Silverjet stops flying

Business class airline Silverjet has halted its flights as a result of funding issues.

The carrier, which first started operations in January 2007, said in a letter to customers on its website that it will no longer be able to honour flight bookings.

It advised passengers to arrange alternative travel and to get in touch with credit card providers or travel agents for a refund.

Silverjet chief executive Lawrence Hunt said: "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."

The Civil Aviation Authority has estimated that up to 7,000 British flyers could be affected by the cease of operations. Silverjet operated services to New York and Dubai.

It has advised that those who have booked flights through a travel agent should be able to make an ATOL claim, although those who have booked just flights direct from Silverjet will not be covered by the scheme.

• Air France tests mobile boarding passes
• New Zealand 'must stay clean and green'
• Bmi doubles flights from London to Moscow
• T-Mobile turns Terminal 5 into Wi-Fi hotspot
• Pata: Safe to travel to Thailand
• Brits 'prefer activities to relaxation'
• New Zealand celebrates 'top country' award
• New Dubai Airport terminal to open in October
• New York to host horror movie festival
• Terminal 5 hosts impromptu basketball match