GlobalX received approval from US aviation authorities to grow its fleet to up to 20 aircraft earlier this year and has been making moves to reach its new fleet limit. The latest addition to the fleet is an A320.
A new lease on life
Global Crossing Airlines, popularly known as GlobalX, is a charter carrier based in Miami. The airline operates both passenger and cargo flights. According to FlightGlobal, the charter airline has taken delivery of its latest aircraft, an Airbus A320
, registered N642VA.
Photo: Charles McClintock Wilson | Shutterstock
According to ch-aviation, an aviation analytics company, the A320-200 aircraft was produced nearly 16 years ago, in 2007, at Airbus’ Toulouse Blagnac construction site. Jazeera Airways ordered it in October 2005 and entered into service with the airline in November 2008.
Two CFM International CFM56-5B4/3 turbofan engines power the aircraft. As of 31 May 2024, the aircraft had accumulated 41,808 flight hours and 15,410 flight cycles. It is estimated to have a market value of $17.59 million and a market lease rate of $180,000.
It changed hands and was operated by Virgin American from July 2010 to January 2018, after which it was operated by 
Alaska Airlines
from January 2018 to December 2023. The aircraft is leased from WNG Capital. The passenger aircraft is configured with 114 economy and 24 economy-plus seats, as well as 12 business class seats.
Simple Flying has contacted GlobalX for a statement.
GlobalX fleet
GlobalX’s fleet comprises 11 passenger A320s and seven A321F aircraft (all converted from passenger-carrying models). All 18 aircraft are leased. The airline can add two more planes to the fleet before requiring regulatory approval to increase its fleet size further.
Earlier this week, Global Crossing Airlines divulged its plans for its route. It plans to launch thrice-weekly round-trip cargo flights from Chicago to San Juan, Puerto Rico, with its A321 freighter aircraft. The route will be available for charter through a partnership with Airblox, a platform that enables freight capacity and financing.
Photo: Global Crossing Airlines Group
Ryan Goepel, President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of GlobalX, spoke about their choice of aircraft, saying:
”The A321F delivers 14% more containerized capacity than the [Boeing] 757-200, along with a 19% reduction in fuel consumption. This combination allows us to offer industry-leading pricing and operational efficiency.”
The airline has been aggressively pursuing growth and making significant headway. In Q2 of this year, it has already generated revenue of $57.5 million, an 83% year-on-year increase.
About GlobalX
Global Crossing Airlines is an American domestic, flag, and supplemental charter airline. It was founded by Ed Wegel, who previously founded Eastern Airlines and has now founded another airline called Zoom! The airline operates ad hoc flights throughout the US, Europe, the Caribbean, and South America.
Like its predecessor, GlobalX operates flights to Cuba through CubaX, a tour operator that offers nonstop weekly flights from Miami to Havana using GlobalX aircraft. It has also partnered with Canada Jetlines, an ultra-low-cost airline headquartered in Ontario.