January 9, 2007 – NEW British transatlantic premium-only carrier Silverjet will include handheld IFE from Mezzo Movies in its offering when it enters service on January 25.

The first British operator to offer a premium-only service, Silverjet will go up against Stansted-originating MAXjet and Eos from January 25, when it is due to start operating a pair of Boeing 767s between Luton and New York Newark.

The nominally 300-seat 767s are fitted with 100 Sicma Majesty seats with built-in reading light, laptop power and massage function, and the ability to convert into 75in flat beds. Fares will start at £799 return, well under half the cost of flying business class with British Airways or Virgin Atlantic from the two major London terminals.   

London-based Mezzo Movies has been selected to supply handheld IFE based on eVU devices from e.Digital. Mezzo confirmed last year that it had received an initial batch of players from the Californian company. Silverjet is Mezzo’s second customer, following the announcement of UK low-cost carrier Jet2 in November. The “Silver Screen” service will offer a choice of 15 films, 12 US and British comedy shows, six drama/documentary programmes and over 240 music videos. Noise-reduction headsets will be provided.

Silverjet passengers will be able to arrive at the airport and check in at the carrier’s own dedicated terminal as little as 30 minutes before departure. Seats – and food choices - can be selected in advance, and the airline undertakes wherever practicable to leave empty the seat adjoining a single traveller.

Other features of the service include an inflight bar, extra space for carry-on baggage plus wardrobes for suit-carriers, jackets and coats, a ladies-only lavatory, flexible food service, and an emphasis on minimising cabin disturbance during night flights so that passengers can get as much sleep as possible.   

On the ground, Silverjet offers chauffeur-driven cars from home to airport, a free pick-up from Luton Parkway rail station, valet parking at Luton for travellers arriving in their own cars, or even a helicopter transfer from London’s Battersea heliport.