Global Airlines Ltd Enters Compulsory Liquidation Following High Court Order
Global Airlines Ltd, the startup aiming to operate an Airbus A380, has been ordered into compulsory liquidation by the High Court of Justice. The order, dated November 4, 2026, places the company under the control of liquidator V Prime. This development follows a winding-up petition filed by a creditor on May 29, 2026. The London Gazette published the official notice of the winding-up on November 12, 2026, detailing company number 13508008 and case number 004213 of 2026.
The Path to Liquidation
The court’s decision stems from a creditor petition initiated by Jessica Huffman Reese. Notably, former directors Tom Stokely and Prashant Uttamchandani also joined the case as supporting creditors, indicating internal acknowledgment of the company’s financial difficulties. The petition’s filing several months before the court order suggests a prolonged period of financial strain for Global Airlines Ltd. Despite the winding-up order, Companies House still listed the company as active, with its latest accounts overdue. This status highlights that liquidation is a process of winding down operations and settling debts, not immediate dissolution.
The A380 Aircraft’s Uncertain Future
The company’s sole asset, an Airbus A380 registered as 9H-GLOBL, has been stored at the Tarmac Aerosave facility in Tarbes, France, since July 2025. This aircraft requires a significant and costly 12-year heavy maintenance check. The ownership of the A380 after its Maltese registration in February 2024 remains unclear. Liquidator V Prime has not yet confirmed whether the A380 will be among the assets available to creditors. Global Airlines Ltd previously operated four passenger flights in May 2025 using Hi Fly Malta, as it had not yet obtained its own operating certificate. These flights were its only passenger operations.
Liquidator’s Role and Creditor Actions
With V Prime’s appointment effective November 4, 2026, the liquidator’s responsibilities include identifying and selling company assets. V Prime will also invite creditors to submit claims for their debts. Following the statutory process, any recovered funds will be distributed among creditors. Employees who are owed wages, holiday pay, or statutory redundancy payments can file claims through the government’s Redundancy Payments Service. They will need a case reference number from the insolvency practitioner. Creditors who have not yet been contacted by V Prime are advised to reach out directly, providing the company number 13508008 and High Court case number 004213 of 2026.
Related Company’s Dissolution Process
In parallel to the liquidation of Global Airlines Ltd, a separate parent-controlled business, Global Airlines Aircraft Ltd, also faced a closure process. A notice was published on November 3, 2026, proposing its removal from the Companies House register. Founder James Asquith had signed an application for its voluntary dissolution on October 13, 2026, which was filed on November 4, 2026. However, this separate company had not yet been officially dissolved. James Asquith had been discussing plans as recently as July 2026 to bring the A380 back into service before the end of the year, with ambitions to acquire a second aircraft and explore new routes. He had not made any public statements regarding the winding-up notice as of November 13, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is compulsory liquidation?
Compulsory liquidation is a legal process where a company is forced to close down by a court order, usually because it cannot pay its debts.
Who is V Prime in this situation?
V Prime is the liquidator appointed by the High Court to take control of Global Airlines Ltd and manage the process of winding up the company.
What happens to the Airbus A380?
The future of the Airbus A380, the company’s main asset, is unclear. The liquidator will determine if it can be sold to help pay off debts.
How can creditors get their money back?
Creditors need to submit their claims to the liquidator, V Prime. Any money recovered from selling company assets will be distributed to creditors according to legal rules.
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