Odyssey Airlines

UK start-up air carrier Odyssey Airlines is seeking £5m in core investment as it prepares to introduce the Bombardier CSeries at London City Airport.  Finding the initial funds does not seem too difficult.  Odyssey’s problem is a lack of news from the Montreal-based aircraft constructor on progress towards certification of the new twin jet.  Odyssey says it wants its first of 10 aircraft by 2016.

Rather than the planned 100 plus seats in standard form a special North Atlantic version would accommodate just 40 passengers in fully flat capsules.  The airline would also fly east to the Gulf States, from an operational point of view nearer than the USA.

Adam Scott, former Goldman Sachs banker and Odyssey’s Chief Executive, has said that technological change would prevent his venture suffering the fate of previous business-only airline ventures.  Lufthansa had a dabble some years back.  Eos, Maxjet and Silverjet tried and failed during the 2007/2008 boom time from Luton and Stansted.  British Airways purchased the French carrier L'Avion, which still flies, very low profile, as does OpenSkies now with a two-class operation.

Odyssey is planning to come back to the market next year for a further £60m.  www.flyody.com  www.bombardier.com/en/aerospace.html

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