widebody planes in the coming year.
- How the market reacts in terms of ticket prices, competition, and customer service.
- Whether James Hogan and Knighthood Global can help Global Airlines avoid the problems that have ended other startups.
- How Global Airlines plans to reach regular scheduled operations and what routes it will choose next.
While the airline industry is hard for new carriers, the experience of Hogan, the support of Knighthood Global, and the bold plan to use big planes on busy routes could make Global Airlines one of the most interesting stories to watch in the coming years.
Summary
Global Airlines’ decision to bring in James Hogan, the former CEO of Etihad Airways, as a strategic advisor (and to make Knighthood Global a shareholder) shows the airline’s serious intent to grow in a very tough industry. Hogan’s record at Etihad Airways, his experience working with governments and rebuilding airlines, and his leadership at Knighthood Global, all give Global Airlines a better chance at standing out in a crowded market.
For passengers and workers, this move could open new travel choices and job opportunities. For the wider industry, it could be a sign that the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 remains a place where new ideas in air travel can take root and grow. As the airline prepares for its first flights in May 2025, and continues working toward its UK Air Operator’s Certificate, the involvement of James Hogan and Knighthood Global will likely play a big role in shaping the future of this ambitious startup. If you want to follow Global Airlines’ journey or learn more about the UK’s requirements for airlines, check the Civil Aviation Authority’s official guidance on obtaining a UK Air Operator’s Certificate for the latest updates.
Learn Today
Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) → A government-issued approval required for airlines to operate commercial flights and demonstrate safety, reliability, and financial stability.
Wet lease → A rental arrangement where one airline provides an aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance to another airline.
Knighthood Global → A consulting firm specializing in aviation, founded by James Hogan, offering strategic guidance to airlines and governments.
Airbus A380 → The world’s largest passenger aircraft, capable of carrying over 500 travelers and known for comfort on long routes.
Transatlantic market → The airline industry segment focused on flights crossing the Atlantic Ocean, especially between Europe and North America.
This Article in a Nutshell
Global Airlines is making headlines by recruiting aviation veterans James Hogan and James Rigney through Knighthood Global. With plans to launch Airbus A380 flights between the UK and US in May 2025, the airline aims to secure its own Air Operator’s Certificate and create fresh competition in the transatlantic market.
— By VisaVerge.com
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