Monarch -2
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: west yorks
Age: 46
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I think that Monarch have decided that the 321 which they were praising from the roof not so long ago, saying they were the ideal short/medium fleet now are looking at the 738 as the 738 can do like ssh bjl much better than the 321. Just a little embarassing for Moanchs fleet planners one minute gathering more 321s the next wanting the 738. Guess MON have found the 321 to be a 'hairdryer' on the longer, heavier routes. Least the 738 they can even use for Banjul, the 321 cannot do that in its dreams! Monarch fleet planners are making me dizzy, 787 one day, cancel the next, lets go 321 then looking at 738, in secret, us public have yet to hear it.
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: South of MAN, North of BHX, and well clear of Stoke ;-)
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I think you are being more than just a tad unfair there.
That the A321 has evolved into a magnificent short haul frame, there is no doubt, acknowledged even by Randy Tinseth at Boeing. Indeed, he views his company's rival to the A321 to be the B737-900ER, not the -800.
I rather feel the 738 will be left somewhat lacking on some of the routes you mention. MAN-BJL, for example, can typically have a sector length of over 2910nm. The Boeing "brochure range" for a 2 class configured B737-800, with winglets, is 3115nm. Go for an all economy config., and that figure goes south, quickly.
As Tinseth himself claims, the B737-900ER is the better candidate, by a small margin range-wise, but other than the defunct XL, the charter carriers have hardly been flocking to buy it, have they.
It wouldn't surprise me if Monarch decide afterall to go with the A320/321 NEO in the future, offering yet more range with improved economics; then we can be done with all these "The A321's no B757 replacement" comments; it was never intended to be, but they are slowly getting closer to achieving it, whether that was Airbus' objective or not.
That the A321 has evolved into a magnificent short haul frame, there is no doubt, acknowledged even by Randy Tinseth at Boeing. Indeed, he views his company's rival to the A321 to be the B737-900ER, not the -800.
I rather feel the 738 will be left somewhat lacking on some of the routes you mention. MAN-BJL, for example, can typically have a sector length of over 2910nm. The Boeing "brochure range" for a 2 class configured B737-800, with winglets, is 3115nm. Go for an all economy config., and that figure goes south, quickly.
As Tinseth himself claims, the B737-900ER is the better candidate, by a small margin range-wise, but other than the defunct XL, the charter carriers have hardly been flocking to buy it, have they.
It wouldn't surprise me if Monarch decide afterall to go with the A320/321 NEO in the future, offering yet more range with improved economics; then we can be done with all these "The A321's no B757 replacement" comments; it was never intended to be, but they are slowly getting closer to achieving it, whether that was Airbus' objective or not.
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: west yorks
Age: 46
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I dont doubt the 321 to be an economical machine, just doubt its suitability for some UK ex departure missions, particularly to the Eastern Med and Egypt. The 738 is better suited to these routes. I think the 737-900er an excellent aircraft and am only sorry no UK charter airlines has looked at it, other than XL. as it would be great for Thomson as a supplement to the 738, offering more capacity than the 738 but at not much more operating costs. Of course the range problem creeps up again. I still believe the 757 was the ultimate for UK charter carriers being at home on short or medium and even some long haul from regionals, albeit with a Bangor tech stop.
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: uk
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Unfortunately, the operating costs of a 757 on the said routes are significantly higher than those of the 320/1.......I have been flying the 757 for Monarch for more years than I care to remember, and would love to fly it more many more years to come.........but the accountants I'm afraid will dictate what a/c I fly in the future!!!!!
Join Date: May 2000
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Regarding Monarch fleet planning. They made a brave and wise choice cancelling the 787. You only have to look at the UK longhaul market, and deduce that its taking a hammering at the moment. Longhaul APD to increase above inflation rate will only add to the misery. As a potential Monarch 787 driver, I was sad to see the cancelation, but what choice did they have. The leasing cost of such a brand new aeroplane will be out of this world. So flogging them to Tenerife and back won't cut it.
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Ainsdale
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It was me who put it in. :s.There is on flightradar a flight that ran from STN to FAO which ran yesterday on an A300. Flight number was MON9168. not sure how long its running for.
Join Date: Feb 2005
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Well it's definitely not summer yet and being a MON9*** I would hazzard a guess it's a one off ad-hoc and not a regular route that operates on a Tuesday in the bleak winter months.
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: East Midlands
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It was me who put it in. :s.There is on flightradar a flight that ran from STN to FAO which ran yesterday on an A300. Flight number was MON9168. not sure how long its running for.
This was a CHARTER flight (MON) for a company/organisation that chose a Monarch aircraft. . .
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Ainsdale
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I would hazzard a guess it's a one off ad-hoc and not a regular route that operates on a Tuesday in the bleak winter months.
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Derby/EMA
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Have to say i cannot quite understand MON game plan at the mo how the hell are they going to compete at say MAN with the likes of a rapidly expanding ryan air, easy and jet 2 ,charter works seems less and less important so whats the thinking?
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: stockport
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My guess as it`s ex STN is it`s an MOD flight as I know my son came home on one last year
MON now do very little charter compared to a few years back as most
of their flights are scheduled ex MAN
MON now do very little charter compared to a few years back as most
of their flights are scheduled ex MAN
