Monarch - 3

[Mr @ Spotty M]

Its not confirmed 100% yet, but as near as dam it.
The A300 do not always cover the A330s when on maintenance, sometimes they will sub in to cover, as they have done in the past with a TCX A330.
By the way Scandic, your beloved B757s will be gone by the end of Nov 2014. :{

[MKY661]

So are there any plans to have an Enthusiasts Day trip on the A300 before they go? Lost of people on the Monarch Blog really want this as well.

[SCANDIC]

You have to agree though that the 757's have been a fantastic aircraft better than the 321's or the 737-800's you can go anywhere with a 75.

[ZeBedie]

Airlines are run by bean counters now and their definition of 'fantastic aircraft' will be very different to yours.

[partyboy_uk]

Air Lease Corporation Announces the Placement of Two New Airbus A321-200s with Monarch Airlines (http://travel.broadwayworld.com/article/Air-Lease-Corporation-Announces-the-Placement-of-Two-New-Airbus-A321-200s-with-Monarch-Airlines-20130701)- TravelWorld.com (1 July, 2013)

[allosaurus]

one to go in oct 13, next in feb 14 and last one to go in april 14.

[greatoaks]

Any updates on the interior re-fits, guys?

[Alex321]

This information you have regarding the A300's is incorrect to an extent, whilst a departure from service before summer 2014 is planned no deals etc have been signed as to there departure. They could get one last fling yet!

[Mr @ Spotty M]

My understanding is apart from ZBZ, seating changes delayed until the "C" checks start.

[allosaurus]

info comes from 3 different sources.Would not hold my breath for a change of heart.

[flyOU]

Monarch stopped ticket sale BHX-SPU 2014 - are the loads so bad?

Edit: Tickets are on sale again

[manbaghall]

dose any1 since when has monarch had a 321 with a uld hold seen 1 at man earlyer on 2day couldnt see the reg on a/c

[Alex321]

Monarch currently has 2 A321's with uld holds these are g-zbaf and g-zbag both usually based at EMA and both are x Cyprus Airways.

[manbaghall]

yer it was g-zbaf just seem odd 2 see a uld load 321 for mon

[LHRjc]

And a 320 G-ZBAH.

[mark1484]

Does anybody know which routes the A300 will be operating out of MAN this winter? I.e from NOV 13'

[Alloy]

Not sure of the the answer to where the last A300s will be based, if its LGW then there may be no further MAN A300 flights come November.

[on time all the time]

The last 2 A300 will be based at LGW
I looked at the timetables 23 to 29th dec and no sign of this a/c in MAN.
It will have a very light program in LGW with BJL Tues and Frid, , 2 flights each on Saturdays (GNB and GVA). and one flight each on Sunday.
I also looked on the 15/02/14 and there will only be 1 left. It should exit too in March
This is not taking into account potential adhoc business.

[Mr @ Spotty M]

One goes the end of Jan and the last one the end of March.
The first one "NS" should be November time.

[Iver]

It was hinted at a few months ago, but what is the latest news about Monarch staying in the longhaul game in the future? Still talk about potential A350s down the road - or is that just a pipe dream?

It is a shame Monarch did not stick with its previous 787 order - the 787 would have looked very nice in Monarch colours....:ok::}

[Mr @ Spotty M]

Shame my A:mad:
Best decision Monarch has made over the last few years.
This a/c is be biggest pain in the :mad: for a number of years, especially for those who are trying day in and day out, to keep the damn things in the air.

[ukcharter666]

what type on plane is operating Gatwick to larnaca this oct?

[Alex321]

A mix of A321/A300 when are you flying? Flight numbers?

[ukcharter666]

not sure of flight yet not booked

either going to be flying from Gatwick on 02/10 or 05/10

[TSR2]

Looks like an A300 on the 2nd and an A321 on the 5th.

[Buster the Bear]

One of the reasons Monarch decided to 'bin' the 787 was APD, which has also risen since their decision. The routes they wanted to use it on were not tax friendly!

[TheQuietLife]

ZB 574 MAN-GIB operating via LGW - to "deliver some windows"???

[nigel osborne]

The latest update I saw from Monarch was that they are still interested in new widebodies, and were going to discuss the matter at a board meeting. If agreement is reached they could take it further.

Hardly a ringing endorsement that imminent new ones are likely soon..However they would have to be confident they could get enough Travel Agent interest.

Another problem is that they have a seat pitch of just 29/30" on economy A330s.

This against generous 34" on TOM 787s..this seems likely to be the future bench mark. Could MON be able to afford such a good pitch at the expense of less seats in there cheap model ?

Hmm TOM 787 or MON sardine can, know which one id go for.

[VickersVicount]

when and where is the next MON/ZB expansion likely to be ?

[MKY661]

ZB 574 MAN-GIB operating via LGW - to "deliver some windows"???

Well thank god I'm not on that flight today then :) Regular traveller of this route :) It's going to LTN afterwards anyway why can't they just do it then? Oh well :)

[TheQuietLife]

Apparently it had to return to stand at MAN because, while the windows had been loaded, the fasteners/clips for the windows had not been.

It had already spent some time waiting at MAN in the first place, before coming back for the clips, and before then flying to LGW, and finally to GIB.

Also, apparently 12 or 18 windows, so I'm not sure if it is cockpit ones as some have speculated.

[Buster the Bear]

Our flight back from Palma last year was delayed. The inbound flight popped into a French airport to deliver a new windscreen and engineers to fit it for a 757 that had lobbed in there after a crack appeared on a flight out of Ibiza.

[SCANDIC]

Could anybody tell me what will be operating ZB622 from Manchester to Lanzarote on the 5th of november please?

[partyboy_uk]

Could anybody tell me what will be operating ZB622 from Manchester to Lanzarote on the 5th of november please?

The ZB622 on 5 Nov is due to be operated by an A321

[111KAB]

partyboy_uk - as an 'amateur' but frequent flyer I would be interested to know how you obtain such information rather than my keep asking "anyone tell me what plane I will be on" ... therefore is this information readily available for all airlines please? I have posted on Monarch thread as my next flight is with them. Thanks

[partyboy_uk]

111KAB, although I am sure there are other ways of finding out this information, the reason I am able to tell you what equipment will be used for a particular flight is because I work for Monarch and have access to company information.

[111KAB]

Thanks - thought as much - will keep asking the question then!

[Barling Magna]

There's speculation on Southend forums about Monarch operating from SEN next year. Anyone know if there is any substance to this?

[TartinTon]

Barling...none whatsoever

[Barling Magna]

Thanks. That's one less thing to think about!

[SCANDIC]

Has G-MONR been scrapped or is it still sat stored in tupelo, surprised nobody bought it to convert to a freighter.

[Nickd1992]

There’s a probable chance I could be going away to Egypt this October with family. Were looking at Monarch and I’ve done a dummy run to see how the seating looks.

My first question is - A330 or A300 on the Thursday SSH flight?

My second is - it is fairly empty surely this is bad for the airline unless the under belly (cargo) is selling so well? Anyone care to enlighten.

And final question is would there be a chance for this to be swapped to a 757 or A320/21?

Thank you for answering the questions.

[mgy2k90]

Hi Nickd1992

The distinct give away difference between the a300 and the a330, is that where the cabin gets narrower toward the rear, and the outboard seats are just 2 (rather than 3), these seats are extra legroom, and will show as purple on the seat map for the A330, when making a dummy booking.
Your question about how empty the flight is, if you look at the seat map online, and there is a lot of availability to choose from, this infact just means that not many people have chosen to select seats prior to check-in, they will get allocated at the airport check in, or online check in at a later date. The emptiness of the seat map is no way representative of the amount of bookings for the flight.

Hope this helps

[Alex321]

Currently all Thursday Flights out of LGW/MAN to SSH on Thursdays through October are booked to be A300. BHX flights are the usual A321's. If an A300 isnt available no doubt if available the A330 will cover.

[Mr @ Spotty M]

Only one A330 available throughout October, due Hajj. :ok:

[ukcharter666]

what's the weekly schedule for 757 from Gatwick this October?

[greatoaks]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/p480x480/1238771_566038130125548_8374047_n.jpg

[AirGuru]

That im afraid is called Re-Covered old seats ...

[on time all the time]

The seats are recovered ones.
The old covers and carpet were in a very very very.. bad condition.
The plane still belongs to thomson.

[Mr @ Spotty M]

None of the ex TOM aircraft are still owned by Thomson. :=

[Say again s l o w l y]

They are old seats, but have been recovered. The carpets and curtains etc are being replaced as well. It's having to be done in a staged manner though.

I think they look great, certainly a lot better than when we got them from TOM!

[mgy2k90]

I take it the new seat fitting have been postponed till the a/c are in for their checks this winter?

New carpets are looking good!

[ukcharter666]

zb286

is this going to be 757 ? during the begin of October?

[TSR2]

ZB286

Give us a clue, from where to where?

[ukcharter666]

Gatwick to tenerife 01/10

[Alex321]

Looks to be an A300, 757's are busy doing BJL and CHQ

[TSR2]

From the seat maps, both flights that day appear to be an A321.

[nickarcher1973]

Will the Manchester to Corfu flight on Mon 9th Sept be an A300 as usual?

[Alex321]

Its showing as, but things can change as proved above.

[MKY661]

One thing I do wonder is that with Monarch retiring 5 aircraft this winter will this mean they will be acquiring more aircraft this summer? :)

[Mr @ Spotty M]

You mean next summer and the answer is YES. :ok:

[Artie Fufkin]

What's the story at Birmingham today? Fuertenventura running 17 hours late (!!) and Barcelona running 12 hours late.

[gilesdavies]

Just curious if anyone in the know, knows if Monarch are still intending to operate their full schedule to Sharm El Sheikh this winter?

Just looking at flights on the website, and they are are offering flights for £125 return in November and December from Luton, which is crazy considering the distance and this is usually a huge winter sun destination.

I would imagine the recent unrest in the country for some would be a cause for concern, even though Sharm has been completely unaffected.

When you look at the seat reservation plans, there is literally no more than 2-5 seats reserved on any of the plans. Where if you look at other routes for the same period, a good majority of the extra legroom seats are booked up and a sprinkling of normal seats.

With this being a brand new route from Luton for the airline, this must be a bit of a gamble for them. Especially when you already have other carriers established on the route, like Thomson flying 3 times weekly and easyJet 5-6 times a week too. I understand Thomson are cutting some of their flights to Sharm this winter from a few airports. I also notice they are operating their A321 on the route too!

I am tempted to book, but just scepticle as I remeber last winter Munich was cancelled at the very last minute.

[OltonPete]

Artie Fufkin

It started yesterday afternoon with one of the 321s (BP) going tech after it arrived from FAO. Another 321 (BT) positioned in tea-time and this departed 20.30 to FUE and I assume crew hours (only a guess) kicked in requiring a night-stop, unless it too went tech.

Then one of the night-stop A320's (JK) did not fly to the early afternoon and I assume it should have gone to Barecelona in the morning. Per the BHX site the 07.00 BCN still hasn't gone but is now "gate open".

Then to compound matters one of the lunchtime 321's (BS) arrived back and positioned out to Gatwick. This left BCN, PMI & PFO without an aircraft at 14.15. With a bit of juggling with the serviceable aircraft including using the Nice 321 for PFO or PMI and subbing in a Titan aircraft to operate the Nice, they have got most of the schedule back on track or should do by the morning.

Aircraft BP by the way actually returned to service this morning and if that hadn't been fixed I am not sure what would have happened.

In the meantime BT has returned from FUE (19.00) and I assume will go to Barcelona.

[Alex321]

BT Night stopped on the FUE

[GrahamK]

Does the airport at FUE not close at a certain time of night, hence the reason for an overnight at FUE?

[cloudy1]

Olten Pete - your generally a man in the know, how is the Monarch Schedules looking for winter 2013/2014? Any increase from last year?

Many thanks.

[OLNEY 1 BRAVO]

FUE closes at midnight local and no fuel is available after 23.15.

Was subject to an unexpected overnight there myself a couple of years ago.

[TCX69]

My freind is adament that a MON aircraft took off from LHR at around 1700 yesterday afternoon. Anyone happen to know if/why it was there?

[squeaker]

Div off LGW due to debris on the runway.

[Buster the Bear]

BLIMEY! Monarch diverting to Heathrow?

[davidjohnson6]

Last winter the Gatwick - Friedrichshafen route was 4x weekly. Seemd that in the coming winter it goes down to 1x weekly (2x in half term in February)
Admittedly when flying the route from Gatwick on a Saturday in April loads were abysmal, but was it really so bad in March as well ?

[OltonPete]

cloudy1

Yes the BHX schedule is slightly up this winter although some cuts have started to creep in.

Grenoble was going up to 4 a week from Feb but back to two a week.

ACE is up 2-3, FAO 2-3, TFS 6-7, GIB is an extra 3 frequencies but VCE has gone from 2 to nil and Rome from 3 -2. Sharm is up one to three.

FNC, LCA, ALC, AGP, LPA and FUE are the same.

In fact if take Munich out, which was operating last winter it is around the same or up about one flight depending on the week you look at.

[cloudy1]

Thanks for the info Olten Pete!!! a mind of information.;)

[firstforfirstchoice]

Hi all, just wondered if anyone knows why the ZB574 from MAN to GIB is delayed, currently showing as 6 hours. Just as I have family coming back from GIB to BHX tonight, which I believe does the w pattern on Manchester before doing the return BHX segment in the evening. I think the aircraft is G-OZBB. If anyone knows why it is delayed that will be most helpful.

Cheers

[TSR2]

Don't know the reason for the delay but latest ETA is 03.45

[MKY661]

Hi all, just wondered if anyone knows why the ZB574 from MAN to GIB is delayed, currently showing as 6 hours. Just as I have family coming back from GIB to BHX tonight, which I believe does the w pattern on Manchester before doing the return BHX segment in the evening. I think the aircraft is G-OZBB. If anyone knows why it is delayed that will be most helpful.

Cheers

I did the GIB-MAN flight today. Aircraft was G-OZBB. Not sure for the reason although the weather in Gibraltar has been awful today :) Also turbulence on the flight was horrendous and the noise of the aircraft was slightly different when we landed at MAN. :)

[compton3bravo]

Can only assume it is tech as according the airport website (they have there own now) everything has landed and taken off more or less on time. It has rained down here over the last two days - first time for about four months!

[OltonPete]

"NX" positioned empty Gatwick - Manchester as ZB574P arriving 20.00 and is currently boarding per the Manchester website.

Late night for some but at least BHX is open when it gets back, which might not be the case at times this winter although from late October the Sunday GIB-BHX is retimed for an early afternoon arrival back in BHX.

[firstforfirstchoice]

Cheers all. So guessing G-OZBB is tech in Manchester, lets hope she will be sorted by the morning other wise BHX will be an aircraft down

[MKY661]

Cheers all. So guessing G-OZBB is tech in Manchester, lets hope she will be sorted by the morning other wise BHX will be an aircraft down

Just leaving MAN Now. Estimated arrival into GIB at 01:15 (Unless it diverts) :)

[OltonPete]

firstforfirstchoice

Don't worry re the BHX schedule in the morning only 8 aircraft required as a one of the Monday summer flights has finished although 9 still required in the afternoon.

Only 7 needed Tuesday morning as well so some relief on the way with tech problems.

[firstforfirstchoice]

Cheers for the replies.

Another question!

Does anyone know what types of aircraft and how many are been based at their UK bases this winter 2013/14??

I believe two of the older A320's are leaving the fleet at the start of the winter season too.

Cheers in advance.

[firstforfirstchoice]

Cheers for the replies.

Another question!

Does anyone know what types of aircraft and how many are been based at their UK bases this winter 2013/14??

I believe two of the older A320's are leaving the fleet at the start of the winter season too.

Cheers in advance.

[MKY661]

I believe two of the older A320's are leaving the fleet at the start of the winter season too.

Yes they are, and believe it or not it is the two involved with the Gibraltar delay talked about yesterday :)

Apparently Birmingham will have 5 based aircraft. Not sure about the rest. :)

[firstforfirstchoice]

Yes correct me if I'm wrong but I believe their the 2 oldest A320's that are leaving?? G-OZBB and G-MONX.

Do you know the breakdown of what they types of aircraft they are basing at BHX this winter??

[MKY661]

Yes correct me if I'm wrong but I believe their the 2 oldest A320's that are leaving?? G-OZBB and G-MONX.

Do you know the breakdown of what they types of aircraft they are basing at BHX this winter??


Yes G-OZBB & G-MONX are due to go in November along with G-MONS.

Not sure what exactly will be based in Birmingham but it will be a Mix of A320's and A321's. What I do know though is that MAN will reintroduce an A320 as an actual based aircraft this winter (and next summer). :)

[gilesdavies]

While on the subject of retirements, what are the plans for the remaining the 757's and A300's...

Are they Leaving the fleet this winter?

I am sure I have heard talk of quite a bit of the fleet being retired this year...(?)

Will we be seeing new aircraft arrive for the Summer 14 schedule and anyone know where this is being sourced?

[MKY661]

Lots of aircraft will be leaving the fleet this winter:

A300:
G-MONS to be WFU First Week of November 2013
G-MAJS to be WFU Mid January 2014
G-OJMR to be WFU End of March 2013

A320:
G-OZBB to be WFU November 2013
G-MONX to be WFU November 2013

The Boeing 757's will be staying this winter and will be WFU Winter 2014/15

Monarch will be receiving aircraft before Summer 2014 but I am not sure what they are. Most probably more A320's and A321's. However they do have two A321's due in March 2015 and April 2015 respectively. Both to be fitted with Sharklets. They are about to announce a major order for aircraft as well. Also apparently two A321's are due to be refitted with sharklets this winter.

Hope this helps.

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

[Buster the Bear]

I have flown on all 5.

[MKY661]

I have flown on all 5.

I have been on one of them 9 Times :s

[MANTHRUST]

MKY661
You must be a taxi driver!
No one else could be as well informed:-)

[MKY661]

Manchester:
Manchester - Agadir
Manchester - Enfidha
Manchester - Hurghada
Manchester - Naples

Birmingham
Birmingham - Hurghada

Luton
Luton - Naples

Gatwick
Gatwick - Agadir
Gatwick - Enfidha
Gatwick - Hurghada

[Alloy]

Also LGW-NCE.

[compton3bravo]

Not sure about LGW-Nice - a lot of competition on the route but good luck to them. Hope they don´t get their fingers burnt i.e. Milan and Munich.

[MKY661]

Not sure about LGW-Nice - a lot of competition on the route but good luck to them. Hope they don´t get their fingers burnt i.e. Milan and Munich.

You never know. The same thing was said about LGW-BCN and that is still going strong :)

[Capetonian]

I have just flown BHX BCN on Monarch, a clean and spacious aircraft, about 75% full, excellent service, very informative captain who talked us through the route he was taking to avoid a severe storm pattern which has just hit here now, I'm sitting watching the rain coming down in torrents and the lightning on the mountains. Spectacular indeed.

Have several more flights booked with Monarch over the next few weeks.

[VickersVicount]

Has the rumour of a new base announcement dwindled ?

[TartinTon]

No new base was envisaged for 2014...despite the rumours!

[HH6702]

No flights from NCL then

I had heard rumours of Monarch to base at least 1 aircraft for summer 2014

[marko1]

Newcastle was mentioned at the same time as bristol and east midlands . Well ema has got its base. The other two seem to have been forgotten for now

[gilesdavies]

It has been mentioned in the LTN forum that they are basing a fifth aircraft at Luton next summer, anyone able to confirm this or pour water on that persons fire?

If this is the case I would have expected more new routes than just Naples being announced last week.

Be great if it is, and would expect further routes to be announced.

[FRatSTN]

Yes it will be 5 aircraft in S14. It's 2 A320's and 3 A321's to my knowledge. I think there will be a few capacity increases on existing routes so not sure if there will be many more new ones now, perhaps one or two.

[gilesdavies]

Yes it will be 5 aircraft in S14. It's 2 A320's and 3 A321's to my knowledge. I think there will be a few capacity increases on existing routes so not sure if there will be many more new ones now, perhaps one or two.

Thank you...

Just looked at the Schedule, and made out it will be five aircraft. There is a hell of a lot of capacity left, based on the schedule for the first week in June.

Also I noticed they have lengthy turnarounds compared to the likes of easyJet and Ryanair, if they are choosing to follow the LCC model.

Mon
06.50 FAO 13.40
07.05 MAH 13.10
07.10 AGP 14.10
07.15 GIB 13.25
07.55 FCO 14.20
14.10 LCA 00.55
15.00 NAP 21.40
15.20 CFU 22.55
15.20 DLM 00.55

Tues
07.00 LCA 17.45
07.10 FAO 14.00
07.15 GIB 13.25
07.40 ALC 14.00
08.00 PMI 13.55
15.00 AGP 22.00
15.00 BOD 00.20
15.15 TFS 00.55
15.20 DLM 00.55

Weds
07.00 LCA 17.45
07.05 MAH 13.10
07.10 FAO 14.00
07.15 GIB 13.25
07.40 ALC 14.00
14.50 CFU 22.25
15.00 AGP 22.00
15.00 DLM 00.25

Thurs
06.30 FAO 13.20
07.00 PMI 12.55
07.00 ZTH 15.00
07.10 AGP 14.10
07.40 ALC 14.00
13.55 SSH 01.50
14.20 ACE 23.40
15.00 FCO 21.25
15.20 DLM 00.55
16.00 BOD 01.20

Fri
07.00 TFS 16.45
07.05 MAH 13.10
07.10 AGP 14.10
07.15 GIB 13.25
07.40 ALC 14.00
14.10 TFS 23.55
15.00 NAP 21.40
15.20 DLM 00.55
17.45 PMI 23.40

Sat
06.00 AGP 12.55
06.40 GIB 13.25
07.40 ALC 14.00
08.10 PMI 14.05
08.15 FAO 15.05
13.55 SSH 01.50
14.25 PMI 20.20
15.15 TFS 00.55
15.35 DLM 01.10
16.05 LCA 02.50
21.40 CFU 05.15

Sun
06.15 FAO 12.50
07.10 AGP 14.10
07.25 FCO 13.40
07.40 ALC 14.00
13.55 SSH 01.50
14.40 GIB 21.05
14.40 ACE 23.50
15.00 BOD 00.20
15.20 DLM 00.55

[wallp]

I can only see 2 flights to Rome shown, which I think is a reduction on this summer? I'd have thought such a route could sustain 3-4 flights per week. Is it not performing too well?

[TartinTon]

Rome is 3 x weekly on the Monarch website. Mon/Thu/Sun

[wallp]

My mistake, I misread the earlier post.

Given that there are still some slots to fill in the new 5 plane schedule, does this point to more new routes being added beyond the Naples service already announced or are some routes likely to see increased frequencies?

[compton3bravo]

There are a number of increased frequencies: Gibralter up from 5 to 6 weekly (not W patterns), Alicante up from 4 to 5 weekly, Malaga from 4 to daily, Dalaman from 5 to daily and Faro from 5 to 6 weekly plus Sharm at 3 weekly. Still room for increased frequencies or new routes though.

[Alloy]

I keep hearing that LTN may even be six aircraft for summer 2014.

[MKY661]

Gibralter up from 5 to 6 weekly (not W patterns)

No W patterns for Manchester & Birmingham as well. Flights remain 4x weekly for Manchester and 3x weekly from Birmingham. Same days as they are this summer.

Yes very pleased that Monarch has stopped all W patterns to GIB from this winter :)

[GayFriendly]

There were rumours that Monarch were to base another two aircraft at BHX in 2014 - still the plan or have things changed? Just one new route announced at present for 2014 from BHX would indicate things have indeed changed.

[TartinTon]

There was never a plan for another 2 a/c at BHX for S14 so nothing's changed

[MKY661]

I would think Manchester and Gatwick would get an additional based aircraft this summer. Maybe two. :)

[GayFriendly]

Thanks guys - was a bit surprised to be honest when I read there would be two extra a/c at BHX in 2014. Monarch have been very good for BHX and clearly see the potential for a long term future there, both in the base and the building of the MAEL hangar. We BHX supporters should be happy for that! 9 a/c is still a very creditable number of based units!

[MKY661]

Well here is what's planned aircraft wise For Summer 2014 according to Jethro (http://www.jethros.org.uk/fleets/fleet_listings/monarch_airlines.htm):

A320 X10
A321 X27
A330 X2
B757 X3

Airbus A320:
2 A320's proposed from other carriers for replacements for G-OZBB & G-MONX.

Airbus A321
2 A321's on order. One Due March and One Due April. Both fitted with Sharklets. Note that this is not the order of the A321's for Summer 2015, those are still due 2015 as planned.

4 A321's proposed from other carriers.

G-ZBAD & G-ZBAE are apparently to be fitted with sharklets as well. I don't think it has been confirmed though :)

[LGS6753]

Full details on the new routes from Airline Route - Worldwide Airline Route Updates:

eff 01MAY14 London Gatwick – Nice 5 weekly
ZB794 LGW0700 – 1000NCE JET x237
ZB795 LGW1500 – 1800NCE JET 7

ZB795 NCE1050 – 1145LGW JET x237
ZB795 NCE1850 – 1945LGW JET 7

eff 02MAY14 Birmingham – Hurghada 2 weekly
ZB994 BHX1355 – 2025HRG JET 25
ZB995 HRG2125 – 0230+1BHX JET 25

eff 02MAY14 London Gatwick – Agadir 2 weekly
ZB1542 LGW1450 – 1835AGA JET 2
ZB1542 LGW1605 – 1950AGA JET 5

ZB1543 AGA1925 – 2255LGW JET 2
ZB1543 AGA2040 – 0010+1LGW JET 5

eff 02MAY14 London Gatwick – Hurghada 2 weekly
ZB770 LGW1215 – 1830HRG JET 2
ZB770 LGW1250 – 1905HRG JET 5

ZB771 HRG1930 – 0015+1LGW JET 2
ZB771 HRG2005 – 0050+1LGW JET 5

eff 02MAY14 London Luton – Naples 2 weekly
ZB3596 LTN1500 – 1855NAP JET 15
ZB3597 NAP1945 – 2140LTN JET 15

eff 02MAY14 Manchester – Hurghada 2 weekly
ZB616 MAN1355 – 2035HRG JET 2
ZB616 MAN1455 – 2135HRG JET 5

ZB617 HRG2135 – 0245+1MAN JET 2
ZB617 HRG2235 – 0345+1MAN JET 5

eff 02MAY14 Manchester – Naples 2 weekly
ZB1392 MAN0700 – 1100NAP JET 15
ZB1393 NAP1150 – 1400MAN JET 15

eff 03MAY14 Manchester – Agadir 2 weekly
ZB3928 MAN0645 – 1055AGA JET 26
ZB3929 AGA1145 – 1540MAN JET 26

eff 04MAY14 London Gatwick – Enfidha 2 weekly
ZB1528 LGW0730 – 1035NBE JET 7
ZB1528 LGW1530 – 1835NBE JET 3

ZB1529 NBE1125 – 1425LGW JET 7
ZB1529 NBE1925 – 2225LGW JET 3

eff 04MAY14 Manchester – Enfidha 2 weekly
ZB3992 MAN0630 – 1000NBE JET 37
ZB3993 NBE1050 – 1405MAN JET 37

[Boeing737-8]

What about this route Luton - Antalya

[LGS6753]

eff 02MAY14 London Luton - Antalya 3 weekly

ZB084 LTN1505 - 2125AYT JET 135
ZB085 AYT2225 - 0105+1LTN JET 135

[SCANDIC]

Has G-MONS been withdrawn from service, it's such a shame that nobody wanted to take them and convert them to freighters it just seems such a waste, surprised turkey didn't take them they love 300's.:{

[MKY661]

Has G-MONS been withdrawn from service, it's such a shame that nobody wanted to take them and convert them to freighters it just seems such a waste, surprised turkey didn't take them they love 300's.

Leaving during the first week of November. Not sure what day :)

[gilesdavies]

Has G-MONS been withdrawn from service, it's such a shame that nobody wanted to take them and convert them to freighters it just seems such a waste, surprised turkey didn't take them they love 300's.


You need to bear in mind the aircrafts second hand value is based on hours of operation and cycle rates (number of take offs and landings).

While these aircraft are only around 20 (odd) years old, working for an airline like Monarch these aircrafts have had a pretty hard life! Shuttling passengers across Europe and longer sectors, with very high optimisation rates. For example these aircraft could easily have been operating 6-8 sectors a day for 18-20 hours.

While other airlines might just use a similar aircraft operating across the Atlantic, and this would only be two sectors a day.

While I am sure there are a good ten use left in these A300's, the compulsory maintenance checks and higher fuel consumption make these aircraft very uneconomical. Also scrap metal is at a very high price right now, and probably means the aircraft is worth more recycled to cans of coke than selling it on.

[Buster the Bear]

G-INFO

Total Hours:74441 at 31/12/2012

[Mr @ Spotty M]

Aircraft still in service, due to go in to the new BHX hangar on the 4th November.

[GrahamK]

I was on MAJS on the 11th Oct to Tenerife. Other than the seats being a bit tatty, a thoroughably enjoyable flight, it was like the good ole days of Crown Service ....almost :)

[MKY661]

Aircraft still in service, due to go in to the new BHX hangar on the 4th November.

Are BB and NX due there on the same date as well? :)

[Mr @ Spotty M]

Yes BB into BHX and NX up into your neck of the woods (MAN).

[MKY661]

Thank You :)

[Buster the Bear]

Announcement soon on an order for 60 aircraft.

[zjc123]

Hello

Anyone have any ideas when Monarch will release November 2014 flights?

Thanks

[nigel osborne]

Buster,

Re expected new 60 aircraft order, assume there are no long haul planes expected in it ?

[Buster the Bear]

Not according to my sources, but then again, things change. If they were looking at long-haul, why did they cancel the 787 orders?

[VickersVicount]

I throw my hat in the ring and say they'll predictably stick with Airbus with an Neo order. Anyone see a dramatic shift back to Boeing ? Or leftfield CSeries

[Boeing737-8]

I think different to you as monarch have always had mix fleet with a few boeing or airbus

[TSR2]

Maybe they still have a vested interest in Boeing following their cancellation of the B787.

[Buster the Bear]

TSR2, we think alike!

[nigel osborne]

Thanks Buster

Oh thats boring news then zzz just more 320/321 even if they are NEOs

The CEO of MON said this year that they would discuss the possibility of getting more long haul planes at the next board meeting. If there was agreement they might get it as far as a letter of intent.Who for though ??

The 787s were not the right plane for them you would think, they have never had large Boeing widebodies and the A358 would be the right plane to replace the A330s.

They don't need anything bigger,with ultra tight 30" pitch on their A330s they will get loads on.:hmm:

Could they find enough work for more long haul planes, debateable..however MON love BHX and BHX is crying out for someone to do more long haul so Id never say never.

[gilesdavies]

I wonder if a Boeing order could be a possibility, especially if the airline could place this without facing cancellation costs of the old 787 order.

Not sure however if the 737-900 or its new MAX version has the same range and capacity of the A321?...

I heard about six months ago the airline was also interested in the C-Series... That would be a curve ball, if the airline placed an order for this, and apparently offers further savings over the Boeing and Airbus options.

[Mr @ Spotty M]

I am pretty sure Monarch would not have had any cancellation fees, for the B787 order which was cancelled, this is because Boeing could not meet the delivery dates.
More like Boeing would have owed money to Monarch for failure to meet the contract signed.
Monarch has ordered all Airbus since they started operating the A320 and the only break with that was the B787.
The reason for the B787 was size, the A350 being offered was deemed to big at the time.
It is no secret that Monarch has looked at the NEO's, MAX & C series and we await the outcome.
For the time being, Monarch are taking delivery of new CEO's which are being leased from various leasing companies.
I would not write Boeing off yet, you never know what might be on offer, you have only to look at Easyjets history, big Boeing customer only to switch to Airbus.
As for A330 replacement, l believe the CEO said that once the narrow body order was finalised, they would then look at what to replace the A330s with.
Those who work within the Monarch Group may put me right or confirm what l believe was said.

[ZeBedie]

I would say Boeing have more incentive to convert this Airbus operator than Airbus have hold onto it, since an order for Boeing would be a big victory for them, whilst one for Airbus would appear mundane?

[StoneyBridge Radar]

I'd be very surprised to see this go the way of Boeing.

Can't see a B737-900MAX with 220 on board getting off the ground from the likes of BJL or HRG in summer, never mind planning in a fuel stop enroute.

[SWBKCB]

they have never had large Boeing widebodies

Except for this one (leased - so operated rather than owned)

Boeing 767-31KER, G-DIMB, Monarch Airlines (ZB / MON) (http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1197487/)

[Mr @ Spotty M]

I agree with you, but you are assuming as everyone else is, that the order goes direct to the manufacturer.
Orders may go to leasing companies, as they may have slots available.

[VickersVicount]

The only reason they have had a mixed fleet was not a concious decision of a split order of simultaneous new Boeings and Airbus, its purely been the remnants of an old fleet that Monarch have maintained and preserved well (ie the few remaining 757's). Otherwise its been majority Airbus. That's how I expect it continue for short haul fleet anyway. Given frequencies, less ties to package operators, there is no specific need to have 220 out of relative niche routes like HRG.

[Say again s l o w l y]

Personally I think that Airbus makes sense, but the scuttlebutt is that Boeing have put in an absolutely superb offer, so it's probably all to play for.

[Cyrano]

Monarch exec chairman Iain Rawlinson was speaking at an industry function on Thursday. According to ATW Online (behind a paywall, so I'll quote sparingly), he said:
“We are within weeks of finishing a fascinating three-horse race to re-equip our fleet. We are right at the end of the process now. We hope to make a final decision within the next two months. It is very finely balanced; all three are exciting products,” he said.

Airbus, Boeing and Bombardier are all in contention for the order, but Rawlinson added: “We do not mind being a pioneer of new aircraft either. The shareholders have done this before with the 757.”

Timelines for deliveries depend on aircraft availability. Rawlinson said the CSeries could enter the Monarch fleet in 2015, whereas Airbus and Boeing deliveries would only be possible from 2015 onward. “We don’t want to wait too long, but we also want to make the right decision,” he said.

I attended the function in question and can confirm that he was (as you might expect at this point in negotiations ;)) emphatic about the finely balanced nature of the race. My own recollection was that he referred to Airbus/Boeing availability as being from 2016 onward (because of their full order books).

[111KAB]

The Monarch Group - Monarch Group Executive Chairman Iain Rawlinson launches renewed focus on superior customer service in key note Aviation Club speech (http://www.monarchholdingslimited.com/media/news-and-press-releases/2013/monarch-group-executive-chairman-iain-rawlinson-launches-renewed-focus-on-superior-customer-service-in-key-note-aviation-club-speech/)

[Facelookbovvered]

Well i guess they can get the C series ahead of the Airbus or Boeing, but the longer version of the C series is running 6 months or so behind the shorter version and even the 300 in high density seating (28' seat pitch) only seats 160 and a 150 for the (30' seat pitch) so along way behind both Boeing and Airbus. I can't see the shorter take off run performance of the C being any benefit for Monarch on its route net work either other than perhaps GIB

The Airbus Neo is around from 2015/16 & the 737 Max from 2017/18 but i understand some un sold slots on NG's in 2016/17

I think they should stick with the bus, so i guess they'll split the order….

[nigel osborne]

Crikey,

Monarch increasing their seat pitch to 28", positively barmy for them :}

[TSR2]

Monarch increasing their seat pitch to 28",

Increasing from what?

[Say again s l o w l y]

28" is the minimum seat pitch.

[nigel osborne]

Say again slowly.

Seriously, think their pitch is 29" I pack a shoe horn to prise myself out of my seat :)

[111KAB]

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.594643917264969.1073741831.158865380842827&type=1

[MKY661]

I also believe the first maintenance operations will be on G-MONS & G-OZBB which will visit for their final checks as stated earlier in the thread :)

[Mr @ Spotty M]

G-OZBB is now going into MAN.
G-MONS will be first planned maintenance for the hangar with G-OJMR joining it about 4 or 5 days later.

[Say again s l o w l y]

Nigel, I can assure you that I know the seat pitches that we have better than most! There's not a lot of 28" seats, but we do have them.

Try the new seats, you'll like the amount if soace you get on them.

[StoneyBridge Radar]

“We are within weeks of finishing a fascinating three-horse race to re-equip our fleet. We are right at the end of the process now. We hope to make a final decision within the next two months. It is very finely balanced; all three are exciting products,” he said.

Airbus, Boeing and Bombardier are all in contention for the order, but Rawlinson added: “We do not mind being a pioneer of new aircraft either. The shareholders have done this before with the 757.”

Timelines for deliveries depend on aircraft availability. Rawlinson said the CSeries could enter the Monarch fleet in 2015, whereas Airbus and Boeing deliveries would only be possible from 2015 onward. “We don’t want to wait too long, but we also want to make the right decision,” he said.
I attended the function in question and can confirm that he was (as you might expect at this point in negotiations ) emphatic about the finely balanced nature of the race. My own recollection was that he referred to Airbus/Boeing availability as being from 2016 onward (because of their full order books).

Interesting quote. Adding to the mix, I understand Monarch are keen to see the A320 sharklet retrofit certified for the A321 also.

A fleet overhaul schedule of C300, sharklet the existing A321s and run them on until deivery slots become available for A321neos would make alot of sense and one very competetive and versatile fleet.

On a personal level, I hope Boeing do not get to the winning post with a B737 proposal. It's an aircraft I dislike intensely, despite its undisputed commercial success. The Sky interior does little to belie the aircraft's shortcomings; the floor is too high which encroaches on shoulder space, the windows sre consequently too low that you crick your neck to view out, the fuselage width, whilst only a matter of cm different, is noticeably narrower than the A320. It's the last evolution of a 50 year old design before Boeing come up with a new narrow body, it's performsnce is constrained by its short gear which in turn leads to a compromised engine offerring compared to the Airbus neo. No matter how many winglets, chevrons or other aerodynamic tweaks they attach to the wingtips, the B737-900MAX is going to be runway hog and a performsnce dog in charter config. There are too many compromises with the -MAX, for Monarch's requirements that it will boil purely down to price if they get the order.

Airbus has the advantage of a longer gear, allowing an uncompromised new gen, engine to hang underneath. Whilst only cms different, the cabin is noticeably wider and more spacious. The neo will be able to fly every route currently flown by Monarch's A320 family and B757, and will be the only narrowbody on the market able to haul 220 pax from the Red Sea resorts, Banjul or Cape Verde - UK, guaranteed non-stop, year round; on a 35C day in HRG, the -900MAX will be leaving people and bags there.

The C300 will have a capacity of 160 passengers @ 28" pitch, though it will also have 19" wide seats, noticeably more than the average 17.4" economy offerring and range to cover almost the entire network, though those not attainable are already served by the larger A321 and B757.

Comparing directly with TOM, a C300/A321 fleet would give a more versatile short haul fleet over TOM's B737-800/ -800MAX which, when every commercial opportunity has to be explored, could give MON the edge, especially on routes where demand is seasonally different.

Exciting times ahead for Monarch. :ok:

[LNIDA]

Thoughtful analysis and you are probably correct at the 220 seat level, but 220 seats puts you at 5 CC min and you have to fill them, an A321 is simply to big for much of what Monarch seem to want to become i.e. a LoCo schedules airline, conversely the C300 is to small the A320/737 it the sweet spot, the current NG with SFP can do Cape Verde or Banjul from the UK and the Sky interior really does make a big difference.

The 737Max is of course much later into service date than the Neo and yes its the last throw of the dice for a very old but ultra reliable design and probably cheaper to buy.

So i think incremental airbus additions until new build are available. I just don't get the C300 argument, who else in this sector apart from Air Baltic have ordered them? plus it will likely be a dead end type rating for crews, just like the CRJ/E145…..be careful what you wish for.

[Mr @ Spotty M]

Why would Monarch be interested in the Sharklet retrofit for the A321 when they do not own the aircraft.
If Monarch go to Airbus or Boeing, both manufactures will be offering CEO & NG as a stop gap before NEO & MAX are available, as they are with other operators.

[Alloy]

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.594643917264969.1073741831.158865380842827&type=1

[nigel osborne]

Say again slowly,

I flew on G-OJEG few yrs ago from BHX and the seat pitch was equal to about 26". For some reason it had different config that others I have flown on.

It had rigid wire pocket to put the newspapers on the back of the seats.The man next to me cut his knee quite badly on a bit of the wire .

Without doubt it was the most uncomfortable plane I have even been on

We flew back on another one and it was much better, with collapse able seat back pockets.

Still because of the 1st flt my wife states she will never fly MON again.

Pity as would like to give the new seats a try.

[MKY661]

I still haven't seen the new seats yet. :( Apparently only G-OZBZ and G-ZBAH have them :)

[Say again s l o w l y]

Only BZ has them at the moment.

OJEG will be fitted with the new seats. There is actually a 27" row, but that's the very last row.

The new seats aren't perfect yet, there's a bit more development and a few tweaks to be made to get them spot on though before the rest of the fleet gets them.

Your wife would hopefully be impressed Nigel, a lot of work has gone into these things and they are there primarily to make the experience better for passengers, the old seats are pretty poor in some aircraft and that's been acknowledged and is why this refit is happening, so hopefully one day you'll be back flying with us and enjoy it!

[MKY661]

The 2 A320's and G-MONS now WFU. :(

[ara01jbb]

Interesting situation for Monarch this week. The UKBA has decided to detain and deport a British Gambian (resident in UK for 12 years) and return her to Gambia.

She happens to be the only witness to an accused sexual assault by a UKBA employee against a detainee at Yarl's Wood. By detaining her on Thursday, the witness has conveniently been unable to attend a police interview at which she would have made a statement.

She's now booked on ZB6478 from LGW tomorrow morning.

The campaign is pressing Monarch not "to obstruct a criminal investigation" (info here (http://myemail.constantcontact.com/STOP-deportation-of-Sirah--witness-2-sexual-abuse--YW---ACT-NOW-.html)). Background in the Guardian here (http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2013/nov/02/witness-yarls-wood-sex-investigation).

In such a situation, is the airline obstructing a criminal investigation by "repatriating" the individual concerned?

[nigel osborne]

MKY661.

A300 G-MONS became the 1st plane to be towed into the new MAEL BHX hangar for work this morning.It only opened for business today.

G-OJMR another A300 also arrived at BHX and is expected to go in the facility today as well.

[MKY661]

A300 G-MONS became the 1st plane to be towed into the new MAEL BHX hangar for work this morning.It only opened for business today.

Yes this is true but I believe it is NS' final maintenance check before heading off to Tupelo :)

[nigel osborne]

MKY 661.

Thanks for the info ,G-OJMR is now in the hangar as well.

[MKY661]

Thanks for the info ,G-OJMR is now in the hangar as well.

No Problem :) G-OJMR is staying until March to let you know :)

[nigel osborne]

MKY661.

Amazing they got all 3 MON A300-600Rs in the BHX hangar last night at the same time with relative ease, yes its that big !

One was supposed to depart this morning to of all places Kilimanjaro , think it was G-MAJS.

[Flightmech]

I'm sure all the MAEL line engineers will be sad to see the A300s go. They love them :-)

[Burnie5204]

Anyone know what airframes Monarch EMA are having over winter?

I've been off for a while so they may have changed already but before I left no-one knew what combination of A320s or A321s they were having

[richlit]

I am still in hope that monarch will do a a300 monarch aviation enthusiasts day before its to late. :rolleyes:

[Georgeablelovehowindia]

I'm sure all the MAEL line engineers will be sad to see the A300s go. They love them :-)

Flightmech, you naughty, naughty, naughty engineer! They were things of beauty from Day One. (Cough.)

As was the DC-10.

:=

[LBIA]

Burnie5204 I think Airbus A320, G-ZBAB is now East Midlands based as it positioned in from Leeds early Monday morning as MON320P.

[MKY661]

I think it will do swaps with G-ZBAA so I think they will be both be hanging round EMA & LBA.

2 A320's currently at EMA :)

[MKY661]

LBA - FCO has been dropped :)

[Buster the Bear]

BLIMEY! 3 in one hangar and I remember one poking out at Thurleigh!

[pabely]

Next to Nimrod, VC-10 & Vicount?

[Buster the Bear]

I could only see the A300 that I can remember, others may well have been there?

[monarch767]

Anybody got any idea what date the big announcement is going to happen? Re new a/c

[Mr @ Spotty M]

Some time this century, could be by the end of this year or early next.

[pabloc]

Pancake Friday then!!!!!;)

[jam4scot]

G-MONX airbus 320 about to land at tupelo 13 nov 18.33

[MKY661]

G-MONX airbus 320 about to land at tupelo 13 nov 18.33

Yes very sad of her Departure :( G-OZBB should be on the way there pretty shortly as well :(

[MKY661]

Monarch to Expand with the help of MAG:
MAG and Monarch team up to grow routes - Manchester Evening News (http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/business/business-news/mag-monarch-team-up-grow-6306485)

[OltonPete]

The first of the last three A300's left BHX about 30 minutes ago for scrapping in the USA.

Still not flown on the A300 and options are reducuing all the time and I echo the earlier post and I hope Monarch consider a "pleasure" flight before the last one is retired.

Useful PR if nothing else.

[MKY661]

I second this. I hope they do an enthusiasts day or something on it. Lots of people I have seen also want it so it appears to be a very popular idea :)

[jam4scot]

saturday 23.23 hours and G-MONS about to land at dover[us]to refuel for last leg to tupelo.sad to see it go.

[spottilludrop]

Great news they should have been scrapped years ago

[StoneyBridge Radar]

Great news they should have been scrapped years ago

Really..? Why is that..? :hmm:

[crewmeal]

They were good aircraft for Monarch's requirements and served the company well. Oh well 1 down 2 to go.

[pc.]

Mons touched down at Tupelo about 17:45 GMT this evening. (MON556P)

[spottilludrop]

Fantastic news , lets hope the cutting torches are being lit as we speak.

[runway08]

Quit trolling man, we get it.. you didn't like them.

If I'm not mistaken the 757s are all gone by next summer? What about the A330's.
Cheers.:ok:

[MKY661]

Quit trolling man, we get it.. you didn't like them.

If I'm not mistaken the 757s are all gone by next summer? What about the A330's.
Cheers.

Not going anywhere just yet :)

[MKY661]

G-OZBB Now on it's way to Tupelo :(

[tubby linton]

The flights to Tupelo are flown using the aircraft's construction number as the callsign. NS went as 556P , and BB is 389P

[MKY661]

And NX went as 392P :)

[spottilludrop]

Im not trolling im stating a view ,they were dreadful things unreliable ,cramped ,shabby stunk like a mens urinal due to the fact the toilets were constantly leaking, good riddance .

[runway08]

Well I am pretty sure everybody got it the first time you mentioned it. No need to repeat every time someone mentions the A300.

Cheers mky, we talking a couple of years or good 5+?

[TSR2]

The A300's have served Monarch very well. Sad to see them go.

[Jack1985]

Flew on the A300 from Dublin to Faro in 2002 when I was just 17 seems a long time ago now :eek: and the A300 I was on although I have no idea of the reg must have been nearly 12 years old then and they still looked new! Great aircraft and both served and represented Monarch and its brand well back then, just goes to show when an airline maintains aircraft well they will last a very long time. Time for the A300 to go to sleep now so to speak. :)

[MKY661]

Cheers mky, we talking a couple of years or good 5+?

I'm not sure how long the A330's will last but What I do remember is that they were apparently looking for some new long haul aircraft, so I presume they will go around then. I think as well because of the large order for 60 aircraft about to come through which I assume will replace all Monarch aircraft except for the 2 new A320's and 2 new A321's which joined earlier this year :)

Still hope that there will be a trip on the A300 before they go :) Monarch are the last European operator of the A300 and some sort of trip on one of them would be amazing :) I'm sure spottilludrop would like to go on it too :)

[Mr @ Spotty M]

The B757s will be gone this time next year and the A330 will be around until 2018.

[gilesdavies]

I'm not sure how long the A330's will last but What I do remember is that they were apparently looking for some new long haul aircraft, so I presume they will go around then.

I wouldn't be surprised if Monarch quit Long Haul ops...

With the tour operators doing nearly all their operations in-house now, there seems to be little need for an airline like Monarch to offer their A330's for charters.

We have seen the A330's used more and more on flights to Egypt and Canaries in the last year or two, and going back 5-10 years ago, these aircraft were maxxed out flying long haul routes, and even had to supplement the fleet with a DC-10 and 767 for several summers.

While I am sure the airline operates the aircraft profitiably, does it really make sense going forward to operate a small sub-fleet of 2-4 aircraft... Especially if the airline wants to focus on LCC routes within Europe and North Africa.

I do sometimes wonder, if the airline did order some wide bodied aircraft, if they could possibly go down the path similar to Norwegian, and start flying Low Cost Long Haul routes. But this is high risk and Monarch are usually quite a conservative airline.

If the airline did want to get rid of their A330's soon, I am sure Air Transat would jump on them in a shot! They are after second hand A330's to replace the A310's and grow the fleet too.

[runway08]

2018 eh .. thanks spotty.:ok:

[MKY661]

Well Well Well. Look what I just received by email:
Dear Enthusiast,

I’m sure you are already very much aware, that Monarch Airlines will be retiring our A300-605R fleet in early 2014. The aircraft came in to service with Monarch in 1990, was our first widebody aircraft, and has served both the airline and the travelling public for well over two decades.

Monarch are the last European passenger operator of Airbus’ first entry in to the commercial airline sector. The aircraft’s retirement in April 2014 will be a sad occasion at Monarch as we wave goodbye to an aircraft that has flown in our colours for longer than most of our crews have. It will also mark a turning point for the company, as we re-fleet and introduce more modern aircraft.

To mark the occasion of the aircraft’s retirement from service, Monarch are considering our options with regards a farewell flight which we would open up to Enthusiasts, with the intention of hosting a VIP reception in Monarch Aircraft Engineering Ltd’s new Birmingham hangar, a milestone achievement for our sister company.

The proposed event would feature a short flight, departing from and arriving back in to Birmingham International Airport (BHX), hopefully with passengers disembarking directly in to the new, three-bay hangar for a farewell celebration.

I must stress that no event is confirmed, and at this stage, I have been tasked simply with gauging the interest of the Enthusiast Community in attending this proposed event. If you would be interested in attending our Birmingham-based event in very late March, or very early April 2014, I would love to hear back from you with an idea on the numbers that you may be attending with. An idea on pricing would follow in due course, if the event is confirmed and we have finalised all of the appropriate arrangements.

I look forward to your responses, and thank you for your patience while we try to get something arranged. If you have friends that may be interested in the event, but may not be on my mailing list, I would appreciate you forwarding this e-mail to them, or sharing the proposal on any aviation forums you may use.

Thank you for your time.

Kind Regards

Toby Hillier

[runway08]

Birmingham jeeze? No thanks.

[CentreFix25]

Seem to be missing an opportunity here. I'm not going to drive a couple of hours to Birmingham to fly to Birmingham, regardless of what else is involved.

The trips to Gibraltar and Milan were great and I'd do similar again, but not this.

Stick it on a regular schedule to Nice or Venice (where ever you can do a day return, even if it's only one way and the return is on a narrow body) - that's what'll be of interest, get bums on seats, nice photo opportunities, nice magazine articles and all round good PR for Monarch.

[All names taken]

Birmingham???

What connection does this aircraft have with Birmingham?
Surely LGW or MAN (or both) where the A300s spent most of their lives.

[G-AZUK]

Get over it people, at least Monarch are offering you something. If you dont like the thought of travelling to BHX it obviously isnt for you, surely a centrally located departure point is the most sensible solution.
And yes I was there the day NR landed. No I'm not sad to see them go.

[ib26uk]

Forgive me for being rude here ladies but Monarch have run these enthusiast days from Luton, Gatwick, Manchester/Gatwick and now its Birminghams turn, and I for one will be attending... I travelled from Staffordshire to Luton for Gibraltar and had a great (long) day out

[CentreFix25]

If you dont like the thought of travelling to BHX

You're right it is a good central location, and right again that they're offering something as opposed to nothing... but given what they've come up with in the past, this is a little less likely to appeal to the many.

Spot the Monarch employee ;-)

[TSR2]

I think Birmingham has been chosen to show-off their new Maintenance facility to the general public. Good thinking.

[runway08]

G-AZUK I dont think there is anything to get over, If you read the post it says he is looking for feedback wherever the message is posted. Well the feedback so far seems to be no thanks not from Birmingham (especially not for a flight right back to Birmingham). Nothing wrong with that.. Just helping the guy out.

:ok:

[bhxstu]

I think its a great idea, and as a departure point i cant think of anything better (however bias that may be:) ) Although granted a trip to another airfield across Europe would be better still, beggars cant be choosers and if this is the last chance to get on this aircraft (would be my first trip on an A300) then so be it.

I also would love a tour of the new hangar and can understand why they want to show it off.... Its quite an impressive looking building.

First post from this brum based spotter BTW!

[Say again s l o w l y]

Not much of an enthusiast if the fact that the flight will be from BHX is an issue...

[StoneyBridge Radar]

Nothing to "get over" G-UK. :mad:

I'm surprised that the enthusiast final flight, for an aircraft which has spent all its operational life at LGW and MAN, would be from and to BHX. :confused:

I don't get the argument of "showing off" the new hangar to the public either; people booking this flight will be doing so for the Airbus A306, not particularly to see a new hangar and many will have been round Luton or Manchester hangar facilities on previous enthusiast flights anyway; a hangar is a hangar, is a hangar...

If feedback is genuinely being sought, then I would suggest the flight is arranged around MAN and/or LGW and leave the "look at our new hangar" for another occasion.

[CentreFix25]

Not much of an enthusiast if the fact that the flight will be from BHX is an issue...

Another stupid post from another employee, strange how some people just can't take any constructive comments without biting. "Nowt as queer as folk" as the saying goes.

[Serenity]

Surely if Monarch are just running one enthusiasts flight, then Birmingham is the logical choice, half way between Manchester and Gatwick.
You'd moan just as much if it was the other end of the country rather than in the middle.

I agree with above, probably trying to show the huge new maintenance facilities. Something I'd have thought most spotters would have enjoyed a poke around.

Just no pleasing some people! How about just saying thanks!!! :ugh:

[runway08]

To be honest I am amazed this is causing so much butthurt amongst 2 or 3 people. The guy who posted the message clearly asked for feedback from wherever it was posted. So if people are not towing the line saying its a great idea they are whiney or "never happy". People are giving genuine feedback, some think Birmingham is a great idea because of the new facilities. Others dont think trekking to Birmingham for a 30 min flight from Birmingham to... dun dun dun Birmingham.. is a great idea. So what? That was surely the whole point in the message.. lol, Bizzarre.

Might I also add surely its not all about "spotters", I have no interest in taking plane numbers or any of that stuff. I would be interested in flying on an A300 though. It would even be considered by me if it was from Birmingham to somewhere else but Birmingham to Birmingham seems pointless to me. Hope that doesnt make any more people cry.:)

[ericlday]

If someone has the opposite view to you could they be considered Runway 26....joking...don't want another lengthy discussion though !!!!

[Falcon666]

I remember when Stelios put on a enthusiasts flight from Luton when they started getting new aircraft.
Think it was a day trip to Amsterdam, free if I remember correctly to give the Pilots a few hours and the enthusiasts a new place to take pics!
Now that would be the way to do it IMHO.

[nigel osborne]

Stoneybridge,

Deep breaths, deep breaths..

,anyway its not just a new hangar its a new hangar twice the size of MANS MAEL :O lol

Seriously though when the huge doors are open not much to look at..until the next two Fly Dubai 738s arrive next month for IFE work..yeehah :D

Well we don't have a lot else to shout about like you do up there you know :{

[MKY661]

What I think they should do for this trip as well is a Ramp tour of Birmingham before the flight as well :) They have done this from Manchester and Gatwick so why not Birmingham as well :)

[ConstantFlyer]

I'll go on it.

[Say again s l o w l y]

Centrefix, we don't need any help with this thanks. We're quite happy to offer this sort of flight to enthusiasts, but if you don't want to do it, then that's fine. Next time we simply won't bother and just fly the thing off to the desert without a backward look. We prefer looking forwards as a company not backwards.
It was only thanks to our head of PR who's something of a fan of the A300 himself that this is even happening.

If you want to go on the old girl before she is retired, then why does it matter where it's from? LGW or MAN aren't going anywhere, so it's hardly an end of the era for them and since the EOL stuff is happening at BHX, then it makes sense to base the aircraft there for this flight.

We aren't asking for any comments, the flight is there for you if you want. If you don't then that's your choice.

[runway08]

You are not looking for comments, That completely contradicts the ending of the letter lol.

I must stress that no event is confirmed, and at this stage, I have been tasked simply with gauging the interest of the Enthusiast Community in attending this proposed event. If you would be interested in attending our Birmingham-based event in very late March, or very early April 2014, I would love to hear back from you with an idea on the numbers that you may be attending with. An idea on pricing would follow in due course, if the event is confirmed and we have finalised all of the appropriate arrangements.

I look forward to your responses, and thank you for your patience while we try to get something arranged. If you have friends that may be interested in the event, but may not be on my mailing list, I would appreciate you forwarding this e-mail to them, or sharing the proposal on any aviation forums you may use.

Thank you for your time.

Kind Regards

Toby Hillier ps. lol ericlday nice :ok:

Anyway I digress, I am sure whoever goes up for a flight around Brum will enjoy it.

[gilesdavies]

Sounds brilliant, loving the idea of it!

Maybe the the A300 could do a fly by over Luton with all of us lot on it, to bid farewell to all the staff who work at the HQ!

Hope they release the plans before Xmas, and will ask for that for my Chrimbo pressie! :ok:

[pabely]

I think it is a great idea, a VIP look around the new engineering facility and a flight on the old bird, a fly past at the MON home base would be great before a tour of the East Anglia the back to Brum, if the dates are good, I will consider this a good trip.

[crewmeal]

It will be fully booked with even people on stby regardless of where it originated. Why all the drama of the departure airport is beyond me. Well done MON for even thinking about such a trip.

[CentreFix25]

we don't need any help with this thanks You misunderstand. I wasn't offering, I was airing my opinion - as were most others.

My initial post was my own opinion, whether it be taken as constructive (as intended) or not.

The friction arrived with input from people who make no secret they work for Monarch or have Luton marked as their location...

Get over it people
Not much of an enthusiast
Next time we simply won't bother

You're always going to get people offering their opinion, especially if you put out a question or proposal to the general population - as was the case.

It's all about how you react to any response you see as negative and how you deal with it whilst maintaining your integrity.

I've been telling my kids recently that sometimes saying nothing is the best thing to do, unless what you have to say is constructive

[ib26uk]

I dont work for Monarch nor do I live in Luton...

[Buster the Bear]

I met a lovely lady who had flown a group of enthisiasts last winter out to Friedrichshafen for the day in a 757. I think she said the flight was full, or pretty close.

Where could you take well over 300 A300 fans for the day and keep them all happy - Whipsnade Zoo!

Monarch seem to have missed a 'trick' it would seem! A 'Buster Bus Day!'.

[TSR2]

Where could you take well over 300 A300 fans for the day and keep them all happy

Sorry Buster but the destination is the new maintenance Hanger at BHX. Much more interesting than watching bears crap in a zoo.

[MKY661]

Update on the potential Enthusiasts Trip:
Dear Enthusiasts,

Thank you very much to those of you that have e-mailed in to show your interest in a potential A300 Farewell Flight. So many of you have responded in fact that I am unable to take the time to respond to each of you individually, so I do apologise if you haven’t received a personal response. There has been significant interest shown, and so plans will now progress in confirming dates, timings, pricing and content of the event, with the intention of being in a position to take bookings before Christmas.

I would like to thank those of you that have provided suggestions or feedback on the content of the trip. Suggestions have been varied and very original, and if we possibly can, we will try to accommodate as many of your suggestions as possible. Lots of you have requested a trip originating in Manchester; a valid request given the association that the aircraft has with MAN. Many others have requested a departure from Gatwick as well. Our final A300 will be based at Gatwick up until it’s departure in the Spring, and so positioning the aircraft to Manchester to operate an Enthusiast trip, would require that you, the Enthusiasts, cover the cost of such an operation. As a widebody aircraft, I am conscious of the fact, that encouraging Enthusiasts to sit in middle seats, might be difficult, as I believe that the vast majority of you will want window seats. Therefore for that reason, pricing will be based on only selling the aircraft to a maximum of around two thirds full, and running additional flights if the demand is there. We will evaluate the possibility of operating a very basic flight option at Gatwick, and also the feasibility of selling seats on the positioning flight to Birmingham, but for the time being, our focus is on Birmingham, where our A300 fleet will be undergoing their final maintenance checks with Monarch Aircraft Engineering Ltd, in their fantastic new hangar facility, prior to their departure from the fleet.

There have been a number of questions from you as well regarding this potential event, and I will do my best to answer those below;
1) Why Birmingham? For the reasons above – operating the flight from Birmingham provides the cheapest flight option to you, the Enthusiast. Having reviewed the costs of trips to other UK or European airports, the decision has been taken that it will be impossible to cover the costs of the operation, and therefore, it wouldn’t happen.

2) Will you be providing “light” options which would include a hangar tour only, or the opportunity to spot the aircraft at Birmingham from a safe vantage point? Sadly, no. The additional complexity of running different packages and events on a single day with only a small support staff is not feasible, and so the event will focus on those passengers travelling on the aircraft.

3) What are the age requirements? Monarch cannot accept any passengers under the age of 16 without an accompanying adult. On previous trips, we have had children as young as 3 in attendance. Rather than discourage this, we welcome Enthusiasts of all ages to come along and enjoy our events. Parents should really think carefully though about the fact that these are often long days, with potentially, lots of walking, and occasionally some waiting around. We minimise this as much as possible, but it cannot be guaranteed.

4) Will Monarch be producing A300-themed merchandise to mark the departure? Quite honestly, it hadn’t been considered, but we can put some thought in to it, and see whether or not we can produce something for those A300 fans out there!


No bookings have yet been made for any flight, as it is still a work in progress. Your interest has been noted, and you have been added to a mailing list so that further details will be sent to you when they are confirmed.

I would recommend that you continue to advise any friends that are interested in attending to send an e-mail to [email protected] so that they can also be added to the mailing list.

Kind Regards

Toby
Monarch Airlines
Cheap Flights & Holidays - Book Your Flight Online - Monarch (http://www.monarch.co.uk)

[spottilludrop]

Fair play to monarchs marketing people ...there good , no doubt about it .fill yer boots peeps:ok:

[tubby linton]

Perhaps a special A300 poster could be commissioned signed by the crew.

Airliners Illustrated (http://www.airlinersillustrated.com)

[Facelookbovvered]

Never seen so much fuss over scrapping some old airframes, well i guess it saves people speculating over (not) announcing new fleet plans....

[getonittt]

This is how it is :
Monarch are doing a good thing and arranging the flight for enthusiasts.
It may be a case of " last chance to Fly " on an A300 unless you want to get in a box and send yourself overseas by DHL.
It may just be a " chance to fly " for some who don't/can't very often.
Excellent PR for the airline and maybe some extra dosh into the coffers.
A fitting send off for a long serving airplane before it rests in peace.
Hopefully an enjoyable day all round , that's what it is all about .

[A300BOY]

I have just retired after 20 Years as a ground engineer and 25 years as aircrew the last 10 years were on the A300-B4 and even though the Boeing 727 was great the Airbus was a dream to operate.

[ATNotts]

I thought it was only Londoners who had an aversion of travelling outside their local area to catch a plane!

If you're that bothered about flying on a A300, then I would honestly have thought that a 2 hour drive - perhaps even more would hardly be that much of an imposition.

[SWBKCB]

Is just me, or does anybody else feel really old when people get all nostalgic about an Airbus?!? :eek:

[IB4138]

Yes and No....don't know what the last post actually means.. is it as passenger, or crew?.......happy days flying the Iberia A300s.....nostalga, but moved on.

It's not as though it's the last passenger A300 flight is it?......maybe the last in the UK.

The last A300 may even see me out!

[MKY661]

It's not as though it's the last passenger A300 flight is it?......maybe the last in the UK.

Last In Europe :)

[getonittt]

If you mean a European airline then that is correct. Kuwait still operate a300's to Europe and likewise Tunis Air but on an ad-hoc basis.

[Centre cities]

I think that the point is that this will be the last chance for many people to fly on the A300.

[wallp]

Iran Air also still operate the A300 to the UK regularly

[cheesebag]

I'd love to fly it... Only ever flew MAJS to Arrecife and that was a fair few years ago.

Anybody up for the Biman DC-10 trip from Brum too????


News (http://www.biman-airlines.com/about/news?id=46e17663-312b-46ba-93d6-3d7e508f36b8)

[Buster the Bear]

http://www.e-tid.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Announcement-Pre-Close-Statement-31-October-2013-Monarch-Group.pdf