Increasing number of UAE travellers opt for Luton

An unexpected result of Silverjet’s popular new route from Dubai to London has been the increased interest in boutique airports such as London’s Luton airport, where the all-business class carrier’s exclusive private terminal is based.

The convenience of flying into London Luton has been dramatically highlighted by the recent troubles at Heathrow Airport, which has faced major flight and baggage delays including a reported 208 flights cancelled and 15,000 bags lost in the first three days of operation of its new T5 terminal.

Now more than ever, the desire to travel hassle-free and avoid the stress of traditional ‘hub’ airports such as Heathrow has driven UAE travellers to look for a way to avoid crowded, super-sized terminals.

“The problems unfolding at Heathrow are one of the main reasons why we chose Luton Airport to base the Silverjet operation. Luton Airport is the least congested of all London airports, it’s not BAA operated and we have been able to work with Luton Airport to introduce our own dedicated baggage handlers resulting in Silverjet not having lost one bag checked-in at Luton,” said Lawrence Hunt, CEO of Silverjet.

In fact, specialized airports such as Luton, Gary Chicago, and Dayton International Airport are offering international travellers an array of benefits which have fueled the rapid rise of the ‘boutique’ airport model. Similar to boutique hotels, customers are drawn to these establishments for their focus on quality, exclusivity and personalization.

“At Silverjet, we know that there is a rapidly expanding segment of travellers in Dubai who expect more of their airlines. Fewer people are willing to tolerate the stress of using London’s major airports, which is why we are using the boutique airport model to create a better overall experience for our passengers,” he added.

Despite Luton’s traditionally lower profile among Middle East travelers, Silverjet passengers from Dubai – many of whom are flying into the airport for the first time - have been pleasantly surprised by the convenience and ease of travel when using the gateway said Hunt.

Known as the private jet capital of the UK, Luton is used by over 50% of private jets flying in and out of London and provides a welcomed gateway for well-heeled Dubai travellers looking to avoid the never-ending congestion and inconveniences of London’s major airports.

According to the latest official CAA figures, Silverjet is currently the most punctual airline on the London-Dubai route. This high level of service, along with Luton’s single terminal, fast-tracked lines and seamless connections, have contributed to Silverjet’s strong operational performance.