Silverjet, the UK-based all-business class carrier, is in talks with investors in the UAE to launch its franchise airline from Dubai.


Lawrence Hunt, CEO of the one-year-old airline, told Khaleej Times that the talks are in advanced stages, and if an agreement could be reached the launch of an all business-class airline from Dubai would be a reality soon. "An investment of $100 million is needed to launch the carrier initially with a couple of 767 jets," he said without giving further details about prospective partners.

Hunt said the first year for the carrier - the world's only commercial all-business airline to fly a non-transatlantic route, and the only scheduled airline to offer a private terminal experience at both ends of its service -was marked by major milestones including the successful launch of its route to Dubai which have helped solidify its global position as a pioneering airline with a bright future.

"Since the launch of daily flights to New York from London Luton on January 25, 2007, the airline has already reached an impressive set of targets, including the first scheduled airline to reach 80 per cent load factor within seven months. In a couple of months, we will be breaking even," Hunt said. "We have made a spectacular market entry and set a new standard for business-class travel. We hope to repeat the success story in our franchise business."

He said the market response to Silverjet has been very positive, with the Dubai route shaking up the region's aviation industry and performing ahead of expectations. "Our new Dubai route is already making an impact on the direction of the company and will play an integral part of our future plans," said Hunt. "Overall, we have met or exceeded our sales, marketing, and operational goals, and we look forward to the next phase of our development."

The carrier has also achieved its goal of 80 per cent on-time departures and has witnessed strong repeat travel, reporting that 20 per cent of bookings are being made by customers who have already flown with the airline. "This is a testament to Silverjet's level of customer service," he said.

Silverjet, which began its operations within just eight months of flotation on the London AIM stock exchange, currently offers a twice-daily service between London and New York, and a daily service from London-Dubai.
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