what will become of the A330 Orlando charters ?

Rumour has it that they got a very good deal to move into LBA, and if that's the case I would expect its not a deal they can drop easily

It can be the best deal in the world but if the base still loses money they won't be hanging around.

I hear that some of their load factors on Leeds routes have been a bit sketchy... but maybe that's just hearsay.

Consolidation of Yorkshire & North East Midlands operations at DSA?

Peel should never have lost sight of the deal in the first place to LBA

Load Factor is one thing but it is yield that matters!

I can see the long haul cease and the 330's gone in the next year or two.

Consolidation at DSA???. Is that being considered???????

Rumour is they will no longer be sponsoring Leeds United.

What impact will these changes have on employment at Monarch

Long haul will likely have a higher number of crew per aircraft than short haul & small bases such as LBA & EMA will likely have a higher crew per aircraft ratio due to standby cover.

I was under the impression Monarchs LBA crew are duel based with MAN aswell?
Given the seasonality of ZB ops at Leeds, and the aircraft reduction in Winter, are majority of the cabin crew summer temps?
Still quite a sad state of affairs.

onyxcrowle
I tip my hat to you for your continued support for DSA. But if Monarch can't make money at LBA/EMA, it's unlikely they'd plonk the four aircraft they've pulled from those two stations and base them at Donny.

Has anyone read the reports in a travel industry paper that was linked a few posting back?

Monarch are strategically reviewing their business, reducing costs, increasing yields in an attempt to improve profitability (I paraphrase).

Moreover they are not going to chase growth.

If the EMA (and LBA IF they are shifting from there as well - which at this stage I might question) aircraft are to be reallocated to another base it isn't going to be a new base from which they have never had previous presence - that would be another bottomless pit of cash. It will be to one or more of the principal bases - MAN / BHX / LTN or LGW and I'm guessing that the airport managements at each airport have fingers crossed hoping it's theirs!!

Monarch
 

Bear in mind Mr Swaffield's initial comment that there are too many planes chasing too few customers. That would tend to indicate a reduction in fleet size as a simple reallocation would not address that fundamental issue. Are any aircraft leases due to expire?

Agree with ATNotts and given that Monarch are emphasising that BHX is only 37 miles from EMA indicates that BHX may well get preference. Likewise if LBA goes the same way as EMA, I would have thought that MAN would benefit. LGW and LTN have the EasyJet price threat not really experienced at BHX/MAN - I recently booked a number of flights to Funchal (ZB fly from LGW and BHX) and the LGW ones were around half the price of the BHX ones (same dates etc) due to the EJ competition.

My only problem with the 'strategy review' is the statement that Monarch want to compete with the two big budget guys. I really do not see how they can (particularly with the 'hub' reduction) either on price or efficiency which are the key ingredients for the savvy/budget flyers - perhaps they would be better distancing themselves from the budget end by offering a Crown service. They could also do with appointing a decent publicity agency as their press releases often present a slightly negative image whereas with the right 'spin' the change in strategy could be seen as a lot more of a positive move.

Aren't 3 x B757 due to be retired at the end of the summer14?

Due to the Monarch model, the only way that they will be able to increase frequency AND timings on established routes will be to base aircraft overseas. I would expect to see aircraft based at all/some of AGP/ALC/FAO and PMI in S15

Looking at the local scene and putting two and two together, and probably coming up with five.
LTN is the home base for Monarch and Easyjet.
AENA are now running LTN and investing over £100 million in the Airport.
Presumably they have held discussions regarding continued growth with the based Airlines to ensure the investment in LTN will succeed hence the Easyjet decision to agree a new ten year deal.
AENA also run most of The Spanish Airports so what Tartin Ton is suggesting is a high probability for both Airlines should they wish to go that way.
There is obviously a lot going on behind the scenes so let's see!!

They'll have to get a move on with the review - Jet2s' and Thomsons' LBA summer 15 programmes are on sale, and I suspect it won't be long before FRs pitches up.

Sunday Times ,reporting 1000 jobs to go ,fleet reduction from 42 to 30 aircraft and all Charter and Longhaul flying to cease ,in an attempt to stem losses estimated at £60m this year.

Heads up! There are posts that are heading down the guessing game route. That must stop. It is important that only facts should be posted and NOT imaginary 'facts' and guesswork. People's lives can be affected by non-facts so please do not do it.

^Interesting fleet drop directly from 42 to 30, Isn't that the precise number of Max they are going to finalize a deal for if and when they get around to it?