EOS Airlines - Suspends Business Class Flights London to New York
| EOS Airlines was an all business class airline flying between London Stansted STN and New York JFK. Started in November 2005 it lasted 2 1/2 years before closing its doors on 27 April 2008. |
EOS had created a niche for itself in the business travel transatlantic market and had attracted some passengers away from the traditional carriers like British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. EOS ran Boeing 757 aircraft configured to just 48 seats which meant service was much more individually targeted.
Each passenger had a mini 'suite' with a 78 inch fully-flat bed seat that included 21 square feet of personal space. This gave the EOS cabin a feel like a hybrid between a large corporate private jet and a scheduled commercial airliner. (EOS stated this was the most space of any scheduled airline in the world - however, the first class long-haul product from India's Jet Airways had a claimed 26 square feet!)
EOS flew a total of 44 weekly flights between London and New York.
The EOS unrestricted fare for London - New York was priced around $7,800 / £3,900 return all inclusive. In the final months of service, all-in fares as low as $2,300 / £1,150 return could be found. Service was pitched between business and first class of top scheduled airlines and received praise from travellers.
EOS also had a frequent flyer program called Club 48 where each qualifying round-trip would effectively earn $150 and this could be redeemed on any airline.
In the end however, high oil prices were not conducive to operating older aircraft. The credit crunch put a strain on securing finance and reduced demand at the premium end of the travel market. EOS and its all-business counterparts could not survive.
Air Travel Articles > Business Class Flying > EOS Airlines
Other Articles
Privatair All Business Class Europe to US, Dubai, India
How to Fly Business Class and First Class Cheaper
Private Executive Jet Options for UK travellers