Death Cruiser Flight Crew
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Vaucluse, France.
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It was acquired as a cheap 'stop gap' to provide UK- Florida non-stop capability until the A330-200s were delivered. The A300-600R had to tech stop BGR westbound and frequently couldn't guarantee non-stop eastbound. Additionally, the DC-10 carried 6.5 tonnes of cargo. Volumetrically and performance-wise it could've carried at least 8 tonnes, but sadly it wouldn't trim. Also, there were other long-haul routes in prospect: Denver, Las Vegas and the Caribbean, which the DC-10 opened up for the A330s.
When it first entered service, it seated 358 and flew the first summer in that config. A toilet was then taken out to find room for an extra triple, making it compatible with the A300s, seating-wise. The A300/DC-10 Fleet Manager was just that - he was current on both types.
All the staff thought it was the barmiest rumour ever when news about getting a DC-10 trickled out from the mill. There are people in Monarch who still fervently wish it had remained exactly that! This does not include the flightdeck and cabin crew who loved it to bits.
Last edited by Georgeablelovehowindia; 21st Dec 2003 at 02:16.