Maxjet - All Business Class Airline
| Maxjet Airways was an all-business class airline that operated various transatlantic services. Started in November 2005, the airline lasted just over 2 years before closing down in December 2007. |
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Maxjet (IATA code MY) flew out of London Stansted and served New York JFK, Washington IAD, Las Vegas LAS and Los Angeles LAX. It also operated various charter flights.
At its peak Maxjet used 5 refurbished Boeing 767-200s - these had 102 cradle-style seats (blue leather) in a 2-2-2 configuration with 60" pitch and a recline angle of 160º. Customers were given reasonable quality dining on real china and a hand-held in-flight entertainment system. Lounge access was provided at all airports except LAS.
Return fares at the time were at premium economy levels at around £800 / $1,600 but special offers had been as low as £430 / $750 return - not much higher than an economy class ticket.
Maxjet suffered some criticism in the aviation press, namely:
1. All-business rivals at the time, Stansted-based EOS Airlines and Luton-based Silverjet (both now bankrupt) had superior products.
2. Lack of spare aircraft meant any technical problems could cause timetable delays and/or cancellations.
In October 2007 American Airlines started flying daily to New York from London Stansted which put Maxjet and EOS under greater pressure. In early December 2007 Maxjet shares on the London's AIM were suspended pending financial clarification. On December 24th 2007 Maxjet announced they were ceasing operations and all customers would be refunded or re-booked onto alternative carriers.
EOS and Silverjet lasted just a few more months and American also dropped their Stansted service by summer 2008.
Whilst London - New York is the world's most lucrative air route, it seems the small all-business model could not survive high oil prices, a credit crunch and significant competition from major airlines.
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