Silverjet avoids collapse with investment

LONDON (Reuters) - Business class-only airline Silverjet kept itself afloat on Wednesday by securing a life-saving $25 million (12.6 million pounds) from a mystery investor, sending its shares more than 17 percent higher.

The company, the last remaining premium-only airline following the recent collapses of Eos and MAXjet, said in a statement it would receive the debt-and-equity injection as soon as possible, while a further $75 million may soon be made available.

A spokesperson for the company would not name the investor, who is based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The cash comes five months after loss-making Silverjet raised 21 million pounds ($41.35 million), including a 10 million pound loan from property tycoons the Reuben Brothers.

Silverjet said it remained in takeover talks despite the investment. The airline flies from London to Dubai and New York, but hopes to expand into the Far East and Africa.

The shares were up 17 percent at 17 pence -- the level at which the equity part of the investment was subscribed -- by 3:20 p.m., valuing the company at 11 million pounds.

(Reporting by John Bowker; Editing by David Cowell)