Farewell EOS

Undoubtedly the best of the business class only airlines has folded, with the bankruptcy of EOS reported in ABTN.

.

EOS flew 7 Boeing 757s in a 48 seat only configuration between London Stansted and New York JFK. It was losing money, but at relatively modest levels. It appears that it has failed to raise adequate capital to keep operating, and given the financial credit crunch, reductions in staff and bonuses in the City of London, it was going to be difficult. Virgin Atlantic's recently upgraded fast checkin and Clubhouse lounge at Heathrow Terminal 3 have also made a big difference to that airline's product, and BA's services to NYC have not (yet?) been seriously hit by Terminal 5's problems, as they remain at Terminal 4 (with recently upgraded Club World seating).

.

It would be nice if BA's Open Skies bought up EOS's rather nicely appointed 757s. However, it is a shame to lose the only one of the all business class carriers that actually had seats that rivalled BA and Virgin Atlantic's business class products. Silverjet's sloping lie flat seats are closer to what American Airlines offers, albeit with a far better soft product and on the ground product.

.

Maxjet was squeezed at the budget end, as it essentially competed with premium economy. EOS was squeezed at the premium end, not having connections and without the frequent flyer benefits that BA and Virgin Atlantic can offer. It appears that an era of all premium travel is changing from being led by independent operators to being led by the likes of Lufthansa and BA.