Return fares of �999 undercut existing carriers

Return fares to Newark Airport start at �999 and aim to undercut existing business-class transatlantic fares.

Silverjet claims to be the first carbon neutral airline by charging passengers a mandatory carbon offset payment.

Chief executive Lawrence Hunt said this showed commitment to the environment but Friends of the Earth are critical.

'Carbon neutral'

Mr Hunt said: "For too long, long-haul airline travel has been associated with hassle, disappointment and environmental damage.

"We've spent the past three years talking to customers and feel confident that Silverjet addresses their biggest concerns about the environment.

"As a business we have to behave responsibly in all sorts of ways especially when it concerns the environment.

"If we don't do something then the government will and that means more taxes which will be spent on administration and bureaucracy."

Friends of the Earth senior transport campaigner Tony Bosworth said: "An air passenger travelling to the US creates about as much carbon dioxide as the average British motorist does in a year.

"Experts warn us that if we do not slow down the current growth in aviation, then it will be extremely difficult to meet our long-term climate targets.

"Silverjet claims to be the world's first carbon-neutral airline because it "offsets" its emissions.

"But offsetting schemes encourage individuals, businesses and governments to avoid action and carry on polluting.