Speaking at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) at a reception to mark the inauguration of the airline's new four-times weekly route to Stansted, Maxjet CEO, Bill Stockbridge, confirmed that the airline is in negotiation for a sixth wide-bodied Boeing 767.
"We are looking at new routes out of Stansted," he said. "It might well be that we can introduce a Florida service three or four times a week from next January."
Pressed as to which Florida airport was the focus of attention he confirmed Miami. "We believe that some of the cruise market clientele could be interested in the budget business class service that we offer."
Stockbridge pointed out that under the new 'Open Skies' bilateral between the US and Europe airlines like Maxjet could pick up passengers at Stansted and operate a sector to any country that offered traffic rights, typically Stansted - Dubai.
Until they sort out a better solution Maxjet will be using a common usage executive lounge in what is essentially a temporary building in the centre of Los Angeles Airport approached via a transfer bus. The problem is that with, at the most 102 passengers, the fledgling carrier is suddenly one of the largest business class airlines out of LAX to London.
At Stansted it has is own dedicated operation, easily the finest at the airport.
In fact the large and well air conditioned building is perfectly acceptable, offering the usual range of alcoholic drinks, sandwiches and snacks. Three computer stations and free wireless are provided.
The old fashioned system of a member of staff walking around the facility ringing a bell and displaying a sign, works very well as a flight call and does not disturb the quietness of the place.
From LAX, British Airways offers three Boeing 747 non-stop flights to Heathrow, Virgin Atlantic two with Airbus A340-600s, American Airlines also two with Boeing 777s, United a single 777 flight, and finally Air New Zealand one 747 service.
Maxjet had a full aircraft (with just a single non-revenue passenger) on its inaugural flight out of Los Angeles, and 82 passengers for its second rotation. With the two initial inbound services carrying 40 plus passengers, the prospects appear to be strong.
While it has not yet carried out a detailed survey, Maxjet says that indications are that 25% of passengers are connecting to and from European destinations at Stansted.
"Our high load factors are pushing us not only to expand the airline, but also to expand frequencies from existing destinations as well," said Stockbridge. "Our business model is continuing to win over new customers every day."
Maxjet is listed on the London alternative investment market (AIM) and will report shortly.