Friends,

Global Airlines does not have a working website or an Air Operators Certificate but the UK-based carrier owns an A380 (in one form or another). Another airline flew it to New York for them earlier this week on something of an unorthodox “inaugural flight”.

The reports from their first flight are well intended, but there seems to be a lot of room for improvement. Nonetheless, what they have done thus far is totally commendable.

Because running an airline is really tough.

And everything worth anything is likewise — the best parts of our lives take hard work.

Now that my family is back in Dallas, you will find me and my girls (plus anyone else who will make the drive—shout out to my brother) at American’s CR Smith Museum most Saturday mornings. Weekends together are the best ever.

One of the things I love about the CR Smith Museum is how it captures the foundation aviation was built on. No one person—not even the museum’s namesake—is the hero of the story. Airlines rise (and fall) not by genius alone, but through shared effort, countless hands, and the willingness to keep showing up.

That’s what makes aviation so moving to me: it’s a shared gift. Built together, improved together, experienced together.

Aviation invites our dreams and our failures. It tells a big story. And, like all of life, it points to something greater still.

Fly well this weekend.

Links

Charlotte is getting a non-stop to Abu Dhabi.

Etihad places a big order for Boeing jets, following Qatar Airways’ massive order.

Global Airlines launches flights. Sort of.

Remember, this life you are living has meaning. Thank you for reading. I am grateful you are here and would love to hear from you. If you'd like to write me a note, simply reply to this email. Otherwise I'll see you in the next one.

P.S. If I can ever help you plan your next travel adventure (slash help make your points go farther), I’d be delighted. You can schedule time together here.