Silverjet, RIP

Another airline bites the dust: this time it's Silverjet, the all-business-class airline: it lasted just a few months longer than MaxJet. The official statement from Silverjet is pathetic, in the literal sense of the word:

We extend our sincerest apologies to those of you who have travel plans with Silverjet in the future and at present. You are advised to seek alternative travel arrangements with other carriers, and contact your credit card company or travel agent directly for information on obtaining refunds.
We are working actively with new investors who are prepared to inject new funds so we can recommence operations. If we are able to achieve this, we will make an announcement as soon as possible and we hope to be able to bring you our very 'sivilised' flying experience again.

This is yet another lesson that airline tickets should be booked with a credit card - it's the only realistic way of getting a refund if the airline goes bust.

I'd put the chances of Silverjet managing to "recommence operations" at roughly the same probability as the chances of oil falling back to something below $75 a barrel.

In terms of all-business-class airlines, this leaves Eos as the sole carrier on the key London-New York route that's it for the New York-London route: Eos folded last month. Only L'Avion, flying New York-Paris, remains. (Thanks to Joe Brancatelli for the reminder, I'd forgotten.)