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.

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.

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.

How many of Monarch's 38 summer destinations from Manchester would the A321 not be suitable for?

Clue : Less than the FINGERS on one hand.

How many of Monarch's 38 summer destinations from Manchester would the B757 not be suitable for?

Clue : Less than the number of Nostrils on your nose.

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!!!!!

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.

Very well said ATIS.

However I don't think that the bun fight over who would 'drive' the B787 has yet finished. Or did I miss something? :ok:;)

Wiki was showing FAO ex Stansted for this summer. Any idea of the truth in this or who and when they are operating for?

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.

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.

Why would you do that?

This was a CHARTER flight (MON) for a company/organisation that chose a Monarch aircraft. . .

If it is I will remove it tomorrow. Wiki is down at the moment due to black out.

One example of why Wiki is NOT a reliable source.

It is an add hoc charter only.

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?

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

Removed it from Wiki, but I have added Cork as that is running this summer

MOD flights normally go a little further than FAO, was not a MOD charter as far as l am aware.

It was a flight for a motor manufacturers product launch. An Ad-Hoc flight, as all 9 series callsigns are and as any true topspotters would know.