Silverjet
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Silverjet | ||
|---|---|---|
 |
||
| IATA Y7 |
ICAO SLR |
Callsign SILVERJET |
| Founded | 2006 | |
| Hubs | London Luton Airport | |
| Member lounge | Silver Lounge | |
| Fleet size | 3 | |
| Destinations | 3 | |
| Company slogan | Very Sivilised | |
| Headquarters | London | |
| Key people | Peter Owen (Chairman) Lawrence Hunt (CEO) |
|
| Website: http://www.flysilverjet.com/ | ||
Silverjet is a British all-business class airline based at London Luton Airport that, prior to the suspension of operations on 30 May 2008,[1] operated services to Newark Liberty International Airport and Dubai International Airport.
On 8 June 2008, Ireland-based Kingplace, which is managed by Swiss management company Heritage, told Reuters it was making an offer on behalf of private clients. [2] The independant reports that over the weekend extensive talks have taken place which could see the unlikely return of Silverjet to the skies. An announcement is expected soon. [3]
Contents |
[edit] History
Silverjet Aviation Limited was created in 2004 by Lawrence Hunt. Prior to launch, the airline secured sufficient funding to begin trading on the AIM, a market operated by the London Stock Exchange, and joined the AIM on 12 May 2006.
In August 2006 the airline secured two Boeing 767-200 aircraft previously operated by Thomsonfly, for delivery in March 2007 and October 2007 in order to commence operations.
In October 2006, Silverjet acquired the British Charter airline Flyjet along with their two Boeing 757 and one Boeing 767 aircraft. This acquisition provided Silverjet with Flyjet’s Air Operator’s Certificate, Operating Licence and a worldwide Route Licence.
On 12 October 2006, Silverjet’s website began booking passengers for flights, for a standard fare of £999.
On 25 January 2007, Silverjet began scheduled flights from London Luton to Newark, and a second daily service on this route was launched on 23 September 2007. Services from London Luton to Dubai International commenced on 18 November 2007, and the airline planned to launch other long-haul destinations in the future.[4]
At the beginning of May, Silverjet said that they had arranged an $8.4 million loan facility from Viceroy Holdings, a Middle Eastern investor. However, the airline has been unable to draw down $5 million that it needed urgently, and consequently, on 23 May 2008, trading of Silverjet's shares was suspended on the AIM.[5]
On the 30 May 2008, a statement was released from the CEO which stated that Silverjet will cease operations and suspend all flights with immediate affect due to failing to secure essential funding. The last operating flight Y7254 arrived at London Luton Airport from Dubai at 15:00 on the day of the announcement.
[edit] Carbon emissions
Silverjet claimed to be the world's first "carbon neutral” airline. From launch all ticket prices included a mandatory carbon offset contribution to be reinvested in climate-friendly projects. In October 2007, however, their offset scheme was altered to give customers the choice on whether to accept the recommended carbon offset after the United Kingdom doubled the Air Passenger Duty. [6]
In an interview with the Financial Times on 25 January 2007, Lawrence Hunt said: “It’s no use people just sitting around thinking about climate change and pretending it is someone else’s problem. That is what the airline business has done to date.”
In January 2007, Silverjet was awarded by the Institute of Transport Management as “Environmentally Aware Airline 2007” in recognition of the stance the company has taken regarding carbon emissions.
[edit] Destinations
Prior to the suspension of operations, Silverjet operated twice-daily flights between London Luton Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport, and a daily service between London Luton Airport and Dubai International Airport. Silverjet also operated cargo services between London and Newark that utilised the underfloor cargo capacity of their Boeing 767 passenger aircraft.
[edit] Private terminals
Silverjet is the only airline to offer a private passenger terminal at London Luton Airport. The airline also has a private check in area at Newark Airport separated from the normal check in desks, and uses the executive terminal at Dubai International Airport for arrivals and departures.
[edit] Fleet
The Silverjet fleet consists of the following aircraft:[7]
As of June 2008, the average age of Silverjet's fleet is 19.5 years. [8]
[edit] Awards
- Best Executive Transport - Esquire Man at The Top Awards 2007 [9]
- Best Airline 2007 - Sunday Times Travel Magazine Experts Awards 2007 [10]
- Winner Aviation Category - Condé Nast Traveller Innovation and Design Awards 2007 [11]
- Environmentally Aware Airline 2007 - Institute of Transport Management 2007 [12]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Suspension of Operations
- ^ [1]
- ^ http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/silverjet-rescue-mission-prepares-for-takeoff-842843.html
- ^ About Silverjet. Silverjet Website. Retrieved on 2007-11-14.
- ^ Finance crisis forces halt to Silverjet shares
- ^ Carbon offset scheme review - Press Release 2007-10-24 (2). Silverjet Website. Retrieved on 2007-11-19.
- ^ Civil Aviation Authority Aircraft Register
- ^ Silverjet Fleet Age
- ^ Esquire Award. Silverjet Press Release. Retrieved on 2007-11-14.
- ^ Sunday Times Award. Silverjet Press Release. Retrieved on 2007-11-14.
- ^ Condé Nast Award. Silverjet Press Release. Retrieved on 2007-11-14.
- ^ Environmental Award. Silverjet Press Release. Retrieved on 2007-11-14.
