4 low cost airlines offering business class services

Discount and low cost airlines have been all the rage in Europe and other parts of the world for a few years now. However, the Atlantic crossing is witnessing a phenomenon of another kind with a number of low cost airlines offering premium and all business class services that are growing gradually but steadily.

The transatlantic route is one of the most lucrative routes for many of the large carriers based in Europe and America. Premium class seats for a return Transatlantic journey on most of these airlines can cost from $3000 (€2000) upwards per head. As a result these services are often out of reach for those who do not have corporate accounts to pay for their journeys.

If you have always dreamed of flying long haul across the Atlantic while sleeping like a baby on a flat bed and indulging in great food and wine, then maybe flying with one of these new low cost all business class carriers you might just get what your heart desires without breaking the bank.

One of the first airlines to offer an all business class service between New York JFK airport and London Stansted airport was MaxJet airways, alas MaxJet airways filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on 24th December 2007 due to rising fuel costs and ceased operations. However, there are other airlines which currently offer a similar service to MaxJet airways and thankfully, their services seem to be prospering for the moment. These airlines are EOS, SilverJet and L’Avion and they often have promotions and offers for their flights which cost less than the regular carriers.

1. EOS Airlines

EOS airlines have a truly excellent plush service which is comparable to the First Class service offered by regular carriers. It operates Boeing 757-200 aircraft which are built to carry 220 passengers but have been remodeled for EOS to carry 48 passengers only. Each passenger enjoys 21 square feet of personal space, a 6ft 6”flat bed and a dining option wherein you can enjoy your gourmet meal accompanied by fine wines and champagnes with your companion seated across from you as if at a restaurant. Additional perks such as a chauffeur service or a helicopter transfer from JFK airport to Manhattan depends on the fare you purchase for your flight. EOS at present flies between New York’s JFK airport and London’s Stansted airport and has plans to expand its service to Paris and Dubai and add many other US locations as well.

2. Silverjet

Silverjet offers a similar service between London Luton Airport and Newark Airport in New York-New Jersey. Silver Jet has two flights daily on this route and offers perks such a 6ft 3” flat bed and cuisine prepared by the renowned Le Caprice restaurant in London. Silverjet also offers free transfers to and from Luton airport for qualifying fares. Apart from the tans Atlantic route Silverjet flies between Dubai and London as well.

3. L’Avion

The third of the new all business class carrier which flies across the Atlantic is the French airline l’Avion which flies between New York’s Newark Airport and Paris Orly Sud airport. L’avion doesn’t have completely flat beds on its aircraft but its seats recline sufficiently to get good nights sleep an overnight journey across the Atlantic. L’Avion carries 90 passengers aboard a Boeing 757 200 aircraft and offers perks such as laptop power for each seat and fine French food and wines for every passenger. L’Avion plans to add destinations in the Middle East to its service shortly.

4. Zoom Airlines

Another airline which has joined this revolution of Transatlantic carriers is a Canadian low cost charter airline called Zoom airlines. Zoom offers flights between various Canadian and American cities and European destinations such as London, Paris, Glasgow, Manchester, Cardiff and Belfast. Zoom is not an all business class carrier but it is an all economy carrier with two classes’ Economy and Premium Economy. Its premium economy class features full bar service and a comfortable leather seat with a 36” pitch. You can avail of the lounge at JFK when you fly in premium economy on Zoom airlines. Zoom can be definitely included as one of your more deluxe but low cost options for crossing the Atlantic.

So next time you need to traverse the Atlantic for business or for pleasure why not give one of these new airlines a try?

And for a budget stay in Europe or in the US, check out our selection of cheap New York accommodation, London bed and breakfasts, and discount Paris hotels.

Photo originally posted by caribb

Topic:  General Travel | 5 Comments
Tags:  budget, business, transportation

About the author

Anjeeta Nayar is a professional freelance writer and blogger based in New York City. She relocated to the Big Apple from Mumbai two years ago. She loves New York City for its incredible buzz and energy. It really is the city that never sleeps and there is always something to do and see here. In addition to being a writer and blogger, she is also an avid traveler with London and cities in S.E.Asia being the places she enjoys visiting the most!