Silverjet says benefiting from MAXjet difficulties

NEW YORK, Dec 13 (Reuters) - Silverjet Plc (SILJ.L: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz), an all-business-class airline, said on Thursday that is taking passengers away from unsettled rival MAXjet Airways IncMAXJ.L.

On Friday, MAXjet, which operates all-business-class flights from London to New York, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas, had trading of its common stock suspended pending "clarification of its financial position."

On Monday, MAXjet said that it was continuing to operate all its flights and advanced bookings remained strong.

Silverjet, which operates all-business-class flights from London to New York and Dubai, said that through Tuesday, the carrier had seen a 20 percent surge in bookings since MAXjet's announcement.

Silverjet is also offering to honor MAXjet tickets and has converted over 100 one-way tickets that were booked on its rival, the company said.

New transatlantic carriers like MAXjet, Silverjet, and Eos Airlines have been a threat to major carriers, as they aim to snatch lucrative travelers away by offering business class service and amenities for much less than their larger rivals. (Reporting by Chris Reiter; Editing by Gerald E. McCormick)