LONDON – Global Crossing Airlines, also known as GlobalX, has received approval from the US Department of Transportation for an increase to 11 aircraft from its current 7 aircraft.
Authorization of expansion
“This increased authorization will allow us to add 4 aircraft to our fleet over the next 60 days, including two A321 freighters, an A321 passenger aircraft, and our first A319 aircraft.”
“Subject to FAA approvals, we intend to add the A321 passenger aircraft to our certificate by end of November and the two freighters in December, followed by the A319 in January,” said Ed Wegel, Chairman and CEO of GlobalX.
GlobalX is currently working closely with the US FAA on the final review of manuals, systems, and procedures for cargo certification. The first A321 freighter is undergoing its final engine, airframe, and systems tests and will be flown to the paint facility by the end of November.
GlobalX will be receiving one Airbus A319, with the registration as N283GX, which was supposed to be due in April of this year, but it still hasn’t arrived yet.
The plane will primarily be used to operate U.S. Government contract flights according to their investor update for the 2022 outlook. In the document, the future livery of the A319 has also been released, which shows a different brand name and livery approach compared to the rest of the (current) fleet.
In May of 2022, GlobalX has also announced that they will be operating an Airbus A321 P2F in a contract for Avianca. “We are extraordinarily honored that we will be operating our first A321 freighter for Avianca, one of the great and storied names in aviation.”
“The A321 P2F is a great addition to Avianca Cargo’s aircraft fleet, providing it flexibility to offer cargo services to smaller markets, and to feed Avianca’s A330 fleet at the airline’s main hubs,” said Ed Wegel.
“This partnership will allow us to offer in the short and mid-term, more capacity to our customers starting in 2022, with a clear objective of fulfilling their needs. With this, we will expand our capacity in specific markets, offering more options and products,” said Gabriel Oliva, CEO of Avianca Cargo.
50 all-electric Eviation aircraft
Two months ago, GlobalX has also announced that they have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to purchase 50 all-electric airplanes from a Washington-based manufacturer, Eviation.
The president of Eviation, Gregory Davis, stated: “Charter travel is attractive to both individuals and groups as it offers flexibility, privacy, and convenience. Alice represents a pioneering approach to making this type of aviation sustainable for generations to come,”
“We are delighted to enter this agreement with GlobalX, whose investment in zero-emissions flight demonstrates the airline’s commitment to cleaner skies, lower operational costs, and the provision of the most innovative options for air travel. Quieter, smoother, and with a cabin design that defines the future, the in-flight experience aboard the Alice will offer GlobalX passengers a new way to fly.”
The president of GlobalX also commented on the purchase: “The Alice aircraft will allow us to offer sustainable, regional flights to and from major markets, and is the first step in our initiative to be a zero-carbon emissions airline by 2050.”
“We are proud to be a launch customer for Eviation and lead the charge in bringing carbon-free air travel to our passengers.”
