From Travel Mole
http://www.travelmole.com/stories/110228.php?mpnlog=1
14 August, 2006
Silverjet issues market update
Silverjet, the new business class-only airline, has entered into a letter of intent to secure two Boeing 767-200 aircraft from ThomsonFly.
In a market update released today, Silverjet said the letter of intent provides for delivery of the two aircraft to Silverjet by no later than March 31 and October 31 2007 respectively.
In addition, it is in advanced negotiations to secure options over a further three aircraft of equivalent specification for delivery, in the case of the earliest aircraft of the three, by no later than November 1 2006.
"The outcome of these negotiations will be announced to the market in due course," it said.
The airline, which will fly from Luton Airport to New York Newark, is currently in negotiation with leasing companies and banks about financing options for these aircraft.
Silverjet said it was still on track for a December launch, but said if the aircraft negotiations were not concluded satisfactorily, it would commence operations by no later than April 2007.
It has also contracted to use Videcom's flight reservation system which will go live three months prior to Silverjet commencing operations, allowing it to take advance bookings from travel trade partners and direct from consumers.
The web-based system also has links with the major global distribution systems which will be further enhanced and implemented for Silverjet, enabling its dynamic fares and seat availability to be displayed to thousands of travel agents, travel management companies, travel web sites and tour operators.
It has also contracted with Sicma Aeroseat to acquire its award winning new 75 inch flat beds for each of its aircraft.
The first batch of seats is scheduled for delivery in November.
Silverjet chief executive Lawrence Hunt said: "The countdown now begins to Silverjet's launch, when our customers will be able to enjoy an industry beating 30 minute check-in, an award winning flat bed, an average £999 fare and a premium in-flight service.
Silverjet intends to achieve an average London New York return fare of £999 on a fully flexible basis and intends to develop further low fare, all business class services operating on long haul routes.
By Bev Fearis