Tom Stokely Leaves Global Airlines Board After A380 Delay

Tom Stokely has left the board of global airlines, removing the OnlyFans co-founder from the startup behind one parked Airbus A380 and a long-haul plan that has yet to reach service. The change comes as the company says it is still building out its next phase.

Stokely exits Global Airlines

Global Airlines said, "This is part of our development programme as we gear up for the next chapter of development." It also said, "We have plans to introduce additional board members and other team" as it adjusts its leadership structure.

Stokely had been part of a project that promised a UK-based long haul Airbus A380 airline, with initial routes planned for daily New York service and four-times-weekly Los Angeles flights. The company had targeted a spring 2024 launch, but the aircraft plan has not moved into commercial operation.

One A380, no licence

Global Airlines obtained one used Airbus A380, registered 9H-GLOBL, and painted it in its colors. Hi Fly Malta operated publicity charter flights for the company, after which the aircraft went to storage and was ready for heavy maintenance.

The plane had been grounded for about 10 months. Global Airlines had not applied for a UK Operating Licence and had no Air Operator's Certificate, leaving the startup with an aircraft but without the approvals needed to carry passengers itself.

December branding push

In December, Global Airlines showed off one Airbus A340 with its branding. Hi Fly said the aircraft was not owned by Global Airlines and that it had no operational relationship with the company for the A340, describing that effort as solely for brand-promotion.

That leaves the leadership change tied to a business that is still short of the operating permissions and fleet depth it would need to turn a publicity-heavy launch plan into an airline customers can book. For now, the most concrete asset in the project remains a single parked A380.