Silverjet today (30 May) ceased operations having not received the cash promised as part of its loan agreement with UAE-based investor Viceroy Holdings.
The airline”s shares were suspended on 23 May when it became apparent it had yet to receive the first $5m drawdown request, and it admitted needing the money ”as a matter of urgency” ” but it has not received any further sums and its assets have been frozen.
A statement from the carrier read: ”It is with deep regret that the Board of Silverjet has therefore decided that it must suspend operations with immediate effect. The last service of Silverjet was the flight from Dubai to London Luton, which departed at 7.30 am (BST) this morning.”
Silverjet CEO Lawrence Hunt said in an open letter to customers: ”Your belief in us was shared by our investors - but regrettably, due to unforeseen circumstances, they were unable to unlock the finance that we needed.
”We extend our sincerest apologies to those of you who have travel plans with Silverjet in the future and at present. You are advised to seek alternative travel arrangements with other carriers, and contact your credit card company or travel agent directly for information on obtaining refunds.”
Despite the lethal cocktail of an economic slowdown and ceiling-high fuel costs ” which has done for numerous carriers including Eos and Maxjet - a glimmer of hope seems to remain for Silverjet, as Hunt added that discussions are ongoing to resurrect the airline”s services.
”We are working actively with new investors who are prepared to inject new funds so we can recommence operations,” he said. ”If we are able to achieve this, we will make an announcement as soon as possible and we hope to be able to bring you our very 'sivilised' flying experience again.”
Information for customers is available at flysilverjet.com and customers should seek refunds of unused segments of tickets from the point of purchase (ie credit card or travel agency).
Silverjet began flying from its London Luton base to New York Newark in January 2007, adding Dubai services in November.
Paris-based L'Avion is now the only surviving business-only airline, although British Airways intends to start such a service from London City to New York some time next year.