Global Airlines is the newest long-haul airline in the world, and there’s some pretty fancy features for everyone on board.
Taking off from 2024, the new airline will use the “world’s most comfortable aircrafts”, A380s, The Hoot reports, with a fleet of four currently available and more set to arrive next year, and the idea that everyone will be able to experience luxury travel, even with an economy ticket.
The plan is to keep those tickets affordable – with Global tellingThe Independent that prices will be “in line with, if not cheaper” than those set by other carriers”.
Based at London Gatwick, the company plans to take to the skies flying to New York JFK by mid-2024, and go on to add a route from Gatwick to Los Angeles next year.
Global Airlines founder and CEO James Asquith, who is a travel personality and serial entrepreneur, says he designed the airlines to provide “outstanding customer experience”, and is aiming to “raise the bar in the world of aviation”.
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New airline to launch in the UK with free champagne for every passenger / Credit: Global Airlines
Asquith had visited 196 countries by the age of just 24, and aims to “right the wrongs” he experienced on flights in the past by drawing inspiration from his own travels.
“Once you get used to Global Airlines, it is very hard to go back to anything else,” Asquith claimed.
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Notable features that will apparently make Global Airlines different from its competitors include being driven by a chauffeur to airports as part of the ticket price, and in-flight champagne for all passengers, thanks to a new partnership from Laurent Perrier.
Speaking to Inflight about the new Laurent Perrier partnership, Asquith said: “It is a brand that is known the world over, and our intention is to offer LP brands to passengers across our three cabins, and, if we can make it work, that absolutely includes in economy.”
Global Airlines and @ChampagneLPUK Announce MOU
Laurent Perrier teams up with Global Airlines. Raise your glasses to an exciting collaboration. We are thrilled to announce our new partnership with renowned Champagne House, Laurent Perrier, a brand synonymous with elegance,… pic.twitter.com/kLVE6lrWLN
Eventually Global Airlines plans to have 15-20 planes within the first two years, and expand “pretty aggressively” from there.
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The airlines first transatlantic flights are expected by Spring 2024, and with a new partnership with American Express, loyal card members with the an AMEX will be among the first to be able to purchase tickets for all three cabins.
You can find out more about the new airline on the Global Airlines website here.
Feature Image – Global Airlines
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Stretford’s free neighourhood festival returns this weekend
Danny Jones
Stretford’s still fledgling and completely free all-day festival is BACK for 2026 and is happening this coming weekend.
So, if you didn’t have plans this Saturday, you do now.
Simply named StretFest, this is the third edition of the now annual celebration in one of Manchester’s fastest growing neighbourhoods – and an increasingly up-and-coming one at that.
Kicking off in the morning and running right into the wee small hours thanks to a healthy dose of varied daytime activities, evening events and de facto afterparties, there’s plenty on the cards.
🎉 It's the big one on Saturday! Stretfest is back & we're thrilled to have a fab selection of LIVE Music on from 3pm – 8pm for it!
We can't wait to greet loads of faces, old and new. #Stretford will be buzzing with activity so come on down & make a day of it ! 🍻 pic.twitter.com/16Rnn5w1qj
StretFest only started back in July 2024, but it has quickly grown into a cult favourite not only among locals living in and around the Trafford town, but also among plenty of people from all over Greater Manchester, with last year seeing more visitors than ever.
Based not just over at Stretford Mall but the surrounding parks, Public Hall, across the bridge and an area they dub ‘The Beach’, there are several distinct but equally vibrant hubs, all offering something different.
For instance, venues like Longford Tap, Head Bar and Stretford Canteen are all involved, as are the likes of the Library and Martin Luther Church, but also recently opened cafes like Swig and Cuppello’s, as well as many, many more.
To be honest, we’ll probably be popping over for all the food and drink alone.
And, of course, there’s going to be plenty of live music, DJ sets, other bits of entertainment, and all-around fun to be enjoyed; there’s even going to be everything from arts, crafts and workshops, to pirates and boat rides.
Getting underway from as early 9am – thanks to the likes of the regular Stretford parkrun crew teaming up with the festival, and Mr & Mrs hosting a coffee morning for their first birthday – there really is going to be something for everyone from start to finish.
You can see the full StretFest schedule or build your own personal day-into-night programme HERE.
As for what else is on the cards for the final few days of March (give or take a couple), you can find out what else is on in and around the ten boroughs down below.
Featured Images — Publicity pictures/Adrian Michael (supplied)/The Manc Group
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Stockport County defender Brad Hills ruled out for the rest of the season
Danny Jones
In a big blow to their promotion push, Stockport County have been hit with a major injury and loss to their first-team squad, as defender Brad Hills has been ruled out for what looks to be the remainder of the season and then some.
Not what Hatters will want to hear with crunch-time in and around the playoffs now well underway.
Having emerged as even more of a starring centre-back this year, following his initial loan spell with the club during the previous campaign, Brad Hills has arguably been one of Stockport’s best and most reliable players in 2025/26 thus far – but not County will have to do without him.
Although the exact severity is yet to be fully revealed, the former Norwich City youth academy graduate is said to have hurt his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
Confirming the news on social media, the Greater Manchester side stated: “We regret to inform supporters that Brad Hills sustained an ACL injury in Saturday’s draw at Luton Town that will rule him out for the foreseeable future.
“Our full focus is on supporting Brad throughout his recovery – we know he’ll come back stronger”
For anyone unaware, ACL tears/ruptures are among some of the worst injuries in football, and depending on the extent of the damage, it can take anywhere between six months and a full year to bounce back.
Safe to say, therefore, that supporters have been left gutted by the update, with one commenting, “Awful, awful news”; another simply wrote, “FFS”.
After typing a very long expletive following the show news, fan podcast The Scarf Bergara Wore wrote: “Wishing Bradley Hills a speedy recovery – come back stronger!
Since becoming a permanent signing back in August, he’s earned multiple man-of-the-match awards in blue and white, not to mention contributed to a decent number of clean sheets. He’ll be a big miss in their backline.
While it’s no doubt a big setback as the League One team looks to get promoted into the Championship, the absence could see manager Dave Challinor reshuffle the pack and perhaps even the formation for the remaining fixtures.
One option is Louie Barry, who – depending on the setup – could finally be set for a return to the pitch after he was signed on a third loan deal this past January, but is still continuing his own rehab following a knee operation.
Put it this way, with not many games left, lots of County fans are probably wishing that the pending and potential further changes in the EFL could have come sooner…
Sophie Smith -
8th August 2023 
