Monarch - 3

[Georgeablelovehowindia]

G-DMCA: I once, unwisely, asked the person after who it was named if he was planning to fly it - even if it was just a quick 'pole' - seeing that he'd flown every type that the company had operated, up until then. He fixed me with that 'Ming The Merciless' look and growled something along the lines of not wanting to go within ten miles of the ******* thing, let alone fly it. (Oops, not a fan of the McDonnell Douglas product then!)

The story goes that when the 757s were brand new, a stewardess entered the flight deck on turnround at PMI, and informed the captain that a gentleman was on the the ramp outside, asking to look at the aircraft. The captain turned round from communing with the new-fangled FMC thingy and instructed her that, unless he was from the CAA, to tell him to sling his hook, because they were too busy. She was back a few minutes later with some cock and bull story about the man saying he'd really like to take a look because he owned the aeroplane. "He says his name his Moto-Guzzi or something." WaaaH!! :eek: Panic stations!! Plogs fly up in the air, leaping out of seat, hasty straightening of tie, and down the steps, two at a time.

"Mr Mantegazza! A pleasure to meet you, Sir! Come aboard!" Grovel, grovel, forelock tug ...

Anyway, it's a great story, and hence G-SMAN.

[MKY661]

Still a shame that no one bought MONR for use as a freighter. Talking of scrapping aircraft one of the bmi 330's is going to be scrapped and thats only 11 years oldI read an Airliner World magazine which said all A300's are being scrapped :(

[Mr A Tis]

Capt McAngus flew me to the Hannover airshow in a Monarch 1-11 (G-AWWZ) in 1976. Wonder if it's the very same Monarch MD to be ?

[spacegrand]

The story is mostly true GALHI and you have caught the moment . It was AGP in '86. Sergio joined us in the flight deck and was charming despite being rebuffed 3 times! He wished to show his friend the aeroplane.

[spacegrand]

Mr A.The esteemed gentleman did become MD.

[Georgeablelovehowindia]

Ah, AGP was it? I knew it was somewhere in Spain. Probably on a run ashore from his yacht in Puerto Banus. :)

He was very charming, some years later, when he joined us in the 757 sim at Luton, to observe us doing a base check. We wore our uniforms, which wasn't normal in those days. A Swiss TV company was doing a profile on him.

[New T2 Office]

Spacegrand, I'm not sure if Mr A was referring to Mc senior, was it a cryptic referral to Mc junior after his recent appoinment? ;);)

[Buster the Bear]

I was told that G-MONR had reached the maximum number of 'cycles' permitted by Airbus.

[Mr @ Spotty M]

Sorry old bear, no truth in that one, not even close, in fact you could operate it for at least 15 more years and still have cycles to spare. :ok:

[Dannyboy39]

Is there actually a set allowance of cycles an airframe can go? As long as the airframe is maintained, its irrelevant, surely?

Obviously contractural reasons would be taken into account.

[MKY661]

Has a third aircraft left the fleet? ZBB went LGW-BRU today, totally unexpected.

[planenut321]

The fuselage will have a set number of cyclic loadings from pressurisation that it will be able to take along with the wings due to cyclic flight loadings. Maintenance only goes so far too stop this damage until you eventually need a new fuselage... time to scrap it. It'll be scrapped way before any significant damage due to safety margins... Although the Aloha Airlines in 1988 incident where the roof peeled off mid flight... the aircraft had done far too many cycles due to it operating short hopper flights between Hawaiian islands and accelerated in high temperatures and salty air...

But normally you will be surprised how many it cycles are allowed, it'll be in the region of 100,000+ cycles...

[MANTHRUST]

MKY 661, you should know by now that the unexpected will always happen at Monarch, you should, quite frankly, expect it!

[Mr @ Spotty M]

The answer is NO, a third a/c has not left the fleet.
Planned visit to enable the engines from G-OZBB to be swapped with those on G-MPCD.
All Airbus aircraft have a Flying hours & Cycle limit, which can be increased, it has been already twice on the A300-600 by Airbus.
There has been an increase with the A320FAM as well.
Boeing are also coming up with figures for all the Boeing/MD fleets to meet FAA requirements.

[arriva]

Flying to sharm on 17/11/12 can anyone suggest what Monarch use and can i expect any IFT.:O

[adfly]

In flight towels? I'm afraid Monarch discontinued them a while ago ;)

[Dannyboy39]

Most SSH routes are A300 IIRC from Manc.

[MANTHRUST]

Apart from those on the 330,75 or indeed the 321. But it could be the 300.
Don't expect IFE.

[Alex321]

Depending on where your flying from expect a 321 or 300 on the 17/11/12 Bring your own IFE!

[Charley B]

can anyone tell me if MON 9108 ex LGW tonight to see the Northern lights was a one off trip or is it being repeated
Thanks!

[tubby linton]

If you google Northern Lights flights the first site on the list should answer your question.

[T6NL]

According to the seating plan on the Monarch website, ZB684 on 17 Nov is currently being operated by an A321.

[Mr @ Spotty M]

The Limit of Validity for the pax A300-600R is 89000 Flight Hours or 51000 Flight Cycles.
This is the figure the aircraft is allowed to fly up till, the you then have to contact Airbus for a fly on.
As you can see below, the flight cycles were not an issue with G-MONR.

G-MONR Current figures are 73307 Flight Hours & 24605 Flight Cycles.

G-MPCD Current figures are 67991 Flight Hours & 25378 Flight Cycles.

[Charley B]

@ Tubby L ..Thank You--i have now found it!

[SCANDIC]

MONR the poor old bird. Its got on jethros OZBY where is this aircraft being acquired from.

[tubby linton]

NR was abused by the CAA when the type was put on the UK register.

[TCX69]

So from what I can gather MON will be operating the following fleet for Summer 2013:

A300 x3
A320 x10
A321 x18
A330 x2
B757 x3

Would anyone happen to know what the A/C base allocation is expected to be? Anything like this?

BHX - 4x A320 4x A321
EMA - 2x A320
LBA - 2x A320
LGW - 2x A300 6x A321 1x A330 2x B757
LTN - 2x A320 2x A321
MAN - 1x A300 6x A321 1x A330 1x B757

[OltonPete]

TCX69

BHX require 9 aircraft for the number flights on sale. The cancellation of Milan has released four slots, which don't appear to filled as yet.

Not much reaction to the BHX hangar saga, was there any comeback to the press release by the architects which was removed first thing last Monday morning?

Have anymore A321's been fitted with extra tanks for the SSH runs, there was an earlier post stating two more were in line for them.

[MKY661]

BHX - 4x A320 4x A321
EMA - 2x A320
LBA - 2x A320
LGW - 2x A300 6x A321 1x A330 2x B757
LTN - 2x A320 2x A321
MAN - 1x A300 6x A321 1x A330 1x B757

I have heard (On this forum) that EMA is 2x A321 this summer. Im not sure who is losing the A300 though although whoever loses it will need another aircraft.

Have anymore A321's been fitted with extra tanks for the SSH runs, there was an earlier post stating two more were in line for them.

Two more have yes, ZBG and ZBR.

[Dannyboy39]

Why do ZB and TOM base such few aircraft at LTN? Only 7 between them in the summer.

Is it because of the shear numbers at LGW or the immense competition from FR and EZY? Lack of parking space at LTN?

[on time all the time]

TCX69, there will be 12 A320 as the fleet total should be 38 in summer 2013.
1 a/c should be spare.

[SCANDIC]

When do you think that MONR will leave for the states. Lovely aircraft.

[Flying Torquewrench]

NR is scheduled to fly BRU-LTN on sunday (11-NOV-12) and monday it will fly from LTN to PSM.

CD is scheduled to fly BRU-LTN on sunday also and then on monday does LTN-KEF-PSM.

[MKY661]

Its got on jethros OZBY where is this aircraft being acquired from.

From Thomson. Information on the aircraft on order has also been revealed:

OZBZ (A321) Due Late March 2013
ZBAA (A320) Due Late March 2013
ZBAB (A320) Due Late April 2013
ZBAD (A321) Due Early May 2013
ZBAE (A321) Due Late May 2013

They are also supposed to get two more A321 although no information on ths yet.

Source: Monarch Airlines (http://www.jethros.org.uk/fleets/fleet_listings/monarch_airlines.htm) (Thanks to Jethro for info)

[TCX69]

OZBZ (A321) Due Late March 2013
ZBAA (A320) Due Late March 2013
ZBAB (A320) Due Late April 2013
ZBAD (A321) Due Early May 2013
ZBAE (A321) Due Late May 2013

You beat me to it! :ok:

I wonder why no G-ZBAC? According to G-INFO it hasn't been in use since 1989. Can UK registrations not be reused?

So only 9 A320's for next summer but 21 A321's! Good to see MON getting more aircraft.

On a separate note, G-OZBF was ferried LGW-EMA on 09Nov for repaint into the new livery :D

[MKY661]

On a separate note, G-OZBF was ferried LGW-EMA on 09Nov for repaint into the new livery :D

Yes more Information on that on the Livery Thread. There are a few more:
http://www.pprune.org/spectators-balcony-spotters-corner/471640-new-monarch-decals-14.html

[GayFriendly]

Any new destinations in the pipeline for summer 2013 from BHX? I assume that LIS and PRG last remaining un served WW destinations from BHX would have been announced by now if they were going to be operated next year?

[OLNEY 1 BRAVO]

The question was asked a few posts ago why both airlines have relatively few aircraft based at Luton.

Parking would certainly be one of a number of issues should either airline wish to increase numbers now although it wasn't that long ago that Monarch only based three airframes at Luton during the summer.

The lack of IT operations out of Luton (and Stansted for that matter) goes back a number of years when all of the major tour operators took a decision to concentrate their London operations out of Gatwick. Comensurate reductions then took place to the Luton operation so that in the main, only the really popular destinations are served now.

Luton had the benefit for an additional period of all IT flights to Cyprus as thy were not allowed by the Cypriot Government to operate out of Gatwick (and I think Stansted) but this restriction ceased in the run up to Cyprus joining the EU.

[TCX69]

Any new destinations in the pipeline for summer 2013 from BHX? I assume that LIS and PRG last remaining un served WW destinations from BHX would have been announced by now if they were going to be operated next year?

There is some gaps in the BHX programme, from what I can work out...

http://i1248.photobucket.com/albums/hh498/TCX69K/MONBHX.png

[GayFriendly]

Great info TCX69, much appreciated. So by your reckoning there are seven gaps through the week, that could be two new destinations at a push. We will see. It is certainly an impressive schedule. Just a question - CFU and CHQ are both charter ops AFAIK they are not listed as schedules?

[TCX69]

Just a question - CFU and CHQ are both charter ops AFAIK they are not listed as schedules?

Indeed they are charter, as is ZTH. Their schedules are still on Monarch.co.uk though.

[Dannyboy39]

Only on 7 of 63 "aircraft days" are there 6 cycles. Surely in the summer months, the airline should be looking to utilise them much more than that? Or is it a case of looking after their airframe?

[MKY661]

Can I ask where is the second hand A321 coming from?

[TartinTon]

Surely in the summer months, the airline should be looking to utilise them much more than that? Or is it a case of looking after their airframe?

Or maybe it's only 12Nov and there's more to be added yet :rolleyes:

[IB4138]

A lot of unhappy people here, on the Costa del Sol, with Monarch changing flight times for December from AGP to MAN and messing up/wrecking onward travel and accommodation arrangements.

Needless to say. MON don't feel they have any responsibility for the costs and inconvenience this involves for passengers. Flights, with then published times, were booked in good faith with the airline. MON clearly do not have such a relationship with the passenger.

Nothing changes!

[SCANDIC]

Anyone know why MONR is delayed coming back from brussels.

[Lee Baker Street]

At 15.00 hrs I watched G-MONR departing Luton runway 26.

[Mr @ Spotty M]

Yes she is on her way for a night stop in Portsmouth, before leaving for TUP tomorrow afternoon. :{

[OltonPete]

Just landed in Portsmouth!!!

BHX Hangar - Any news?


Classic British Flight Sim • View topic - Monarch to build new hanger (http://www.cbfsim.co.uk/cbfs_bb/viewtopic.php?nomobile=1&f=8&t=24250)

[MKY661]

Assume G-MPCD is also off to TUP tomorrow as well.

Sad that they are to be scrapped. :sad:

[Monarch_Pilot67]

Monarch has just annouced that they will be starting another new route from East Midlands.

East Midlands to Malta!

Starting 7th May, Flying Twice A week!

Also I can see frequencies increased on some summer routes of gatwick next year. Maybe Because of the new competition that is coming! :ok:


Heres the Link for more infomation on the new route :);

2012 News - Flights - Monarch Airlines launches flights to Malta from East Midlands Airport | Flights News (http://www.monarch.co.uk/news/flights/2012-news/monarch-airlines-launches-flights-to-malta-from-east-midlands-airport)

[Mr @ Spotty M]

Never assume anything in this business, still in BRU and will not be departing to TUP for a few days yet. :ok:

[sunday8pm]

Out of interest, which route will you be flying an A320 to Mississippi?

[Georgeablelovehowindia]

As previously posted by Flying Torquewrench (post #1032)
LTN-KEF-PSM-TUP

I suppose that if I was told why PSM instead of BGR they'd have to kill me. :E

[hapzim]

Management check part of route proving for the expanding network :ok:

[Georgeablelovehowindia]

More likely to do with the permanent importation of an aircraft into the USA, I think! :ok:

[hapzim]

George, the rest hadn't had time to bite yet ;)

[MKY661]

Appears that Monarch wont be operating from Cork next summer as Orbest Orizonia seem to be doing the routes again next summer.

G-MPCD has left now by the way as well.

[majorni]

Anyone knows about, is Monarch will open a new routes or will put more plains from BHX or MAN to Fuerteventura, I just reaind in some news papers over here, in Spain

[mattjwood]

Anyone know why the Monarch flight from TFS - BHX due in at 00:55 this morning is now not due in until 1900!?


I will be on this flight in 4 weeks time and with the problems Monarch have been having recently, i am quite concerned!

[Blighty Pilot]

It could be one of several reasons that cause a delay in the industry (sh1t happens):

Crew sickness
Crew duty times
Tech aircraft - subsequent knock on delay
Aliens landed at TFS thus closing the airfield and a delay was then incurred
Air traffic constraints meant the mighty A321 had to head south from Tfs and therefore took the long way round

What I am getting at is, delays happen, not too often thankfully, but when they happen to a small operator that doesn't just cancel flights to protect the rest of the programme, thus leaving people stranded, it has such a huge knock on effect to the whole operation. In aviation terms 2 days is a long way away and therefore I think 4 weeks is light years away. You will indeed make it to your destination whether it be early, on time or with a slight delay. Have a safe flight and enjoy your trip!

[jubilee]

No idea of the delay,but it was sat on the tarmac at lunch time with a tug attached. (TFS).

My flight last Sunday from Man - Tfs, with Monarch took 3:20, thanks to a very strong tailwind. Made up for some of the delays I have had with them this year.

[tubby linton]

The BHX hangar has been announced, work starts in the New Year.

[spottilludrop]

more great news for brum cheers monarch:ok::ok:

[walterthesofty]

High skill, well paid jobs, great for the area and great mon are investing in the uk instead of farming work out abroad:ok:

[nigel osborne]

Dannyboy39 re new BHX hangar;

Monarch say 3rd party work is to be increased from 18% in 2010 and 27% in 2012 to 40% within 3 years. Add to this its going to be the UKs first dedicated and only Boeing approved 787 maintenance base it could make money :)


News Details (http://www.monarchaircraftengineering.com/News/Details/104)

[MKY661]

Great News for Monarch and Birmingham.

One thing I have always wondered, Why is the hangar at Manchester still in the 1990's colour scheme?

[T6NL]

My guess would be because the cost to update it would be neither insignificant nor value for money.

[walterthesofty]

Quite, who apart from the odd obsessed crank gives a toss what colour scheme the hangar is painted in, and would 99.99 percent even know it was not the latest incarnation?

[chaps2011]

Cost a few bob to paint it so paint when needed

[MKY661]

Monarch are to resume MAN-LEI from 2 May 2013. Will still remain seasonal.

[SCANDIC]

Has anyone got any pictures of MONR at tupelo.

[SCANDIC]

All these a321's that monarch are getting could one of the 321's be one of the ex first choice even though they have different engines.

[Mr @ Spotty M]

The answer is No. :ok:

[Skipness One Echo]

Quite, who apart from the odd obsessed crank gives a toss what colour scheme the hangar is painted in, and would 99.99 percent even know it was not the latest incarnation?
I read this post and I knew exactly who was writing it before I got to end of the first sentence.
I care. Many other people here in this thread care because this is the thread for people who care about things like this. What part of all of this are you so incredibly stupid that you cannot understand. Get back under your rock you ignorant troll!

You've been banned often enough for your hateful spite. I would ask any mod reading to consider a ban as this individual has previous and just comes in here to insult. I don't appreciate being called a crank, there's just no excuse.

[Bearpit]

Anyone know how the new ski flights are doing? Thinking of using Friedrichshafen, but looks like some of the flights in January have been axed already?

[davidjohnson6]

Bearpit - you might like to look at posts 818 to 830 on this thread from late September.

[Spitfire boy]

Monarch making 'good progress' on road to profitability

Nov 29, 2012 08:00AM GMT

Monarch Group today announced that “good progress” is being made towards a turnaround plan to deliver profits at all trading divisions for the year to October 2013.

The Cosmos Holidays and Monarch Airlines parent reported a rise in group turnover from £757.8 million to £827.7 million in the year to October.
Group-wide cost savings came in as planned at £31.6 million.
The group plans to seek proposals for re-equipping the Monarch Airlines’ fleet and is seeking a total of 45 aircraft for delivery up to 2021. Several older aircraft in the existing fleet are now being retired from service as the carrier seeks to become cost competitive against budget airlines.
No figure on overall losses was given but the group claimed “strong profitable growth” in tour operations sales and yields, driven by successful winter and summer package holiday programmes, particularly to Goa, Greece and Florida, for which sales significantly outperformed the market.
The group claimed “significant advances” being made in the group’s e-commerce capabilities including mobile, with 20 million unique visitors to its online platforms, up 21% on the previous year.
Monarch Airlines’ carryings rose from 6.3 million to 6.4 million passengers.
Within this there was a 15.7% increase in scheduled passengers from 4.6 million to 5.3 million.
This followed expansion to six airports, with the addition of East Midlands and Leeds/Bradford planned for 2013 and growth in the scheduled network to 88 routes, including successful absorption of routes formerly operated by Bmibaby.
Further profitable growth was reported in Monarch Aircraft Engineering turnover, with third-party customer revenues increasing to 29% of the total from 19% two years ago.
Executive chairman, Iain Rawlinson, said: “All the Group’s main divisions have performed well in 2012 in what have been challenging market conditions.
“The airline has achieved good yield growth in line with expectations and moved quickly to develop and strengthen its market position following the closure of Bmibaby.
“The tour operations and engineering divisions maintained their profitable performance of recent years and now have laid good foundations for growth.
“The group’s overall results reflect strong discipline on cost control and delivery of an effective e-commerce strategy. This represents sound progress in the first year of our two-year turnaround plan.”
He added: “Although the macro-economic environment remains uncertain, we are well positioned to continue this performance and have made a good start to the new year with satisfactory levels of advance bookings across our consumer brands and within the engineering activity.
“Brand recognition of Monarch and Cosmos is increasing at an encouraging rate, supported by improved use of technology, and consumer offerings differentiated by service levels and choice.
”In what are generally tough trading conditions, Monarch Airlines is well advanced with its modernisation and cost reduction programmes when other larger operators continue to face important restructuring challenges, and it provides clear and real choice to consumers who value customer service at a competitive price.
“Meanwhile, the group’s your operations division has potential for good growth as it makes new investments in its new selling platform and in increasing awareness of the Cosmos brand, and Monarch Aircraft Engineering has already announced its plans for expansion with a further engineering facility at Birmingham airport.”

Monarch making 'good progress' on road to profitability - www.travelweekly.co.uk (http://www.travelweekly.co.uk/Articles/2012/11/29/42415/monarch-making-good-progress-on-road-to-profitability.html)

[TSR2]

And amongst all the positive spin

No figure on overall losses was given

[Dannyboy39]

Full press release...

2012 News - Flights - Update on Trading for the Year and Re-equipping of Monarch Airlines Fleet | Flights News - Monarch (http://www.monarch.co.uk/news/flights/2012-news/update-on-trading-for-the-year-and-re-equipping-of-monarch-airlines-fleet)

[LGS6753]

Monarch boosts Christmas flying programme

Monarch is adding extra flights to popular winter sun destinations over Christmas and New Year after seeing rising demand from several UK airports.

It has put an extra 17,500 seats on sale, including 35 new flights to Faro, Lanzarote, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Gibraltar, Alicante and Malaga, departing from Birmingham, Gatwick, Luton and Manchester between December 19 and January 9.

Kevin George, managing director of Monarch Airlines, said: "We have been delighted by the increased demand for seats on our flights during Christmas and New Year and we are very pleased to be able to respond by offering our customers more seats which, as always, are excellent value for money."

Credit: Travel Mole

[Aeromaniac]

Good news for Monarch, very pleased for them.
Good results.
Extra flights
45 new aircraft!!!

:ok::D

[nigel osborne]

Spitfire boy

Re Monarch financial results;

It all looked so encouraging until a report on Bloomberg today,:eek: where the boss of Monarch says they want to move away from holiday charter traffic to true low cost..:sad::{:eek:

If they plan that route against the much larger Easy Jet and Ryan Air they will get pulverized :ugh::eek:


Monarch Plans 45-Jet Order Next Year in Low-Cost Carrier Pursuit - Businessweek (http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-11-29/monarch-plans-45-jet-order-next-year-in-low-cost-carrier-pursuit)

Nigel

[PhilW1981]

Nigel - Monarch's pricing structure is similar to EZY/FR, their in flight service is similar to EZY/FR, their attempts to squeeze extra revenue in the form of seat selection etc are similar to EZY/FR and to top it off their seat pitch is usually worse than EZY/FR. If something looks like a lcc, smells like a lcc and acts like an lcc, the chances are it's an lcc. Monarch's days as a quality carrier are long long gone.

[flameout2011]

Can anyone help?

Looking for Annabelle Winter, who I believe flew for Monarch from 80 onwards. She was an instructor at Biggin Hill in 78/79.

Thank you

Peter Clarke

[ericlday]

Could try the 'Where are they now' section Peter.

[Whisky B]

I remember Annabelle, although I cant help with her current whereabouts I'm afraid. I flew with her on the 737, back in the Berlin Days (late 80's/early 90's), she was also over in Guatemala with us in 89.....I think she had just joined then.........she took her husband with her as we were over there for several months, she had an acting background (I seem to recall she had RADA qualifications and a part in a Bond movie rings a bell too!!!!).

I think she left shortly after the 73's disappeared in the early 90's....maybe someone of our era, but with a better memory than me, can help!!!!

[Mr @ Spotty M]

Nothing has changed with that report, that those of us at Monarch already new.
The only part which might have surprised some, but not me l hasten to add, is getting out of long haul.
The company announced over a year ago that is was going to concentrate on scheduled over charter in the future.
If we were not tied into lease agreements that are costly to get out of, the A330s would have gone.

[ZeBedie]

I think Annabelle instructs at Stapleford.

[boeing_eng]

The only part which might have surprised some, but not me l hasten to add, is getting out of long haul. The company announced over a year ago that is was going to concentrate on scheduled over charter in the future.
If we were not tied into lease agreements that are costly to get out of, the A330s would have gone.

Although its no surprise to see MON dropping Long-Haul, it seems the recent results indicate some long-haul destinations were good money makers!!:eek::eek:

No figure on overall losses was given but the group claimed “strong profitable growth” in tour operations sales and yields, driven by successful winter and summer package holiday programmes, particularly to Goa, Greece and Florida, for which sales significantly outperformed the market.

Lets hope for all at MON the bean-counters have got it right!

[LBIA]

Monarch Airlines has entered into an sponsorship agreement with Leeds United Football Club which will see it become the Club’s Official North Stand Sponsor.
It will provide Monarch with marketing support for the launch of its sixth UK airport base, Leeds Bradford with its two new winter routes to Grenoble and Munich and twelve new routes for summer 2013.
Under the agreement Monarch branding will featuring across both the internal and external fascia of the North Stand which overlooks the M621 motorway.

2012 News - Flights - Leeds United announces exciting new partnership with Monarch Airlines | Flights News - Monarch (http://www.monarch.co.uk/news/flights/2012-news/leeds-united-announces-exciting-new-partnership-with-monarch-airlines)

[PAPI-74]

Good for them. Let's hope that their efforts keep paying off and they maintain the good marketing. Well done Monarch!

[VC10man]

This terrible news will not go down too well in the Derby area, we hate Leeds with a passion. http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/wink2.gif

I will never go on an airline which sponsors Leeds United (aka scum ) http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/puppy_dog_eyes.gif

[IB4138]

Oh dear!

Leeds United are hated by supporters of both of Manchester's Premier League clubs, as well.

Shot to both feet.

[Phenom100]

Peter,

Annabelle was at Stapleford Flight Centre 2/3 years ago, not sure if she is still about tho...I'd suggest you call Lisa at Stapleford and she will be able to advise you of onward contact info.

[paully]

``VC 10 man.....This terrible news will not go down too well in the Derby area, we hate Leeds with a passion.

I will never go on an airline which sponsors Leeds United (aka scum ) ``

What a lovely chap you are. With attitudes like that I`m not suprised football tribalism is alive and well....:ugh:

[Buster the Bear]

As for a Luton based airline sponsoring Leeds........Gggrrrrrrr!

[davidjohnson6]

Some fairly heavy marketing by Monarch of ski routes to Friedrichshafen, Grenoble and Munich going on at the moment. Is this normal or a sign that Monarch is finding sales to these destinations a little below expectations ?

[LGS6753]

They are trying to establish themselves in a new market niche. That comes expensive.

[OliWW]

Airlines and Niche markets do not work! bmibaby tried and failed...Only legacy carriers who feed the majority of their passengers into a hub can make it succeed!

[fmgc]

They are trying to establish themselves in a new market niche. That comes expensive.

Monarch are trying to get themselves out of a niche and diversify. New routes come expensive.

Airlines and Niche markets do not work! bmibaby tried and failed

Depends what you mean by niche?

[CEJM]

Extra frequencies added, as demand for some of the ski routes was higher then expected.

[insuindi]

Whilst some ski destinations have lost frequencies - outside the holidays MAN-FDH is down to 1/7, LGW-FDH has also seen some cuts (these are in addition to the cute for the MUC routes already seen).

However, the website now indicates that LGW-FDH will continue 3/7 throughout summer.

[LGS6753]

I said that Monarch were establishing themselves in a new market niche, and not a new niche market. Very different things.:ok:

[insuindi]

Winter 2013/14 flights are starting to appear bookable on the Monarch website. LGW-FDH goes up to 5/7, MAN-FDH 1/7. MUC routes all return, with exception of BHX, which so far is the only current MUC route missing for beyoned Nov12

[gilesdavies]

Looks like Monarch are to fly Luton to Sharm El Sheikh from next winter...

Flying three times a week on a Weds, Sat and Sun with an A321.

Will be quite a lot of competition on the route now. easyJet are flying 5 times a week and you have Thomson flying twice weekly too.

[MKY661]

Also looks like Monarch are to fly Birmingham to Bordeaux and Birmingham to Split as well from 22nd May 2013. Also London Gatwick to Verona from 2nd May 2013.

[fjencl]

I wonder if they will be using avion express a319 or a320's this summer.

[MANTHRUST]

Don't think so but am always prepared to be shot down by those who "Know"!

[on time all the time]

The plan is to be all in-house.
There should also be a stanby aircraft. It seems to be an A321.

[TSR2]

I wonder if they will be using avion express a319 or a320's this summer

According to the January edition of Airliner World, Avion Express will be operating the domestic routes for Virgin Atlantic with up to 5 A320 aircraft.

[fjencl]

Thats not happening as aerlingus won the contract instead of avion express....

[Dannyboy39]

Surely if Virgin were serious and committed to that route, they would've leased their own aircraft and painted their own livery.

[clareview]

The 4 Aer Lingus aircraft that Virgin are leasing for the domestic routes will be painted in virgin colours and staff will wear virgin uniforms. Its not the virgin is not committed to the domestic services its just doing it this way (which is a well established method of starting new routes) they can access aircraft quickly rather than wait for slots from a lessor, get crew with domestic experience and of using LHR without having to train their own and have flexibility to expand or contract.

[simfly]

what equipment are MON using to GNB ex LGW on Saturdays this winter? Looks like there are quite a few flights on that route too...

[Alex321]

According to the system this morning for today -

22/12/12 - LGW - GNB

05:50 - A321
06:05 - A330
08:55 - B757
11:35 - A330
13:25 - A300

For the 29th December its the same but with no A321 rotation and an A300 replacing the A330. Every saturday for January it appears to be the same as above but with the A300 replacing the A330 and the A321 rotation departing slightly earlier at 05:30.

Hope this helps

[Dannyboy39]

1400 passengers each way, in a day! I find it hard to believe Monarch had sufficient demand to fill those aircraft.

(unless I've misunderstood your post, of course!)

[TartinTon]

They don't. But the tour operators who contract 4 of the 5 a/c do....

[Alex321]

Only the A321 Rotation is a ZB the rest are all charter flight numbers.

[simfly]

Many thanks Alex. Look forward to the old 757 on the 12th then :ok:

[Alex321]

Sorry to disappoint if this is the case but just had a further look at the system now I have your date of travel and on the 12/01/13 only the B757 rotation is being done by an A321 as it stands at the moment.

[StevieW]

A330 was just covering for a tech A300 in TFS this weekend. In addition to these, they have a further four flights (3x charter) from LGW-GNB on a Sunday morning throughout the ski season.

Nice to see days where almost the entire fleet (at LGW at least) are dedicated to charter flights.

[TOM100]

Anybody know which type operates to SSH on Sunday's in Jan ?

[Alex321]

For Jan to SSH on Sundays

6 - MAN - A321
6 - LGW - A300
13 - MAN - A321
13 - LGW - A300
20 - MAN - A321
20 -LGW - A321
27 - MAN - A321
27 - LGW - A321

As it stands at the moment.

[TOM100]

I meant LGW - doh ! Returning on 21/1.......

[Alex321]

Currently looks to be an A321

[SCANDIC]

Will the 757's be sold to fed ex next year or will they be to old for fed ex to take. MONB and MONE are still going strong.

[Mr @ Spotty M]

I very much doubt it.

[SCANDIC]

Well you never know.

[MKY661]

Does anyone know where the second hand A321 due in March is coming from?

[Waldo]

From Thomson

[SCANDIC]

Suprised at Monarch getting 321 with different engines.

[Andrew R]

Does anyone know what the loads are like on LGW - BCN this time of year? Is there any point booking seats online? Travelling to BCN this Friday from LGW and just wondering. What aircraft are they using - A321 or 757?

Many thanks :)

[Alex321]

Booked to be an A321

[Mr @ Spotty M]

You are talking complete :mad:.
I like a number of Monarch staff do know where G-OZBZ is coming from, however l will not give details until the contract is signed. :ok:

[tjamesbo]

Just about to book Birmingham to Lanzarote Sat Early May. After the Runway incident can anyone confirm if the route is still opertated by Monarch / Monarch A/C and crew or has it been subbed to the east europeans etc like Air explore .
Thanks

[MANTFS]

Only Mon aircraft doing Mon flights since November. It will be either a 320 or 321 at Bhx

[tjamesbo]

Thanks I've always enjoyed their A/C & Crew in past flights I do not want to book with them and end up with a different carrier as a starting point

[Bearpit]

Just tried to book some flights to Grenoble from Leeds in FEB - looks like they've cancelled completely from end of January. Anybody know whats going on?

[ConstantFlyer]

I understand that Monarch has concluded a sponsorship deal with Leeds United, presumably linked to their expansion at LBA.

While this may attract a few extra punters from Leeds, will it not put off vast swathes of people from Bradford, Huddersfield, Sheffield, Hull, Rotherham, Barnsley and everywhere else across the LBA catchment area where they hate Leeds United?

It's always struck me that airline sponsorship of football teams is potentially counter-productive. Are Etihad flights out of Manchester full of City fans and Turkish flights full of United fans? Do Spurs fans avoid Arsenal-sponsoring Emirates?

I know flybe have also followed this route with G-KKEV at Newcastle and support for Exeter City. I'd be interested to hear views from the Yorkshire area as to whether Monarch is on to a winner or a loser on this one.

[european130]

It's not necessarily the fans that fly the airline, its the exposure the airline gets from all the matches that are seen live on on the TV that millions of people all over the world watch. Man U and Man C matches are always on the ESPN channel in the USA,not just on UK Television, so thats what the airlines are going for exposure to the masses not just travel for the fans.

[LBIA]

I expect that going 3x weekly using an A321 instead of a smaller A320 plus brand awareness were the key reasons to the failure and axing of the Leeds/Bradford - Grenoble service. Nobody in Yorkshire knows who Monarch Airlines are yet! Hopefully this will change overtime with advertising, promotions and a good summer 2013 season! Next winter's Grenoble flights I'm sure will fair a whole lot better as Monarch are experienced enough to know what will work for them out of there new Leeds/Bradford base.

Monarch were also unfortunate as they announced the route first so clearly saw the potential it had but Jet2 were obviously looking at it and announced there plans in a rush on the same day. So the best thing for Monarch to do now, with the route been a clear failure was to retreat, re-group and return stronger...

[2Planks]

I along with a lot of other wintersports folk have just suffered from this failure. The reputational hit that Monarch are taking from cancelling these flights is already happening on forums various. I had high hopes for the new scheduled services (especially the non weekend trips) which were launched in all the skiing media - but I now suspect that trust in Monarch has dropped another peg or two - which after some of the summer issues can't be great for the Company.

[TartinTon]

Clearly there weren't "a lot" of wintersports folk on the flights otherwise they would still be flying. They were always going to struggle operating the flights on a w pattern from MAN. Airlines don't tend to cancel routes that are selling well.

[lagerlout]

Unfortunately there were always going to be casualty's as it seem Monarch were trying to reinvent the wheel over night. Charter to schedule and two new bases in the space of six months was always going to be a tough ask whilst also trying to turn around massive losses at the same time.

Quite how they thought they could fill three A321's a week to a new ski destination out of a regional airport I will never know. :ugh: It would not suprise me if Munich went the same way.

The question is what will replace Grenoble? Monarch seem to have a crush on with Friedrichshafen in Germany - who knows?

Maybe a little more time engaging the good people of Yorkshire than painting stands and doing photo shoots with Chemmy Alcott would serve them well in the furture.

[TartinTon]

Charter to schedule in 6 months? Monarch have been more scheduled than charter for over 6 years...hardly "overnight"....charter traffic at Monarch has been in decline ever since 9/11

[2Planks]

TT - I fully understand your comments - but the flights have only been running for a month - and the two I travelled on were 60% full. I would not have an issue with cancelling for next year but if they do not give a route a chance then it will never develop. Meanwhile their reputation within the close knit skiing community has taken a hit.

[compton3bravo]

All being well 60 per cent full but what did they pay for their flight - not much I would think.

[StoneyBridge Radar]

Lagerlout, Monarch have been transforming themselves for a number of years now. Some might even say they've been perhaps rather slow in going over to scheduled.

Never before has the phrase been more appropriate; "Use it or lose it."

The well heeled Harrogate downslopers may be coughing on their Chardonnay at the news of Grenoble being axed, but Monarch had a steep slope to climb in achieving recognition in such a short space of time. The spoiler was Jet2, the entrenched Leeds favourite, launching on the same day.

It may be a tad inconvenient, but it must ultimately have made the most business sense to simply axe the route and plan for another try next year.

Rgds

[MKY661]

Update on the fleet, The second hand A321 is due on 4th April 2013. Also the additional aircraft are now going to be A320's, not A321's.

Source: Monarch Airlines (http://www.jethros.org.uk/fleets/fleet_listings/monarch_airlines.htm)

[MKY661]

Also the two A320's on order, G-ZBAA and G-ZBAB, will have sharklets :)

[PhilW1981]

Following ridiculous delays and insulting offers of re-imbursement in the form of "a complimentary upgrade to addition legroom seating on your next flight", I put an EU261 claim in to Monarch on 29th October. They have (after chasing and copying in the CAA) replied saying it's being investigated. 3 Months later and still no outcome from them. How long do they have to resolve these complaints as this seems a little inefficient.

[garybell]

On a totally different topic - just saw what looked like a Monarch aircraft take off from BHD. Anybody know where its going?:confused:

[SCANDIC]

I bet monarch are glad they didn't take up their order of 787's with all the bad press at the moment.

[PilotsOfTheCaribbean]

They wouldn't have taken delivery of the first one until the end of this year in any event. Most of these problems will likely be resolved well before then.
Reliability issues had very little to do with the cancellation I suspect.

[Artie Fufkin]

Purely out of interest, do we know when last year's accounts are due?

[SCANDIC]

Saw one of the 330's coming out of air livery at man today but didn't know which one.

[MKY661]

Anwser is on Livery Thread :ok:

[SCANDIC]

How many aircraft do monarch actually own.

[TSR2]

How many aircraft do monarch actually own.

According to the CAA database, just 1 G-DAJB (B757)

[MKY661]

The two older A320's, G-OZBB and G-MONX are to leave the Monarch fleet at the end of summer 2013 along with the A300, G-MONS.

G-OZBZ is coming from Onur Air

Source: Monarch Airlines (http://www.jethros.org.uk/fleets/fleet_listings/monarch_airlines.htm)

[factanonverba]

Anyone know the the reason why CD is no longer listed?

[Mr @ Spotty M]

Yes, it has gone to the great breakers in the sky, it is an ex aircraft, it is no more. :{

[Hamburg 2K8]

Was in Airbus Toulouse on business last week and did notice a MON A320 with just it's tail painted awaiting engine installation and Sharklet installation too by the looks of it. I'm back there in 2 weeks so hopefully will see it fully painted.

[tubby linton]

CD and NR still seem to be in one piece at the moment If you happen to be in the Tupelo area you may even get to see them..
The company who are recycling them seem to have alot of stock to get through but I would imagine all the avionics computers will have been removed and placed into store so they would be unflyable.

[Mr @ Spotty M]

You might miss it as its due to fly to Hamburg at sometime for interior fitting, before returning to Toulouse for delivery acceptance by lessor .
Due to be delivered to LTN on the 14th March.

[MKY661]

Anyone know the date for G-ZBAB? I know that is due in April.

[goldeneye]

Does anyone know where the A300's are to be broken up.

I know the first one has left the fleet, where is it now.

[MKY661]

The first A300 and A320 are being scrapped at Tupelo. I'm not sure about the other three A300's and the two A320's

[Mr @ Spotty M]

Should be at the end of the second week in April. :ok:

[SCANDIC]

I hope the 75's keep fly after next year.

[on time all the time]

the three 757's are scheduled to be retired at the end of the summer 14.

[SCANDIC]

Let's hope that they get to be freighters their not in bad condition for their age.

[TSR2]

Let's hope that they get to be freighters their not in bad condition for their age.

At 25/26 years of age and with 90,000+ flying hours, I would very much doubt it.

[Mr A Tis]

Wonder how many hours the numerous Delta 757s have ? They are about 28/29 years old. So maybe life left in the ZB ones?

[SCANDIC]

They've been very well looked after for all those years, their in a lot better shape than most 75's still flying.

[MKY661]

According to Wikipedia, Monarch operate charter flights to Palma from Bristol, Durham Tees Valley, Edinburgh, Glasgow-International & Newcastle upon Tyne, although I barely ever see these flights operate. Do these actually operate, and if they don't I will remove them.

[Alloy]

New Monarch Group Holdings website:

The Monarch Group - Home (http://monarchholdingslimited.com/)

New 320 G-ZBAA:

Monarch Airlines Airbus A320-214 cn 5526 F-WWBZ // G-ZBAA | Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bycac/8495297022)

[Jack1985]

Looking super smart with the new sharklets! F-WWBZ Monarch Airlines Airbus A320-214(WL) - Planespotters.net Just Aviation (http://www.planespotters.net/Aviation_Photos/photo.show?id=360406)

[MKY661]

Monarch have aquired two further second hand A321's from Cyprus Airways. Due to be delivered in time for the summer season.

Source: Monarch Airlines (http://www.jethros.org.uk/fleets/fleet_listings/monarch_airlines.htm)

[TCX69]

Monarch have aquired two further second hand A321's from Cyprus Airways. Due to be delivered in time for the summer season.

They were only delivered to CY around 6-8 months ago! Wonder why they're getting rid of them so soon? That was a rather short lease.

[yeo valley]

am i dreaming.or did i see somewhere they were in money problems.
hope im wrong.but someone will confirm.

[111KAB]

Changes ahead for Cyprus Airways as it implements turnaround plan and seeks new owner | CAPA - Centre for Aviation (http://centreforaviation.com/analysis/changes-ahead-for-cyprus-airways-as-it-implements-turnaround-plan-and-seeks-new-owner-69413)

[CabinCrewe]

Monarch operate charter flights to Palma from Bristol, Durham Tees Valley, Edinburgh, Glasgow-International & Newcastle upon Tyne
Good old inaccurate Wiki ! They haven't operated from GLA to PMI for years !

[yeo valley]

monarch to palma.likewise been a long time since operated.

[Serenity]

Any Cyprus 330's??

[SCANDIC]

I think the Cyprus 330's have gone to air europa sometime last year i remember seeing them at Man for a short time.

[Dannyboy39]

The Cyprus Airways A330s joined the Air Europa fleet last April, leased from ILFC.

[Tommo89]

Hi everyone,

I'm really keen to fly on either the A300 or B757 prior to their retirement but it's proving difficult to find out what their summer 2013 schedules are.

The most prferable route for me would be LGW - PMI and back (dates flexible. As one of the most popular routes seems a reasonable assumption that the route may feature in the schedule of these a/c at least on one day of the week?

In 2011 a MAN based A300 did a W pattern to PMI calling in at LTN but doesn't seem to be this year.

Would anyone be able to tell me if either of these types will be operating this route and if so what day/flight numbers?

Many thanks in advance for any help

[macuser]

Posts 1164/5 do not bring good news on the A300 front

[Skipness One Echo]

http://www.airliners.net/aviation-forums/general_aviation/read.main/5702027/

Hesitate to post this, but have a read. Flew on two A300s years ago, might try one last blast before they go.
Monarch Airlines (http://www.jethros.org.uk/fleets/fleet_listings/monarch_airlines.htm)
Retirement plans above.

[TCX69]

Would anyone be able to tell me if either of these types will be operating this route and if so what day/flight numbers?

Tue/Fri:
ZB532 MAN0700 PMI1030 AB6
ZB533 PMI1150 MAN1325 AB6

Sat:
ZB534 MAN1635 PMI2005 757
ZB535 PMI2105 MAN2240 757

Sun:
ZB534 MAN1645 PMI2015 AB6
ZB535 PMI2145 MAN2315 AB6

[MKY661]

MAN-GIB will from 26 May 2013 increase from 3 weekly to 4 weekly. :)

[OltonPete]

MKY661

The extra Manchester service is operated by the look of it by a BHX aircraft made available by the cancellation of the Milan service and reshuffling on the Weekend schedule.

BHX got an extra SSH added on a Saturday with the GIB moving from Satuday to Sunday.

I assume there will be some more shuffling with the weekday schedule with BHX-MUC freeing up a Monday, Wednesday and Friday slot now that is to be axed.

Sunday night sees an extra Palma adding to the extra Friday night Pamla for high season. This makes the high-season night flights from BHX, PMI (FRI/SAT/SUN), AGP (FRI, SAT & SUN) and IBZ (THU-SUN).

[MKY661]

None of the MAN-GIB flights on any day are operated by Manchester aircraft in the summer season. The flights on Monday, Wednesday & Friday are operated by a Luton based aircraft so you could be right here, unless the flight on a Sunday is also operated by a Luton based aircraft.

[OltonPete]

Monarch have acted quickly to fill the BHX-Munich sschedule - Barcelona now daily from the beginning of May.

I think BHX during one summer a few years ago without BCN with FR operating REU & GRO and Baby chopping it but this year 11 a week plus GRO and REU by FR.

BHX has also seen some high-season night-fllight additions with Tuesday Tenerife and Friday, Saturday and Sunday have IBZ, PMI and AGP although some of those were originally scheduled (IBZ ops Thur and Monday night as well) but certainly upping the rotations.

[MKY661]

Anyone know what is based during summer 2013? I believe it is something like this but I've probably made a mistake somewhere:

Manchester:
2X A300-600
7X A321-200
1X A330-200
1X 757-200

Birmingham:
4X A320-200
5X A321-200

Leeds/Bradford:
2X A320-200

East Midlands:
2X A321-200

London-Luton:
2X A320-200
2X A321-200

London Gatwick:
1X A300-600
1X A320-200
5X A321-200
1X A330-200
2X 757-200

[ZeBedie]

So MAN the biggest base by seats and even BHX is bigger than LGW. How things have changed. :ouch:

[Mr @ Spotty M]

I only count 20 A321s.

[adfly]

I believe LGW has the most seats or flights this summer, overtaking MAN (or did that happen last summer?).

[compton3bravo]

The Sunday Manchester-Gib timings seem not to tie up with the other schedules. The Luton service operates to and from Gib not as a W pattern so does the Birmingham service. Manchester-Gib starts and finishes at Manchester but it has to be operated by an A320 but am I right in thinking there will be no A320s based there. The last time I flew from Gib to Luton I talked to the flight deck crew and they were not too happy spending some 3 plus hours in a minibus on the M1/M6 positioning to/from Manchester but as the captain said ´´needs must´´.

[MKY661]

Thanks for that, Fixed now. Knew that there were 21 A321's but missed one out without knowing because I thought I put 21. Silly Me. I've put the extra A321 at LGW because it has lost an A300 this summer. I'm not sure when the two A321's from Cyprus Airways are coming though but I would say second half of 2013 :)

I believe LGW has the most seats or flights this summer, overtaking MAN (or did that happen last summer?).

I don't think this happened at all. MAN has been Monarch's biggest base for a while. Not sure how long this will last though as there are no new routes from MAN this year, all of them have been operated before. Hopefully next year new routes will be introduced. Heraklion I think would be good as there are currently no scheduled routes from Manchester to Greece with Monarch. I think Funchal, Split & Bordeaux have potential too.

The Sunday Manchester-Gib timings seem not to tie up with the other schedules. The Luton service operates to and from Gib not as a W pattern so does the Birmingham service. Manchester-Gib starts and finishes at Manchester but it has to be operated by an A320 but am I right in thinking there will be no A320s based there. The last time I flew from Gib to Luton I talked to the flight deck crew and they were not too happy spending some 3 plus hours in a minibus on the M1/M6 positioning to/from Manchester but as the captain said ´´needs must´´.

I have just checked flights from MAN-GIB on Sunday 14th July 2013. The MAN-GIB flight departs at 14:55 and arrives at 18:55. However the GIB-MAN flight departs at 11:15 nd arrives at 13:15 which means a W pattern must take place. I am also not a fan of the W pattern becauuse if you are on board the MAN-GIB flight and the LTN-GIB flight diverts then you are basically screwed. I would prefer it if there was a morning flight from MAN-GIB and an evening flight from GIB-MAN because the we get to spend another whole day there rather than coming/going home early.

Someone said on the Gibraltar thread that Monarch were in talks of starting a new route from GIB to Scotland. :)

[Alex321]

The ex Cyprus Airways A321's are due around the middle of April to enter service for the summer schedule starting 1/5/13. EMA is still showing through the website and other places as A320's for summer 2013 as it stands currently.

[Alloy]

CPT3B, the GIB flights in the past have occasionally been operated by 321s, and regularly by 757s, although not for a while.

[Mr @ Spotty M]

Monarch will never plan A321s into GIB, this is due to a very large reduction in passenger numbers required.
The A321 would only operate in an emergency.
EMA will be a A321 operation for the summer.

[partyboy_uk]

The GIB flights from MAN and BHX are W Patterns:

(all times are GMT)

BHX/GIB 0535/0830 ZB446
GIB/MAN 0915/1215 ZB575

MAN/GIB 1355/1655 ZB574
GIB/BHX 1740/2035 ZB447

The LTN/GIB/LTN is not a W pattern flight with the usual 45min turnaround.

[compton3bravo]

I DO know the LTN-GIB flights are not W patterns as I fly quite regularly on the service. What I was trying to explain is that there is a Manchester service which needs an A320 which does not fit in with either a Birmingham or a Luton schedule!

[MKY661]

I DO know the LTN-GIB flights are not W patterns as I fly quite regularly on the service. What I was trying to explain is that there is a Manchester service which needs an A320 which does not fit in with either a Birmingham or a Luton schedule!

They are W patterns, but only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in the summer season. This winter there are A320's based at MAN so there is no W pattern. I am a regular traveler on the MAN-GIB service. :)

[partyboy_uk]

The LTN-GIB service last summer was a W pattern. The above flight times are based on Sunday flight times throughout this summer and as you can see illustrated the MAN service is a W pattern with the BHX service. I haven't looked at the other days yet.

[MKY661]

Monarch are to increase flights from Birmingham to Barcelona from 4pw to Daily:
2013 News - Flights - Monarch Airlines announces daily flight from Birmingham Airport to Barcelona | Flights News (http://www.monarch.co.uk/news/flights/2013-news/monarch-airlines-announces-daily-flight-from-birmingham-airport-to-barcelona)

Also found out (thanks to Mr. @ Spotty M) that it will be 2 A321's at East Midlands this summer. It will be the two ex Cyprus Airways aircraft. :)

[LHRjc]

G-ZBAA currently scheduled TLS-LTN departing 1500Z today.

[LBIA]

For some reason Monarch's new sharklet fitted Airbus A320's are going to be stationed at the new LBA base which opens next Friday.

Routes News - Monarch adds new A320 at Leeds Bradford (http://www.routes-news.com/news/item/1117-monarch-adds-new-a320-at-leeds-bradford)

[MKY661]

This is what Monarch tend to do when they recieve new aircraft. In 2009 & 2010 the 2 Ex EasyJet A321's were based in Manchester. In 2012, the two Ex First Choice A320's were based in Birmingham. This year the two A320's with sharklets will be based at Leeds/Bradford and the 2 Ex. Cyprus A321's will be based at East Midlands. I'm not sure where the other new aircraft are being based (if they are being based at a pacticular base) :)

[MANTHRUST]

The reason could be performance related!

[im going in]

Maybe LBA is ZB's northern most base for S13 and it makes sense to put your new fuel efficient machines on your longest routes.

[MKY661]

I've heard it was to do with seat Configuration. Well it was with the 2 Ex Easyjet A321's.

[Mr @ Spotty M]

It has nothing to do with seat configuration, fuel efficiency or extra range.
It is a pure and simple marketing move, this to go head to head with its main opposition, that operates old airframes. :ok:

[Buster the Bear]

This did make me chucle "It is a pure and simple marketing move, this to go head to head with its main opposition, that operates old airframes."

And Monarch don't! If this airframe stays with Monarch, it could be retired in 2035 or even later based upon new airframe purchases in the past.

Don't you just love PR spin, but I DO like (the people at) Monarch!

[sunshine79]

Does anyone know which aircraft is due to be used on MON6382 MAN-GOI tomorrow as my folks are on the flight?

[spottyemm]

The Goa is an A330

[sunshine79]

I know it's an A330, but what reg if anyone knows please, thanks in advance

[LHRjc]

G-EOMA is currently planned to operate MAN-GOI today.

[LHRjc]

It has nothing to do with seat configuration, fuel efficiency or extra range.
It is a pure and simple marketing move, this to go head to head with its main opposition, that operates old airframes.

So the 320's go to LBA, the ex CY 321's go to EMA. Which base will get the new 321's?

[renort]

Think its a bit too soon for Monarch to try and occupy the moral high ground as far as fleet age is concerned.

besides... 99% of pax neither know nor care.

I'm more interested in knowing what these new highly paid managers and business turnaround experts are doing... the latest figures I've seen make me wonder.

[MANTHRUST]

Renort, would you like share your figures on the Monarch section?

[MKY661]

So the 320's go to LBA, the ex CY 321's go to EMA. Which base will get the new 321's?

I would say Birmingham or Maybe Gatwick. Not likely to be Manchester as nothing new is statring there unfortunately.

[New T2 Office]

Manthrust..................I wouldn't bother, if you read through renorts history of posts, they're all very negative about the company, maybe holds a grudge about something that happened in the past, who knows:ugh:

Sounds like sergiosghost does too, I expect he knows renort fairly well! ;);)

[116d]

To be fair to renort, he has a point with passengers being bothered about the age of the aircraft. Whether 99% is the correct figure I don't know, but from a passenger perspective I'm more concerned about whether an aircraft is safe to fly and is well maintained.

If those 2 criteria are met then age of an aircraft shouldn't really be an issue. And to be fair to Jet2 they do a good job with keeping some of the older, 1980s-vintage 733's in good condition.

It is a pure and simple marketing move, this to go head to head with its main opposition, that operates old airframes

Maybe so at LBA with the new A320, but Monarch doesn't exactly operate a young/all-new fleet either. The three 757s they have left are of a similar age to some of the Jet2 757s.

[Leftofcentre2009]

Anyone know which airframe will be operating BHX-TFS on 24th March?

My kids are flying on it with their mother

[Dannyboy39]

Likely to be A321. Currently being operated by G-OZBS today, but has been operated on BO, BG and BU in recent weeks.

[fmgc]

You have to love Renort, nothing more uniting than somebody that we can all hate!

[righthandrule]

Seems a last ditch attempt at trying to gain market share at LBA by putting the new Aircraft there. Going on the Grenoble (cancelled already) and Munich routes (approx 50 pax per flight) they have got some serious work to do.

Passengers really don't have any interest in the age of their Aircraft, some of the world better Airlines have large fleets of 20+ year old Aircraft. Passengers decisions are based on three main factors;

A - Price
B - On time departures
C - Convenience of flight departure & arrival times

If they are going to use Aircraft age as a tool to win punters, it's not going to work. Jet2's fleet age is nearly 10 years (on average) older than Monarch, yet Jet2 fill their aircraft to a higher load factor, are roughly similar price wise but get them away considerably more on time than Monarch do. Not to mention they compete in several identical markets and it's clear who is winning at the moment.

Perhaps it will take more than a few leased in 'new' Aircraft and poor marketing to make Monarch a thriving success compared to it's current rather confused and perhaps disillusioned state?

[TartinTon]

rhr...talking out of your backside son. Don't let a few inside w flights through the winter cloud your vision. ZB do well enough where the product is comparable i.e MAN and EMA. Let's see what happens once the based aircraft arrive on 22Mar and 01 May. My understanding is that loads and yields look pretty tasty. It'll be good for J2 to have some competition on their home turf....

[Say again s l o w l y]

Renort, they're lining their own pockets.

Cost Reduction Manager is a Management Consultant from a company called Delinear Consulting reportedly paid a quarter of a million a year.

Others include DAV Management Consulting, Walshaw Hobson and ASE Consulting with consultants paid £100,000+ per year.

And that's only the tip of the iceberg. Parasites the lot of them.

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear, oh dear.

Which rock have you dragged yourself out from under?

I happen to know the people you mention and for a quick example the cost task force programme manager is extremely competent and has so far sorted out way north of £50million in savings in under 2 years, with more on the way. How is that a waste of money? There are some wholesale changes to how the place goes about it's business that are coming out of the work done by some of these consultants you are slagging off.

Oh and £250K p.a is way out. I know what consultancy rates are and they aren't that big.

Monarch has some really good stuff going on at the moment that I am not at liberty to say about on a public forum, but I certainly see the tide turning there.
There's a way to go yet, but it's certainly in a better position than it was 18 months ago.

[MARKEYD]

Atlantic Holidays have changed from using a Monarch A320 this summer for there Funchal charters from regional airports like Bournemouth , Norwich , Humberside , Cardiff etc to using a " Sata " A320 based from Funchal instead i would imagine the Monarch A320 can be better utilised

[X-Centric]

£70 million loss last year i'm told. Renort - are these figures correct or BS?

[Leftofcentre2009]

Thanks for the info
BS - Interesting number of prev operators? EZY, GB & BA?

[on time all the time]

......No not really interesting nb. Indeed the plane was purchased by GB who changed its name to BA...so no change of owner as such. GB was then purchased by Easyjet, so can we really call it a change of ownership.
Easy disposed of the 321s.....So in fact you almost have only 2 operators GB and Monarch.

[LHRjc]

GB was a BA franchise so whilst it was in BA colours it was operated by GB crew and had a little "operated by GB Airways" decal on the nose.

[Leftofcentre2009]

hmnnn i got the info from G-INFO :)

I used to be an Eng at MAEL in the late 90's. Quite shocking to see they STILL operate the same 300's now.

I disagree about the aircraft age thing. It does matter as far as i am concerned. I was quite shocked after a trip to Vegas last year on BA 744 G-BNLE to find the airframe dates from 1989. No wonder it was so tired looking.

Compare that to a trip i recently took to Dubai on an A388, well, there er really is no comparison. Quieter, comfortable, roomy and had a general feel of quality about it. All age related? Definitely.

So age may not matter to some pi$$ed up holiday maker but it certainly matters to me. I should imagine i am not alone.
All my opinion of course :ok:

[renort]

Despite what some on here think, unfortunately I'm not the antichrist.

If criticism of the pin-headed journeymen who have graced the top floor of 134 over the last decade makes you hate me, then I feel genuinely sorry for you.

I have nothing but admiration for the guys n girls that still make Monarch work on a daily basis despite the management leeches.

As for the claimed amount of losses, I won't publicise them here for fear of further castigation by the self-appointed outrage committee.

Carry on.

[SCANDIC]

Monarch do a top job with their aircraft whether their 5 years old or 25 years old they, look at the 75's many airlines go rid of theirs years ago but monarch have kept theirs going.

[Say again s l o w l y]

Renort, I certainly don't think you're the anti-christ, just clueless and trying to stir up trouble for no good reason.

Let me know which of the money saving and efficiency ideas you've put in the box recently and I'll go through them and let you know whether they've made any difference. Or if you haven't made any suggestions or done anything other than snipe on a website then let me know too and I'll just disregard you from here on in.

[kaikohe76]

I was lucky enough to operate on a number ofMonarch's 757 during the eighties, when they were all brand spanking new. Very good to see, that a small number of them are still going strong. A rather comforting combination also, Boeing aircraft pluss RR engines, gave that little xtra bit of confidence at 30W on a dark night.

[Artie Fufkin]

As for the claimed amount of losses, I won't publicise them here for fear of further castigation by the self-appointed outrage committee.

Are Monarch going to publicise last year's figures?

[SCANDIC]

Anyone know what will be operating the arrecife flights from man this summer, would like to try and get on an a300 before they disappear.

[AP1995]

Fly from LBA, you will be on the new sharklet aircraft ;)

[LAX_LHR]

Fly from LBA, you will be on the new sharklet aircraft http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/wink2.gif

Not even remotely what he was asking. ;)

[SCANDIC]

Hopefully someone will know over the next month or two.

[Alex321]

It appears to be the following aircraft for MAN - ACE

Mon - A321
Thu - A330
Fri - A321
Sat - A321

Hope this helps