By Zach Cooke
Global X to Launch New Nebraska-based Airline
On Thursday, Lincoln, Neb. airport officials announced the introduction of a second airline behind United to operate to the airport. Delta operated out of the airport as well until pulling out of the city in 2022. The service will be operated by a relatively new airline: Global Crossing Airlines.
Global X is a Miami-based charter and cargo carrier, launching operations in 2021. The airline currently operates a fleet of five Airbus A320s and three A321 aircraft. An interesting fact to note is that the airline’s A320 aircraft have different configurations with a mix of business class and economy class seats depending on the plane. One example, N281GX is convertible from an entire 68-seat business class cabin to 150 mixed class seating arrangement depending on the customer’s needs according to the airline’s website. However, the service in and out of Lincoln will be operated by 150 seat, all economy class A320s. The cargo side of the company is operated by A321 aircraft.
While Global X will provide the aircraft and crews for the new routes, customers will book tickets through Red Way. While customers can book a flight directly with Global X, they must book the entire aircraft. By having customers book through Red Way, the airline will be able to offer a service dubbed “charter by seat”. The service will technically be operated as a charter however, the CEO of Global X, Ed Wegel, stated that passengers wouldn’t notice a difference in the travel experience.
The airline will operate routes from Lincoln to Atlanta, Austin, Texas, Orlando, Dallas Fort Worth, Las Vegas, Minneapolis and Nashville. The first two destinations to be served will be Orlando and Las Vegas beginning on June 8 with the rest following shortly after. All routes will be operated twice weekly to begin and on a seasonal basis, however, that could be upgraded based on demand.
The majority of passenger operations for Global X thus far have been through charters for different organizations such as college sports teams, casinos and the military among others. The Miami-based carrier is also developing seasonal charters to service warm-weather destinations in the Caribbean along with the recent announcement of routes out of Lincoln. Global X also offers a service known as aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance known in the industry as ACMI. Essentially, the carrier can also be hired to operate for other airlines in the short term to provide additional flying.
Starting new services is costly for airlines, especially at new airports. Lincoln understands this and to make the market more attractive to Global X, the airport is providing the airline with a $3 million incentive fund to begin service according to an article published by the Lincoln Journal Star.
