Honestly, at this point I’m just writing about the airline because I find this all to be so ridiculously amusing…
In this post:
Global Airlines & Laurent Perrier announce partnership
I’ve written before about Global Airlines, the “airline startup” that has acquired Airbus A380s, and plans to launch long haul flights in 2024. Recently Global Airlines and American Express announced a “partnership” (I’m not sure Amex realized what it was associating itself with), and now Global Airlines and Laurent Perrier have announced a partnership.
With this, Laurent Perrier champagne will be the sparkling wine served on all Global Airlines transatlantic flights. Furthermore, as Global Airlines recruits flight attendants, “the two organisations will collaborate to ensure that each glass is poured to perfection and accompanied by complimentary canapes.”
Here’s how Global Airline CEO James Asquith describes this partnership:
“A great champagne is a huge part of an amazing onboard experience and I am delighted that Laurent Perrier have agreed to be our partners. It is a brand that is known the world over, and our intention is to offer LP brands to passengers across our 3 cabins, and, if we can make it work, that absolutely includes in economy.”
I mean, what an announcement. They’ll “absolutely” serve Laurent Perrier in economy “if [they] can make it work.” I mean, can you make it work or not? It’s a question of economics, so that’s something you should be able to answer.
Meanwhile here’s what (presumably confused) Laurent Perrier Travel Retail Director Jean-Christian de la Chevalerie said about this partnership:
“In the months ahead, we look forward to working with James and his team on selecting a range of our award winning champagnes, but not only that, exploring how we can make this a really unique, meaningful, partnership that excites our customers.”
Global Airlines is becoming more of a joke by the day
To Global Airlines’ credit, the airline has gotten a lot further than many “airline startups” we’ve seen, as Global Airlines has acquired at least one Airbus A380, which it reportedly paid a few million dollars for. In fairness, the plane would’ve otherwise gone to the scrapper.
However, everything else that this “airline” does takes away from its credibility, rather than adding to it. Oh, how nice that you’ve selected an onboard champagne, which will even be served in economy, if you can “make it work.” How nice that you’ve shown us what elite status cards will look like.
Here’s another idea — how about working on getting your air operator certificate, and showing the progress being done there? Or how about sharing the details of what cabins will be like, since the business class seats currently installed on these planes aren’t certified by regulators anymore?
If you’re going to launch before the summer of 2024, that’s what the focus should be. And frankly given the lack of progress, the timeline is woefully unrealistic.
Now, before anyone thinks I’m just being too harsh, Seth Miller had a fascinating look at the company’s pitch deck from 2021, which contains lie after lie after lie. And that’s on top of being incredibly sloppy.
I’m not suggesting that the people behind this airline are running a scam. I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt, and just assume that they’re way overly optimistic, and can’t see the forest from the trees, and think that the way you start an airline is to first pick champagne and elite cards, and then focus on actually launching operations.
As I’ve said before, I think the odds of this airline actually ever operating a commercial flight are just a smidge above zero. But I’d sure love to be proven wrong. Regardless, it’ll make a great Netflix documentary one day.
Bottom line
Global Airlines and Laurent Perrier have launched a partnership, whereby Laurent Perrier will supply the champagne for all Global Airlines flights, possibly even including in economy.
There’s only one small detail — in order for this partnership to mean anything, Global Airlines has to launch flights. And given that the airline is more focused on champagne and elite cards than certification and cabins, I’m going to take the “under” on this one.
Who’s excited to have some Laurent Perrier in Global Airlines economy?!
The scam is very simple:
- Create a hype. They bought an Instagram account from a Turkish plane spotter with already 500k followers, then rebranded it. Targeting their posts to an already aviation fan community.
- Create a dream/concept idea to sell to potential customers and investors. "Let's make air travel classy again, with an unforgettable experience."
- Hire a small team of people/consultants to apply for licences. Right now, Feb 2024....
The scam is very simple:
- Create a hype. They bought an Instagram account from a Turkish plane spotter with already 500k followers, then rebranded it. Targeting their posts to an already aviation fan community.
- Create a dream/concept idea to sell to potential customers and investors. "Let's make air travel classy again, with an unforgettable experience."
- Hire a small team of people/consultants to apply for licences. Right now, Feb 2024. Doesn't have to be ultra costly. Every year there are dozens of new airlines globally.
- Sell tickets today for a trip in the future. Collect millions in customer advanced money without no service provided yet. Raise more investor's money.
- Get a wet lease company (Hi Fly), to provide you the service, if you reach this point. It is also optional, you can bankrupt and misappropriate the funds if you want, by now.
...As you can see with little money down, you can create an airline thanks to some publicity and a tiny seed money!
UPDATE: Hoodie received! Decent quality. Logo has a very retro TWA feel to it. Love this hoodie and can’t wait to fly in it.
Just because the card and the champagne is all YOU have heard about, doesn't mean there isn't progress being made on other fronts. Building a company means working on many fronts. But what makes a more interesting focal point for a story? TBH it just sounds like they're interesting in ensuring their initial brand is high class from the get go...
James Asquith is a con artist. His lil project holiday swap is the beginning of his scam and claims there are millions of users whilst there’s isn’t even one actual person using the platform. Everything in there is taken out of Airbnb or booking.com etc. He blocks out or threaten to sue anyone who makes a negative comment about his business. He’s literally running a scam and nobody seems to be betting an eye on it!
Seriously? Your skepticism is as misplaced as your claims. Calling James Asquith a con artist is laughably ignorant. Global Airlines isn't a 'scam' just because you can't grasp innovative travel concepts. As for 'millions of users,' maybe check facts before typing fiction. Your baseless accusations could use a reality check, or are you just itching for a libel lawsuit?
Is this that a**hole that sh!ts on frequent fliers while chugging shots of champagne and complaining about US lounges (and looks like he deleted his youtube channel)? The one who wrote all those made-for-Insta "look at me senpai" complaint letters to airlines with atrocious grammar and diction? Same guy?
Wow, someone's done their homework – or maybe just skimmed a couple of biased headlines. First of all, let's not confuse one's personal style or social media antics with the value and innovation they bring to the industry. Sounds like someone's been sipping a bit too much of the internet's sour grape juice. Maybe consider using that energy to do some proper research and come up with informed opinions instead of parroting second-hand jabs. Cheers!
UPDATE: The hoodie codes as Merchandise, not airline spend.
Am considering getting one myself so do update again with your opinion of it once you've received it :)
What is the difference between the two?
The guy lives in cuckoo land.
Maybe they’ll merge with BeOnd one day?
Maybe it's the FRYE FESTIVal guy?
Fyre festival vibes..
I have no problem with talk of tie-ups with the likes of Amex & Laurent Perrier (although English fizz would perhaps have been more appropriate from a UK airline). They are simply building the brand before they have anything concrete to say.
At the same time, I think they are doomed to failure.
This feels about as genuine as most crypto currencies lol. Absolute chancers blagging companies to 'invest', then blagging that 'investment' to create tie ups with other companies.
You know how this is going to end.
Surely, you must have insider info to throw around accusations like candy at a parade. But here's a little tip: companies don't just throw money at others without seeing potential or doing rigorous analysis.
Maybe instead of foreseeing doom and gloom, you should wait and watch how things unfold. Who knows, you might just be witnessing the rise of the next big thing in the travel industry.
Asquith is an interesting guy with a varied background. Cutting to the chase: he has no money.
He jumps from gig to gig. If corporate giants can't pay for a lowly intern to simply google him, then they richly deserve to get taken for a ride.
they got what they wanted - press and chatter and coverage. That's all that matters. soon, they'll use these 'earned press' to talk about their success and how our comments are 'generating buzz globally'.
Exactly! No such thing as bad press. Hadn't even heard of Global Airlines until I read this...now I'll be watching!
Still just a money laundering operation.
My favourite champagne
Ben. At this point, this "Startup" appears to be trolling you.
Good news. The Global Airlines hoodies are available: https://shop.globalairlines.com/
Will this code as airline spend? Just bought the one in blue.
Not gonna lie there is a part of me that wants to buy the hoodie.
Well, I was going to buy one until it said $33 dollars shipping, that is nuts
Kevin you clearly aren’t their target affluent clientele :)
They’re rather nice hoodies! Give these guys some proper credit. Being smart and going wide.
The most anmusing aviation long con ever?
I don't think the process will last enough to be really considered a long one
It's unfortunate to see such negativity surrounding James Asquith and Global Airlines. Accusations of being a 'con artist' are both unfounded and unproductive. Let's remember, entrepreneurial endeavors involve challenges. Attacking someone's character without evidence is unfair. Encouraging constructive dialogue would benefit us all.
If Global is planning to serve a proper Champagne, then the recent decision of AA to pull out Champagne from long haul international flights looks even more ridiculous.
Maybe they want to become a charter airline.
Totally! That was my first thought as well. I was just in Florida and was shocked at how affordable chartering a plane actually is, all things considered. I'll be monitoring this development, for sure...
I sense a lot of negativity in this article. Negativity which is probably justified. Even if they got their A380 for free, the operating cost will be really punishing.
While the overall airline concept is bogus, let's not discount any good ideas they may have (ad hominem fallacy). Serving glasses of LP in economy at retail (~$10/glass) could be a big win for LP, the airline, and consumer. I'm sure I wouldn't be the only flyer who would absolutely love that.
If/when Global goes under, I could see another airline partnering with LP for champagne in Economy. That would be really smart. Maybe Starlux?
Ya think they’re paying retail for their LP? You obviously don’t work in F&B.
The shade, the shade of it all!
I see some guy living large on other people's money. Stupid people at that. Then when it all falls apart, he will shrug and said I tried. Then he will move onto his next scam. Never underestimate how people can be conned by a dreamer.
This founder still thinks we're in a ZIRP/NIRP world.
James grifted for a few years to fund his jetset lifestyle with the HomeAway VC funds. First class flights and fancy resort holidays while supposedly on work calls and work meetings.
Now that money stream has dried up, it's time grift by using Global Airlines investor money to live large for a few years.
"I’m not suggesting that the people behind this airline are running a scam"
You might not, but many others will.
I'm surprised Laurent Perrier signed up for this mess.
Did they actually, or did someone just go to the off-licence and spend some VC cash?
I've just gone and had a look at their website. Oh, MAN.
The first class section has a picture of their business class seat, and a picture of the window of a 787 (which, as far as I'm aware, isn't in their fleet).
The business class section has a picture of the old Singapore Suites seat, as well as what I believe is a picture of Emirates' A380 stairs (right next to the exact same...
I've just gone and had a look at their website. Oh, MAN.
The first class section has a picture of their business class seat, and a picture of the window of a 787 (which, as far as I'm aware, isn't in their fleet).
The business class section has a picture of the old Singapore Suites seat, as well as what I believe is a picture of Emirates' A380 stairs (right next to the exact same angle of a Singapore A380's stairs).
The economy class section has by far the most accurate depiction of their cabin product, even though one of the pictures shows a kid looking out of an A330 window (and as far as I know, they've got Singapore Airlines' old A380s, not their new ones as pictured).
They also advertise a five-cabin experience, though they don't have premium economy, which makes four cabins (first, business, gamer, economy).
In addition, here's what their Fleet section says: "The A380’s sheer presence can create a sense of prestige and exclusivity for airlines."
If the airline lasts a month, I'm quitting being a travel blogger, and will apply to be a janitor for the airline. Mark my words.
In fairness, a freelance graphic designer/website designer was probably without much aviation knowledge was probably told to knock something together. The average investor isn't going to know what the windows are supposed to look like
I think you're being optimistic they had a proper designer given how amateur and ridiculous it all looks.
In addition to that, I've also noticed that their A380 renderings appear to show the proposed A380-900. The fuselage just looks too long for the regular A388.
https://cdn.onemileatatime.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Global-Airlines-A380.jpeg
We honestly need to do something about these wealthy idiots high on their own farts. This guy, Musk etc etc... Honestly.
Thank you!
Comparing Musk to this joke.. LOL, poor thing!
HAH...who is "we"? And what exactly is your plan? Take it and re-distribute it to other people just for...what? existing? Fucking commie... At least they're trying to create businesses and jobs with their money. There are 1000 other useless things they could be doing with it. Clearly you have no idea what it takes to build a business and foster relationships with VCs...nice try though.