Transatlantic carrier Maxjet filed for
Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as it ceased operations the day
before Christmas after more than two years of service.
"With today's fuel
prices and the resulting impact on the credit climate for airlines,
we are forced to take this drastic measure," said Maxjet President
and CEO William Stockbridge in a statement posted on the carrier's
Web site.
In the statement,
Stockbridge said Maxjet had made arrangements with Eos Airlines to
accommodate its passengers seeking return flights from New York and
London.
"Passengers needing
return travel between London, Los Angeles and Las Vegas will be
contacted regarding their flight re-accommodations," Stockbridge
said, adding the company had also "secured hotel rooms in London,
New York, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles through early January 2008,
which we will provide to affected passengers whose travel plans
have been disrupted."
Customers who
choose to make flight arrangements directly with other carriers
should seek refunds for the unused portion of their ticket from
their credit card companies or travel agents, Maxjet
said.
Maxjet began
operating in July 2005 offering all-premium, transatlantic service
between New York and Stansted (London). It later added routes to
Las Vegas and Los Angeles.
From the outset,
rising fuel costs were a key concern for the airline along with
competition from other carriers.
An AP report noted
that in October, American Airlines launched service between New
York to Stansted to directly compete with Maxjet, which likely
contributed to its troubles.
"We are extremely
saddened to discontinue a service that we so passionately believe
in," Stockbridge said, "and we thank our loyal flyers who helped
build Maxjet since our start in 2005."
To
contact reporter Michael Milligan, send e-mail to [email protected].