US startup carrier Global Crossing Airlines has announced that it has finally operated its first revenue-earning flight. The new charter operator broke the news this morning, having flown several services over the weekend. This comes less than a week after the airline, which has been in the works for some time now, received its air operator’s certificate (AOC).
To the skies
Global Crossing Airlines, otherwise known in short as GlobalX, issued a statement this morning announcing the charter carrier’s entry into revenue-earning service. The Miami-based startup is reported to have begun flights “as of August 7th.”
RadarBox.com suggests that the airline’s first revenue-earning flight, therefore, served Mc Allen, Texas on the same day. Ed Wegel, GlobalX’s Chair and CEO, stated that:
“We are obviously very pleased that we have cleared all DOT and FAA regulatory requirements and have begun revenue flights as of last Saturday. We are seeing very strong demand for our aircraft and will be announcing some major track charter programs (where we fly for a client long term and every day), as well as US government and other on-demand charters.”
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A long time in the making
In the future, GlobalX also has plans to operate charters out of Atlantic City. A cross-border arrangement bringing Canadian tourists to US winter sun destinations is also on the cards. These planned expansions come off the back of a lengthy planning period between the airline’s foundation and its first-ever revenue-earning flights.
Indeed, it ordered its first A320 as long ago as July 2020. This aircraft arrived in January 2021, with the airline re-registering it two months later. According to data from ch-aviation.com, it previously flew for Frontier as N223FR before GlobalX changed it to N276GX. The airline had planned to start flying this July, but it only received an AOC in early August.
Global Crossing’s second aircraft
GlobalX’s website shows that its current A320, N276GX, seats 180 passengers. This is a fairly standard layout for low-cost and charter A320 operators. However, it is also set to offer a touch more exclusivity, with plans to operate a three-class A321. The airline explains:
“GlobalX has one A320 in revenue operations and has begun the process to add its A321 aircraft onto its certificate subject to FAA and DOT approvals. GlobalX has announced the delivery of its third and fourth aircraft deliveries in the second half of 2021.”
The seat map on the airline’s website shows that this longer aircraft, registered as N277GX, will feature six seats in a US domestic first class style 2-2 layout. Behind these will be four rows of extra-legroom economy seats, offering 33 inches of pitch.
Data from ch-aviation shows that this 183-seat A321 is just over 16 years old, and most recently flew for Vietnam Airlines. GlobalX is reportedly even set to enter the widebody market next year. Indeed, it plans to “add the A330 to our operating certificate in Q2 2022.”
What do you make of Global Crossing Airlines commencing operations? Are you excited to see the carrier enter service? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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