Business class airline

A business class airline was an airline concept which emerged during the mid-2000s involving a number of airlines that operated all-business class services.

The most prominent such airlines have been Eos Airlines, MAXjet Airways, Silverjet and L'Avion.. Early on, the idea was considered potentially lucrative, however the business model became vulnerable when in 2008 oil prices surpassed $100 a barrel. Between late 2007 and 2008, MAXjet, Silverjet and Eos Airlines all ceased operations, with Silverjet ceasing operations on May 30, 2008.

L'Avion continued to trade, and was purchased by British Airways subsidiary, Open Skies for £54m in July 2008.

Virgin Atlantic and British Airways both proposed founding rival all-business class subsidiaries until the oil crisis put an end to Virgin Atlantic's plans. Singapore Airlines and Lufthansa offer an all-business class service. Singapore Airlines flights currently fly the Singapore - New York route and will soon commence to Los Angeles. Lufthansa operates on the Munich - Boston route.

Openskies, which is a subsidiary of British Airways operates a 757 all business-class services from Paris Orly Airport ORY direct to New York JFK.

A new service by British Airways called "Club World London City" (aka CWLCY) offers a business class only A318 service between New York JFK and London City Airport LCY. The 32 seats convert to fully flat beds.

Passengers can access text messaging, WiFi and personal audio video on demand in flight. In flight catering is provided by south London eatery Roast.

The westbound service touches down in Ireland to refuel. To minimise wasted time CWLCY passengers go through US Customs in Shannon Airport SNN as the aircraft refuels. These CWLCY flights land as domestic flights into New York JFK, so no need to clear customs once again.

Eastbound flights are direct from New York JFK to London City LCY.