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New Business Class Airline to Launch

April 11, 2006

New Business Class Airline to Launch
April 11, 2006 – CNN reports that British and American business travelers will soon have a new low-cost airline to choose from for flights between London and New York.

Silverjet is expected to start its Luton to Newark business-class service six to nine months after it lists on London’s Alternative Investment Market in May. The company eventually wants to run a 10-aircraft fleet to other destinations.

All 100 seats onboard the aircraft will have flatbeds and a full business class service will be offered, the company said. There also will be significantly reduced check-in times. The airline will be based on a similar model to easyJet and Ryanair.

Silverjet chief executive Lawrence Hunt has been working on developing the business for two years. He told the UK’s Press Association that big airlines gain most of their profits from premium customers and lose money in economy class. In effect, business class passengers were subsidizing economy class passengers, and by losing economy seats, prices can come down without any compromise in service, he said.

"Market research has shown that passengers are currently not satisfied with the value of business class services on offer," said Hunt. "We therefore believe that there is a real demand for a long-haul airline, operating on a low-cost basis yet offering a high-quality, business-class product."

For more information, visit www.cnn.com.

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