Business Weekly - Cambridge, UK

Business Weekly exclusively revealed MAXjet’s (formerly Skylink’s) plans early this summer. Stansted hopes this venture proves third time lucky for a transatlantic service from the Essex hub following the collapse of routes by American Airlines in the early ’90s and Continental following 9/11.

More than half of the region’s leading mid-market companies are either American owned or have US operations and executives have had to trek to Heathrow or Gatwick, wasting time and money. Millions of pounds are spent by local companies each year on travel to the States.

MAXjet is the first carrier to bring the low cost revolution to the international market. It is the industry’s first all-business transatlantic airline to offer everyday low fares for a premium service and fares will be 50 to 75 per cent less than those currently in the marketplace. Flights are bookable from Monday September 26 on www.MAXjet.com or by calling 0800 023 4300.

The Stansted-JFK flight will depart London Stansted at 10 am (local time) and arrives at JFK 1 pm (local time). The return flight departs JFK at 6.30 pm (local time) arriving London Stansted 7am (local time) the following day.

Based at Washington Dulles International Airport, the privately owned MAXjet Airways has operational facilities and deluxe departure lounge services at both Stansted and JFK.

MAXjet says it will offer a true business class experience at low fares that are available at all times, even for last-minute passengers.

Fares will be flexible allowing for changes and refunds for a fee. MAXjet will offer just one class of service – Business Class. This service will include business class seats with a 60-inch seat pitch and the traditional amenities of the largest carriers, such as a pre-departure beverage, multi-course meals, a chef’s pantry, complimentary premium drinks, portable on-demand entertainment, travel amenities and much more.

Gary Rogliano, MAXjet’s CEO, said: “MAXjet was founded to bring greater value to the intercontinental market by connecting key business cities with a high-quality, low-fare business class product.

“MAXjet was designed to appeal to the savvy traveller with luxury amenities for all passengers and the highest standards for comfort, service and value.”

MAXjet will operate Boeing 767-200ERs on the initial route. Typically configured to seat more than 200 passengers, MAXjet will configure its B767s with just 102 seats to greatly increase legroom and space for each of its passengers. There will be no middle seats on the aircraft.

MAXjet will expand its fleet and flight schedule and plans to include a second flight between Stansted and JFK. During its first year of service, MAXjet will add additional routes to London from major US markets.

The airline also has DOT approval to operate transatlantic and intercontinental service to Aruba, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. * Fares do not include Federal International Air Transportation Taxes, foreign departure taxes, customs and immigration fees, airport improvement and health inspection fees, and other fees of approximately £80 for the roundtrip. Seats are limited and certain flights and/or days of travel may be unavailable at lowest prices, especially during busy travel periods. Tickets are nontransferable, but may be reissued for a £60 change fee plus any applicable difference in fare.Tickets are refundable for a £180 fee. Fares and schedules are subject to change without notice, and other restrictions may apply.

For additional information about MAXjet including its routes, fares and flight schedules, or to book travel from September 26, visit the MAXjet Web site at www.maxjet.com