Date for business airline launch

Chief executive Lawrence Hunt said flights would cost £999

A new business-class trans-Atlantic airline linking Luton Airport in Bedfordshire and the US will begin flights on 25 January.

Silverjet will be competing with two American all-business class carriers - Eos and MAXjet - which operate to America from Stansted Airport.

Silverjet chief executive Lawrence Hunt said: "This is a very exciting time for the trans-Atlantic airline market.

"Silverjet is set to revolutionise the long-haul business travel market."

Mr Hunt added: "For the first time in history, a British all-business class low-fare airline will take to the skies and will launch in record time."

He said fares would be on average £999 and check-in would take 30 minutes.