FLEDGLING boutique airline La Compagnie this week began operations with its first service linking Paris’ Charles de Gaulle to Newark in New Jersey on all business-class flights.
The carrier offers 74 angled seats on its Boeing 757-200 and is to take delivery of a second Boeing aircraft by end-2014. Passengers can enjoy free in-flight Wi-Fi, use of Samsung tablets, Caudalie amenity kits and menus designed by Michelin-starred chef, Christophe Langree.
Peter Luethi, founder of La Compagnie, said there is room in the market for carriers that offer business travellers good value. “Those who fly business class look for service at a reasonable, affordable price. While many business class products have been upgraded, so have the prices.”
He added that La Compagnie combines cost-based pricing and a product that is comfortable, efficient and more private.
Jose Henrique Goncalves, general manager of Abako Paris, predicted the new airline would attract business travellers who fly regularly between the continents. If service levels match customer expectations, “I expect even two aircraft to be too few to meet anticipated demand”, he said.
Former business-class airlines that have failed on transatlantic routes include Eos, Maxjet and Silverjet.
