New Concept in Air Travel

I've been flying long enough to remember such breakthrough air carriers as Icelandic Airlines (now Icelandair), once the only non-charter, low-fare carrier between the US and Eruope; People Express (long ago wrapped into Continental), a low-fare, non-union domestic airline with simplified regulations, and Laker Airways' SkyTrain, the late Sir Freddie Laker's low-fare, no-frills transatlantic airline. I have welcomed the rise of Southwest Airlines (especially their apperance on the Denver air scene), applauded the success of JetBlue offering luxury for less and enjoyed the funky-mod ambience on Virgin Atlantic.

Now comes another really great idea in air travel . Beginning this Thursday, January 25, SilverJet is offering business class-only daily service between New York's Newark International Airport and London's Luton Airport. This new carrier is boasting about ooperating the world's first private terminal for an intercontinental commercial airline with a mere 30-minute check-in, its own security screening facilitity and the services of a luggage concierge to deal with baggage.

SilverJet is flying single-class Boeing 767 aircraft with just 100 flat-bed seats, freshly cooked food that each passenger can order when he or she wishes to eat and individual personal entertainment systems. The carrier promises, "When you want to sleep, we'll make up your bed, offer you a night-cap, and promise not to wake you, unless you've specifically requested it. We’ll keep pre-landing procedures to a minimum to give you an extra lie-in. With no intrusive announcements, no flood-lit cabins and no trolleys to bang into your seats, we create the quietest possible cabin environment to help you sleep, or concentrate on work."

Sounds pricey? Not really, considering what your money brings. SilverJet the fare is $1,796 roundtrip, well more than economy on other airlines but only about half of their front-cabin fares. For semi-frugal expense-account flyers or anyone ready for a transatlantic splurge, SilverJet is the way to go. I wish the airline great success and hope to fly it someday.

But wait! There's more! Passengers can fly SilverJet with a clear conscience. It announced that it is the world's first airline to be 100 percent carbon neutral. That moderate ticket price includes a mandatory carbon offset contribution, giving passengers the opportunity to reinvest "Carbon Points" into a number of climate-friendly projects around the world.

I like travel providers that offer services at such good prices that even the most budget-conscious can afford to go places and see things. I like luxury and service. What I like about
SilverJet appears to be offering up top-shelf service and facilities at happy-hour, well-drink prices. What can be better than that?