Video: Silverjet Takes to the Skies, the World's First Carbon Neutral Airline

NEWARK, N.J. and LONDON, Jan. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Eight months ago, CEO Lawrence Hunt began the process of executing his dream for redefining business class travel by providing business travelers with a more comfortable and cost-effective option for service across the Atlantic. Today, that vision was realized as Silverjet embarks upon its first round-trip journey between London's Luton Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport, marking the official inauguration of the airline.

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Silverjet's daily non-stop service between the New York area and London start at fares as low as $1,798, which in most cases is 50 percent less than competitive London-New York business class fares.

Lawrence Hunt, CEO, Silverjet comments, "For too long, long haul airline travel has been associated with hassle, disappointment and environmental damage. We've spent the past three years talking to customers and feel confident that Silverjet addresses their biggest concerns, making every journey as comfortable, flexible and innovative as possible. Silverjet aims to revolutionize the flying experience by spearheading a move towards civilized and enjoyable air travel. We are thrilled to be offering private jet experiences at Premium Economy prices.

"Looking forward we will commence operation of our second London Luton to New York Newark flight in July this year and we are currently investigating further long haul opportunities."

Silverjet's first flight is accompanied by the launch of its unique carbon offsetting program. Included within all ticket prices is a mandatory carbon offset contribution, giving fliers the opportunity to reinvest "Carbon Points" into a number of climate friendly projects around the world. The program has been set up in partnership with leading climate change consultants The CarbonNeutral Company and it has been developed in accordance with the CarbonNeutral protocol, the leading standard and quality mark for action on climate change.

Silverjet has created a new class of travel, heralded Silver Class, by designing a travel experience that focuses on the customer as an ally, Common frustrations and hassles associated with travel have been eliminated, making the journey as comfortable, flexible and innovative as possible.

Exclusive terminal experiences on both sides of the Atlantic allow customers with only carry on baggage to check-in as little as 30 minutes before departure time and to board the plane when it suits them.

Every Silverjet flight features award-winning flat bed seats, which extend to 6'3" long. On night flights the plane is a designated Quiet Zone to maximize sleep time. Lights stay off from take off to landing -- there are no overhead lights and breakfast is served on tip toes. Minimal announcements are made and there are no trolleys on board to ensure cabin noise and interruptions are kept to a minimum. For those who want to sleep later, Silverjet has devised a 'Breakfast Express' option so customers can have their breakfast 'on the go' and leave the plane with a steaming cup of coffee or tea.

Delicious choices of appetizers and main courses are plated in the gallery and served by hand. In keeping with the airline's premium service, customers can be entertained on the portable in-flight entertainment system with noise canceling headsets, latest releases and Silver Screen classic movies, plus US and UK television programming. Customers also have the choice to start their movie when they like, adding to the unique personal experience. In addition, all Silverjet flights feature a women's-only restroom facility.

The Silverjet cabin crew has been recruited from an elite, articulate and personable pool of hotel, catering and restaurant professionals. With one of the best crew-to-customer ratios in the air (10:1) customers can be assured they will be greeted by name and be well cared for.

"We have successfully created a sanctuary in the sky that promises to revolutionize trans-Atlantic travel," Hunt added. "Silverjet customers can work in a relaxing and quiet atmosphere, sleep in a comfortable flat bed or enjoy the in-flight entertainment options. We sought to create an experience where our customers can, if they so desire, disconnect from the world below."

    Seats on Silverjet can be booked at www.flysilverjet.com .

    Notes to Editors

    * Silverjet is the only British exclusively business class airline,
      comprising 6'3" long inclined flat beds, high quality catering,
      personalized entertainment and reduced check-in times (30 minutes with
      only carry-on baggage) from a private terminal with dedicated security
      facilities between London and New York.

    * Flat bed (6'3" pitch) at one third of the market price -- $1,798
      standard round trip fare compared to over $5,900 from competitors.

    * Flights from London Luton Airport depart at 10 AM UK time and arrive at
      1 PM EST. Flights from New York Newark Airport depart at 7:30 PM EST and
      arrive at 7:10 AM UK time.

    * The Silver Lounge is a private jet facility at London Luton Airport,
      opposite the main terminal building, with dedicated security enabling
      customers with only carry-on baggage to arrive 30 minutes before
      departure (45 minutes for customers with baggage to check in). At New
      York Newark Airport, our unique Silver Lounge offering exclusive check
      in and lounge facilities is separate from the main terminal areas.

    * The Silverjet pre-flight experience will include:
      - Seat selection -- the ability to choose your seat online
      - Specials -- pre-ordered and special menu available on the
         flysilverjet.com Web site
      - All customers transportation needs to bring them to Silverjet's
         private terminal facility including chauffeur driven luxury cars,
         valet parking, helicopter transfer (costs available on request) or
         complimentary station pick up
      - The Silver Lounge -- at both London Luton Airport and New York Newark
         Airport where customers check in and use on arrival
      - Mobile Check In -- the ability for customers to check in by web or
         mobile phone 24hrs ahead of their flight

    * The Silverjet in-flight experience will include:
      - Only 100 award-winning flat beds on an aircraft that normally carries
         300 seats
      - Quiet Zone -- on night flights the plane is a designated Quite Zone to
         maximize sleep time. No serving trolleys, no frustrating and
         unnecessary announcements during the flight, removal of all overhead
         reading lights and call bells, all food and beverages individually
         served, a late breakfast to eat on board or take away
      - Women's-only restrooms
      - Silver Diner -- a wide range of freshly prepared individually served
         gourmet meals
      - Silver Screen -- A state of the art, digital, personal in-flight
         entertainment system with noise reduction headsets
      - Seat power for using laptops throughout the flight
      - Spacious stowage for carry on baggage and hanging wardrobes

    * Silverjet's standard London New York round trip fare is $1,798, with
      fully flexible tickets starting for as little as $1,249 each way.

    * Silverjet intends to develop further low fare, all business class
      services operating on additional long haul routes once existing routes
      have become established and profitable.

    * Silverjet is the World's first airline to become carbon neutral on all
      flights. Included within ticket prices is a carbon offset contribution,
      giving customers the opportunity to reinvest "Carbon Points" into a
      number of climate friendly projects around the world. The scheme is
      being set up in partnership with leading climate change specialists The
      CarbonNeutral Company and it has been developed in accordance with the
      CarbonNeutral protocol, the leading standard and quality mark for action
      on climate change.