By Zach Cooke
Global Crossing Airlines is a relatively new ACMI airline that continues to make strides in the industry. While Global X operated for Red Way Airlines, which ceased operations a mere week ago, the company has found new opportunities to operate its aircraft across the globe and continue to expand. Operating over 2,500 block hours in the month of July and 2,400 in August, the Florida-based carrier closed out a strong summer. The carrier recently took delivery of an Airbus A319, gained funding for new aircraft, reached an agreement for a maintenance facility in Florida and closed on additional operating contracts.
The Florida-based carrier took delivery of a 20-year-old Airbus A319 from Air Mauritius in July. Registered N285GX, the A319 is the 10th passenger aircraft for the ACMI carrier, joining an already robust fleet of Airbus A319, Airbus A320 and Airbus A321 aircraft. Global X signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) for an additional passenger-configured A321 to be delivered to the carrier in the fourth quarter of this year.
In addition to the passenger variant, the carrier also signed an LOI for two additional A321 freight-configured aircraft to be delivered in 2024. The airline also acquired additional funding to add six additional aircraft during the year and provide capital for the 2024 deliveries.
With the carrier growing significantly in the near future, a maintenance facility will become a necessity. Working with renowned fixed base operator Sheltair, a state-of-the-art maintenance facility will be built at Fort Lauderdale’s Hollywood Airport in Florida, beginning this year. The facility is expected to be completed in 2025 with the carrier using the space at that time.
The $25 million facility will allow the carrier to complete C checks among other maintenance tasks in-house instead of being outsourced, a cost-saving measure for a growing fleet. The 69,650 square foot space will be able to accommodate three Airbus A320 family aircraft or one Airbus A330, a type that the airline is looking to bring onboard in the future.
The Florida-based carrier is continuing to source contracts for tour operators and the government. Global X signed an agreement to operate an ACMI contract with the United States government for September and October worth $4 million with the potential for the contract to become a multi-year deal.
In addition to the government contract, Global X will work with two tour operators launching service to the Caribbean three times weekly. This agreement is similar to the carrier’s previous contract to operate Red Way flights, offering the aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance. The cargo side saw a boost as well with new routes being established through the Caribbean islands of Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago.
The future is bright for Global Crossing Airlines. Operating over 50% additional block hours over July and August of this year compared to last, the carrier is seeing positive growth in the ACMI market. With additional aircraft joining the fleet in the coming year and a new maintenance base to handle the influx arriving in the near future, it looks like Global X will be a key player in the market.
