Silverjet predicts profit by March
All-business class airline Silverjet expects to return its first profit by March.
The disclosure came as the carrier’s figures for its first year of operations from Luton were released.
Passenger carryings in the 12 months to the end of January reached 60,755 with a load factor of 58%.
The number of revenue seats sold in January was 8,729, giving a load factor for the month of 54% on routes to New York and Dubai.
Chief executive Lawrence Hunt said the board “continues to be confident that Silverjet will achieve its first month of pre-tax profit and be cash generative in March 2008”.
He added: “We are extremely proud of our record achievements for a start up airline in our first year of flying.
“During January, traditionally one of the quietest month’s for long haul travel, our very successful “Very Sivilised Sale” resulted in 18,131 forward sectors booked, more than double (up 132%) December 2007.
Total revenue also more than doubled (up 106%) compared to December. This is an undoubted vindication of the desire of our target customers, in New York, Dubai and London, to fly from our private terminals in a luxury aircraft and at fares often 50% lower than our competitors.”
He added that Civil Aviation Authority figures showed the airline to be the most punctual on the London-New York route in October and November.
Two further Boeing 767ER are due for delivery next month giving Silverjet the capability to fly to destinations such as to Delhi, Johannesburg, Mauritius, Shanghai or Los Angeles carrying 100 passengers.
by Phil Davies
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