Second Silverjet launch delayed

Last updated at 10:11 26 July 2007


Silverjet

Fledgling business-only long haul airline Silverjet has been forced to delay the launch of its second New York service after it said one of its aircraft needed additional maintenance work.

Silverjet shares dived by 14% on news that the group would have to put back the launch date from the end of this month until at least September 20. The group has already delayed the introduction of the second daily service once before in order to allow for the so-called "C-Check" to be carried out on its aircraft.

The service from London Luton to Newark, New York, was originally due to take off on July 2. Silverjet said all passengers booked on cancelled flights would be offered seats on the current service or the option of a full refund.

The airline sought to reassure investors that the disruption would be limited, but the news disappointed investors, with the stock plunging in value.

Lawrence Hunt, chief executive of Silverjet, said: "Whilst we're disappointed that the launch of our second flight has been delayed, the fact that much of the work is being carried out during the traditionally quiet time for transatlantic business travel will reduce disruption to our travellers."

Silverjet announced last month that it was bringing forward the aircraft's C-Check to July in an attempt to minimise disruption - a move which saw the initial delay of the flight launch date. Its second aircraft, which began flying on July 17, was recently given the all clear in maintenance checks.

The carrier is set to boost its aircraft fleet early next year, with two recently bought Boeing jets due for delivery in March.

Silverjet has not yet announced which routes it will extend its service to, but has a further 30 under consideration to expand from its current New York only service.

The airline launched in January offering an exclusively business class service, with a check-in time of 30 minutes and its own private terminal at Luton airport.

Mr Hunt founded the business in 2004 and the group floated on London's junior Alternative Investment Market in May last year.

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