Award winning low fares airline Monarch has successfully seen off a third airline on the Manchester to Barcelona route as a result of its low fares, high quality service and convenient flight times.
Monarch’s daily scheduled flights to Barcelona were launched in November 2003, in direct competition with Iberia, who were the legacy carrier on the route, plus BMIBaby, who also launched services in the same year. Both carriers subsequently withdrew from the route with Monarch operating as the sole carrier for a number of years.
In March 2007 however, Jet2 introduced flights between the two cities to compete head-to-head with Monarch. Despite only operating on the route for three months Jet2 are withdrawing services and have taken flights off-sale from September 2007.
Monarch’s managing director, Liz Savage commented on the news, “The launch of a new carrier on a route is great for consumers as it provides a wider selection of fares and flight times between the competing airlines. Marketshare statistics for the Manchester to Barcelona route reflect however that after initial interest in Jet2’s flights, their passenger numbers have been dropping as customers return to fly with Monarch. It is a great indicator to Monarch that is offering its customers what they want – low fares and a great level of service.”
Good news for ZB but not for MAN or LS, does anybody know what is replacing these routes?