Media quotes

The Mail on Sunday

Fred Mawer - The heroes and zeroes of 2007

"The new all-business-class airline started flying in January. Tickets are not cheap (from £1,099 return – book on 0844 855 0111 www.flysilverjet.com) but they are nearly half what you would normally pay to fly in comparable style with BA and, given the quality of the experience, they are fantastic value."...

The Mail on Sunday

Fred Mawer - The heroes and zeroes of 2007

“The new all-business-class airline started flying in January. Tickets are not cheap (from £1,099 return – book on 0844 855 0111 www.flysilverjet.com) but they are nearly half what you would normally pay to fly in comparable style with BA and, given the quality of the experience, they are fantastic value.

"Flying with Silverjet is wonderfully hassle-free. The airline has its own private terminal and slick lounge at Luton and passengers can check in as late as 30 minutes before departure. On board, seats unfold into nearly flat beds, the food is excellent and no trolleys are used, which makes it all very civilised. Last month, Silverjet added flights to Dubai. More routes please."

The Sunday Times

Susan D'Arcy, Luxury Travel Writer

“As Silverjet has its own security controls within the terminal, I could embark at my leisure, again with no queuing.  It was unbelievably civilised.”

“At night, the seat extends to an inclined flat bed….I slept for five hours straight”....

The Sunday Times

Susan D'Arcy, Luxury Travel Writer

“As Silverjet has its own security controls within the terminal, I could embark at my leisure, again with no queuing.  It was unbelievably civilised.”

“At night, the seat extends to an inclined flat bed….I slept for five hours straight”....

...“Flying cattle class is increasingly degrading, but business class is extortionate.  What do we do?  Now, a new airline called Silverjet is promising to provide a solution, by doing for business class what Ryanair and Easyjet have done for economy: making it affordable.”

“I arrived to find a hotel-style lobby in place of the traditional rows of desks.  A friendly ‘concierge’ took my passport and suggested I saunter through to a chic airy lounge furnished with sink-in sofas and dominated by a generous breakfast display…”

“After a few minutes, my new best friend found me to return my passport with boarding card.  Absolutely no queuing.”

“It’s pod seats have an impressively 21st-century gloss, with taupe upholstery, a chocolate and caramel soft-leather surround and a futuristic metallic shell.”

“Silverjet has deliberately recruited flight attendants with hospitality rather than airline backgrounds.  That decision pays off, with a refreshingly sassy, bistro-sleek attitude from the crew.”

“Here’s an airline that treats passengers with respect – most of the others contemptuously refer to customers as Self-Loading Freight.  Silverjet’s deconstructed club-class concept may make us SLFs question why we’re paying way over the odds for comfort in the air.  I predict a riot.”

Play Susan D'Arcy's Silverjet movie article 

(You will need Windows Media Player)

The Times

Tina Gaudoin, Style Director - The Times Magazine

"Silverjet: one of my top ten coolhunters of all time. Genuinely different, deluxe, eco-conscious and good value. What's not to like?"

The Times

Tina Gaudoin, Style Director - The Times Magazine 

"Silverjet: one of my top ten coolhunters of all time. Genuinely different, deluxe, eco-conscious and good value. What's not to like?"
 
"You could argue that flying into Newark and out of Luton is none too chic, but after this summer's Heathrow debacle I'm not sure that's too much of a hardship. In any case the stress-free check-in procedure - hand over bags and passports at the dedicated, comfy Silverjet lounge, take a seat and wait for your tickets to come to you - makes it all worthwhile. The whole process is so simple and the lounge so secluded that there are times when you could actually believe you weren't in an airport."
 
"On a recent overnight flight everyone - all 99 of the other passengers - was snoozing comfortably. I, meanwhile, was taking advantage of my very favourite Silverjet amenity, the dedicated "ladies bathroom" which was mercifully dry underfoot and sweetly scented."
 
"The dishes are created in partnership with London's fabulous Le Caprice restaurant, the cutlery is not plastic and the china is actually china. Silverjet recruits some of its staff from the service and hospitality industries, which may account for their excellent standards, their cheery demeanour and their anxiety to please."

The London Paper 

Bridget Harrison, Deputy Editor

"I shall never fly to New York with anyone else again."

The London Paper

Bridget Harrison, Deputy Editor 

"I shall never fly to New York with anyone else again."

"You only have to arrive 30 minutes before the flight and you arrive so rested that you can ignore jet lag and go straight to work or the shops. The service flies out of its own terminal in Luton, where you're greeted by a lounge of light refreshments and your own security line - so no need to queue with the hoi polloi."

Evening Standard

Chris Blackhurst, City Editor 

"What impressed me about Silverjet was the efficiency of the staff and the eye for detail. It's the little things you notice - none of those awful overhead reading lights that keep everyone awake, light but still excellent food, a thoughtful choice of in-flight entertainment. Everything was quiet, unfussed, unhurried - just as it should be. You find yourself wishing all airlines were this way."

Evening Standard

Chris Blackhurst, City Editor

"What impressed me about Silverjet was the efficiency of the staff and the eye for detail. It's the little things you notice - none of those awful overhead reading lights that keep everyone awake, light but still excellent food, a thoughtful choice of in-flight entertainment. Everything was quiet, unfussed, unhurried - just as it should be. You find yourself wishing all airlines were this way."

The Sunday Times

Dominic O’Connell, Deputy Business Editor

"Jump off the train at Luton Parkway station and a taxi in Silverjet colours is waiting to take you up the hill to the airport. ...the airport gives it one thing none of its rivals has – its own private terminal."

The Sunday Times

Dominic O’Connell, Deputy Business Editor

"Jump off the train at Luton Parkway station and a taxi in Silverjet colours is waiting to take you up the hill to the airport. ...the airport gives it one thing none of its rivals has – its own private terminal.

Silverjetters use part of what was Luton’s old terminal. It has been refurbished into a large lounge, and from there passengers are taken through a dedicated security channel, and on to a small bus to the plane. Staff take your passport and check you in as you arrive, or will come to you in the lounge if you want to take a seat first. 

The cabin staff were excellent and the service was good…"

AOL Travel

Leon Beckenham, Travel Editor

“Silverjet is the newest UK carrier on the block, and the first British airline to offer all-business class flights, or what they refer to as a 'private jet experience'. And although you do have to share the plane with 99 other passengers, this is probably the closest you are going to come to such transatlantic luxury for under a grand.”

AOL Travel

Leon Beckenham, Travel Editor

“Silverjet is the newest UK carrier on the block, and the first British airline to offer all-business class flights, or what they refer to as a 'private jet experience'. And although you do have to share the plane with 99 other passengers, this is probably the closest you are going to come to such transatlantic luxury for under a grand.

The private terminal and dedicated security at Luton airport also means travellers can check in up to just 30 minutes before boarding. Best of all, at least from an eco-guilt perspective, Silverjet is the world's first carbon-neutral airline.”

The Sunday Telegraph

Sarah Modlock, Travel Writer

"The Silverjet experience begins with a private jet-style welcome at Luton airport."

"While I enjoy a breakfast of Champagne and warm croissants, my passport and tickets are collected and returned to me a few minutes later along with my boarding pass."

The Sunday Telegraph

Sarah Modlock, Travel Writer

"The Silverjet experience begins with a private jet-style welcome at Luton airport."

"While I enjoy a breakfast of Champagne and warm croissants, my passport and tickets are collected and returned to me a few minutes later along with my boarding pass."

“There is an exclusive security channel with no queues and no fuss which means the journey from lounge seat to plane seat takes minutes”

"I manage five hours' sleep and wake, beneath my fleecy blanket (with built-in foot pocket), cuddling my entertainment system, tuned to soothing music."

"In-flight service is excellent..."

"Check-in at Newark is as exclusive and effortless as Luton..."

News of the World

Matthew Nixson, Features Editor

"Silverjet's service from Luton is bliss - you can check in just thirty minutes before flying.  The fares are a fraction of the cost of traditional business class to the States."

News of the World

Matthew Nixson, Features Editor

"Silverjet's service from Luton is bliss - you can check in just thirty minutes before flying.  The fares are a fraction of the cost of traditional business class to the States. 
 
Arriving at Silverjet's swish terminal building at Luton, your luggage is taken away and you're whisked into the departure lounge for a glass of champers!  Before you can say "New York, New York" you've been through security and are on the plane."

The Sun

Lisa Minot, Travel Editor

"At a time when just getting through airport check-in and security can take more than four hours, I've just flown to New York with an airline that requires you to arrive just 30 MINUTES before take-off."

The Sun

Lisa Minot, Travel Editor

"At a time when just getting through airport check-in and security can take more than four hours, I've just flown to New York with an airline that requires you to arrive just 30 MINUTES before take-off."
 
"Turn up at the airline's dedicated terminal and your case is whisked away as you enter the door.  Take a seat, grab a glass of champers and someone will come TO YOU to check you in!"
 
"With just 100 people on the flight, service is friendly and relaxed.  The food was excellent and best of all you arrive in New York feeling refreshed and relaxed."
 
"I'd book now - before EVERYONE gets in on the secret."
 

Daily Telegraph

Chris Alden and Kitty Melrose 

"There is a definite sense that the airline (Silverjet) is thinking about what its customers want..." 

Daily Telegraph

Chris Alden and Kitty Melrose

"There is a definite sense that the airline (Silverjet) is thinking about what its customers want..."
 
"It's all about getting the passengers from arrival to aircraft in 30 minutes.....There are no check-in desks - it's all done at your seat - and a concierge service will take your bags."

The Spectator

Matthew d'Ancona, Editor

"And - here's the good news - the service you get really is as good as, if not better than, that enjoyed by all those left-turners on the established carriers." 

"The staff pay attention to their customers with the care one associates with a new business that will go far and has not sunk into the complacency of the better-known brands." 

The Spectator

Matthew d'Ancona, Editor

"And - here's the good news - the service you get really is as good as, if not better than, that enjoyed by all those left-turners on the established carriers." 

"The staff pay attention to their customers with the care one associates with a new business that will go far and has not sunk into the complacency of the better-known brands."

"On board, you get plenty of space to yourself and a seat that reclines to sleeping position.....The food was good too: a humous starter, followed by a rather delicate Thai chicken, with regular visits by staff to check whether one needed more coffee, water or (in my case) top-ups of Diet Coke."

"And the way back?  Well, I wish I could tell you.  But the truth is that, for the first time ever on a flight, I slept like a baby for six hours..."

The Sunday Times Travel Magazine

Susan d’Arcy, Travel Editor

"Every inch counts, so you’d have to be mad to pay £850 for 38 inches in premium economy when, for an extra £149, you can get cosy in a 75 inches on Silverjet, the new all-business airline to New York."

The Sunday Times Travel Magazine

Susan d’Arcy, Travel Editor

“Every inch counts, so you’d have to be mad to pay £850 for 38 inches in premium economy when, for an extra £149, you can get cosy in a 75 inches on Silverjet, the new all-business airline to New York.

"There’s a 30-minute check-in; a menu on board that lets you eat what you want when you want; and dedicated security at its private air terminal at Luton Airport.  No more haemorrhaging cash at Garfunkels as you try to fill the hours before your flight.”

Mail on Sunday

Frank Barrett, Travel Editor

"Until I flew on the new Silverjet service from Luton to New York last week, I doubted whether the reality could match the airline's hype: a transatlantic return fare for £999 and the promise of executive jet-style travel.  In fact the reality is probably even better."
 
..."the food is probably the best I've had on an aeroplane"...

Mail on Sunday

Frank Barrett, Travel Editor

"Until I flew on the new Silverjet service from Luton to New York last week, I doubted whether the reality could match the airline's hype: a transatlantic return fare for £999 and the promise of executive jet-style travel.  In fact the reality is probably even better."
 
..."the food is probably the best I've had on an aeroplane"...

"Staff are friendly, assured and charming- not characteristics normally associated with flight attendants.."
 
"Silverjet's own lounge at Luton is excellent and check-in and boarding are smoothly handled."
 
"Flying is transformed from the customary ordeal into a joyous experience."

The Times

Cath Urquhart, Travel Editor

“On board, everyone has a seat that converts to a bed, and, with no more than 100 passengers, the food’s better than many airlines.  Bread comes warm with Président butter, and chocolate cake for afternoon tea is sliced in front of you, not prepacked.”...

The Times

Cath Urquhart, Travel Editor

“On board, everyone has a seat that converts to a bed, and, with no more than 100 passengers, the food’s better than many airlines.  Bread comes warm with Président butter, and chocolate cake for afternoon tea is sliced in front of you, not prepacked.”

“The rock band the Kaiser Chiefs enjoyed the airline so much that they mentioned it on Radio 1 – now Artic Monkeys are getting on board, I hear.  Maybe Silverjet will take on the role vacated by Concorde of offering the best chance of sitting next to a rock star.”

Daily Mail

Matt Warren, Travel Editor

"Splashing out on a seat is well worth it. Silverjet has its own terminal at Luton and check-in is a hassle-free 45 minutes in a private lounge"...

Daily Mail 

Matt Warren, Travel Editor

"Splashing out on a seat is well worth it. Silverjet has its own terminal at Luton and check-in is a hassle-free 45 minutes in a private lounge. Add sparkling wine, a flat-bed and movie, and you're touching down in Newark (just across the Hudson River from Manhattan) at 1pm, feeling almost lively."

Daily Telegraph

Hilary Alexander, Fashion Director 

“The experience was so totally stress and hassle-free compared to the normal airport experience of queues and crowds and noise, it was almost like having my own private jet.”

Daily Telegraph

Hilary Alexander, Fashion Director 

“The experience was so totally stress and hassle-free compared to the normal airport experience of queues and crowds and noise, it was almost like having my own private jet.”

“What I was not expecting was the incredible service pre-flight! Silverjet has its own exclusive private air terminal and (dedicated) security gates so there are absolutely NO QUEUES!!!  For me, this factor alone makes it worth the fare…You are bussed straight to the plane – painted silver, I was pleased to note, since silver is THE key colour of this spring/summer.”

Live Night and Day, Mail on Sunday

Andrew Davies, Deputy Editor

”There is a way to fly green…as long as you’re going between London and New York.  Silverjet, the world’s first carbon neutral airline, will offset every ton of C02 produced by your trip to the Big Apple… 

Live Night and Day, Mail on Sunday

Andrew Davies, Deputy Editor

”There is a way to fly green…as long as you’re going between London and New York.  Silverjet, the world’s first carbon neutral airline, will offset every ton of C02 produced by your trip to the Big Apple"

And they don’t expect you to have to eat lentils under a nettle-fibre blanket either:  Silver Class service includes 30-minute check in, flat beds and limo service, from £999 return.”

Business Traveller

Tom Otley, Editor

“The seat was comfortable, and had a number of pre-set options as well as arrows for fine-tuning the exact position. For sleeping the seat reclines into a 191cm lie-flat bed (angled at eight degrees from horizontal), with the footrest disappearing beneath the seat in front.”

Business Traveller

Tom Otley, Editor

“The seat was comfortable, and had a number of pre-set options as well as arrows for fine-tuning the exact position. For sleeping the seat reclines into a 191cm lie-flat bed (angled at eight degrees from horizontal), with the footrest disappearing beneath the seat in front”

“Since Silverjet is looking to take some of the 1.2 million passengers flying premium from London to New York annually, travelling from Luton is a clever choice for those coming from the north of London, since it is second only to Heathrow in volume of business flights and has no slot constraints.”

“Silverjet has been quick to differentiate itself from the other all-business class airlines. As well as being the only British carrier in the sector, it has a 30-minute check-in time (or 45 minutes with luggage to check in the hold), online check-in up to 24 hours before the flight (with seat selection) and the ability to print out your boarding pass and even mobile check-in so that your boarding card is ready for you on arrival.”

“Verdict Good value for money, and perfect for those coming from the northern Home Counties. Will it succeed? Well, Luton is an airport of great convenience for those coming from the Midlands or those who live around the M1 corridor, and if New York trips are a regular part of your schedule these are reasonably priced.”

Independent on Sunday

Kate Simon, Travel Editor

“This is a private-jet-style welcome.  Step through the terminal doors and a receptionist will ask you a few security questions before parking your bags behind her desk and ushering you into an inner sanctum when Pol Roger champagne is available on demand and Sinatra croons in the background.” ...

Independent on Sunday

Kate Simon, Travel Editor

“This is a private-jet-style welcome.  Step through the terminal doors and a receptionist will ask you a few security questions before parking your bags behind her desk and ushering you into an inner sanctum when Pol Roger champagne is available on demand and Sinatra croons in the background.”

The rest of the check-in process is done seat-side in the lounge – your passport will be whisked away and returned with a boarding card within minutes. And an exclusive security channel speeds you through to the plane.  Check in with luggage up to 45 minutes before the flight, take only hand luggage and you can arrive with just 30 minutes to spare.”

“The recruitment of staff has also been given an unorthodox twist and points up the importance of style to this new airline.  Don’t expect your standard dollies or trollies:  Silverjet’s staff are sharply dressed with subtle make-up and hair has been glamorously styled by top hairdresser Nicky Clarke.  They serve passengers individually.”

Sunday Express

Jane Memmler, Travel Editor

"Only 30 minutes before my flight departed from Luton, I arrived at Silverjet's trendy and spacious check-in lounge...."

"At £999 return, Silverjet provides affordable luxury and a seamless journey.  It will be difficult to queue up now at Heathrow and Gatwick for business class."

Sunday Express

Jane Memmler, Travel Editor

"Only 30 minutes before my flight departed from Luton, I arrived at Silverjet's trendy and spacious check-in lounge...."

"At £999 return, Silverjet provides affordable luxury and a seamless journey. It will be difficult to queue up now at Heathrow and Gatwick for business class."

"I didn't have to queue at check-in.  I received a boarding pass at once and still had plenty of time to read a paper and sip a glass of champagne before being escorted to the plane."

"The food was light and tasty.....after the cheese plate, I felt decadent and very happy."

Financial Times, Weekend FT Magazine

MRS MONEYPENNY

"The first, and best, reason in my book to use the service is that he [Lawrence Hunt, CEO of Silverjet] has his own terminal at Luton. Gone are the horrors of Heathrow Airport. A dedicated terminal for 100 people or fewer means no check-in queues, a minimal security queue, and Krug for everyone in the lounge. Hurrah.”... 

Financial Times, Weekend FT Magazine

MRS MONEYPENNY

“The first, and best, reason in my book to use the service is that he [Lawrence Hunt, CEO of Silverjet] has his own terminal at Luton. Gone are the horrors of Heathrow Airport. A dedicated terminal for 100 people or fewer means no check-in queues, a minimal security queue, and Krug for everyone in the lounge. Hurrah.”

“I flew on Silverjet to New York this month – and intend to do so for all my trips there in the foreseeable future.”

“Included in the ticket price is a mandatory carbon-offset contribution, the proceeds of which appear to be being used wisely to generate employment as well as reducing the environmental impact of gas emissions.”