Maxjet says that passengers waiting for return flights between New York and London will be offered seats on Eos Airlines.
The development follows the collapse yesterday (24 December) of the business class only airline that had established a high reputation for its services between the US and UK.
Maxjet has now filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy that should afford the carrier some degree of protection as it seeks to satisfy creditors.
Based in Washington DC but centred on London”s Stansted Airport, Maxjet reported a $31.9m loss for the six months ended June 2007 and operated a fleet of five Boeing 767 aircraft with a sixth 767-200ER due to enter service.
News of Maxjet's demise is a source of enormous frustration for the carrier given that it posted a first-half year load factor of 83.1%, but the business class only sector is fiercely competitive, with rivals Eos and Silverjet operating to the US, while American Airlines recently entered the Stansted-New York sector.
”With today”s fuel prices and the resulting impact on the credit climate for airlines, we are forced to take this drastic measure,” said Maxjet president and CEO William Stockbridge. ”Our top priority is to assist our customers, particularly those who already have begun their travel with us, in securing alternative flight accommodations.
”Maxjet has contracted with Eos Airlines for seats on its scheduled all-premium service to accommodate passengers awaiting a return flight between New York and London. Passengers needing return travel between London, Los Angeles and Las Vegas will be contacted regarding their flight re-accommodations. Any customers who choose to make flight accommodations directly should seek a refund from their point of purchase (credit card or travel agency) for the unused leg of their journey.”
The airline also says that it has booked hotel rooms in London, New York, Las Vegas and Los Angeles.
Despite the popularity of the service, Maxjet was also facing a new competitive environment next year as the start of Open Skies in March has led several carriers, including Virgin Atlantic and British Airways, to declare their hand in the business only sector.