Aviation Ex-Etihad CEO James Hogan takes stake in UK’s Global Airlines By Megha Merani May 20, 2025, 5:10 PM Jörg Carstensen/DPA via Reuters Connect An Airbus A380 from Global Airlines on the southern runway at Berlin Airport. Global Airlines is aiming to acquire a UK air operator certificate this year Knighthood Global takes share Global Airlines brings back A380 Joined by former CFO James Rigney James Hogan, the former Etihad Airways chief executive who was at the helm during the airline’s loss-making expansion, is set to become a shareholder in the UK’s Global Airlines, a startup attempting to bring the Airbus A380 back into commercial service. Hogan’s advisory firm, Knighthood Global, will take a stake in Global Airlines and advise its board alongside James Rigney, former Etihad CFO. Both are expected to support fundraising efforts and guide the company’s push to secure a UK air operator certificate (AOC) in 2025, Knighthood Global said in a statement. The size of the planned stake was not disclosed. Global Airlines, founded by entrepreneur James Asquith, began operating its first refurbished A380 on a charter transatlantic flight on May 15 which flew from Glasgow International Airport to New York’s JFK International. The operation was conducted under a wet lease agreement – whereby the owner supplies the aircraft as well as at least one crew member – with Hi Fly Malta, as Global Airlines does not yet have its own AOC. It plans to expand its fleet and launch scheduled services next year. Hogan’s return to the A380 is notable. He was instrumental in introducing the aircraft at Etihad in 2014, including the debut of the ultra-luxury “residence” suite. The move was part of a broader growth strategy that included minority stakes in struggling airlines such as Air Berlin, Alitalia and Jet Airways – investments that later triggered hundreds of millions of dollars in write-downs. ‘Cut me in half, I’m still Etihad,’ James Hogan interview Etihad Airways commits $15bn for 28 Boeing jets Opportunity knocks for Middle East airlines during tariff turmoil Hogan exited in 2017 as Etihad reversed course, slashing routes and unwinding its equity alliance. The airline, owned by Abu Dhabi’s ADQ, has since returned to profitability and is considering an IPO. It announced a $7 billion plan last year to double its fleet by 2030. Hogan now runs Knighthood Global, a consultancy with offices in Abu Dhabi, Geneva and Malta. He also serves on the board of Sanad, an aerospace company owned by Mubadala. Global Airlines is positioning its A380 revival as a bet on renewed demand for high-capacity long-haul travel. Although Emirates Airlines of Dubai remains a sizeable operator, the aircraft has largely fallen out of favour since the Covid-19 pandemic. Airbus ended production in 2021 and most carriers have retired or parked their fleets due to high operating costs and limited flexibility. Register now: It’s easy and free AGBI registered members can access even more of our unique analysis and perspective on business and economics in the Middle East. Why sign uP Exclusive weekly email from our editor-in-chief Personalised weekly emails for your preferred industry sectors Read and download our insight packed white papers Access to our mobile app Prioritised access to live events Register for free Already registered? Sign in I’ll register later Register now: It’s easy and free AGBI registered members can access even more of our unique analysis and perspective on business and economics in the Middle East. Why sign uP Exclusive weekly email from our editor-in-chief Personalised weekly emails for your preferred industry sectors Read and download our insight packed white papers Access to our mobile app Prioritised access to live events Register for free Already registered? Sign in I’ll register later
