Monarch - 3

[Diverskii]

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

For sure, just hope it's on a weekend

[SWBKCB]

Monarch could take up to 20 CSeries jets: Rawlinson (http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/monarch-could-take-up-to-20-cseries-jets-rawlinson-393998/)

Flight article expands on a mention in Busters link above

[Buster the Bear]

Their and there!

[ZeBedie]

We all want something for nothing, it's natural.

Getting angry because you didn't get something for nothing is ugly.

[spottilludrop]

Hope they go bust....what sort of a :mad: wishes that on any airline?

[StoneyBridge Radar]

Just when you think your troll filter is working, up pops an old one.

We get the message.

Now, for a bit of weight and balance:

**Nice Troll Alert** -

Quite fond of ZB personally.

Looking forward to fleet renewals and how they move forward as a solid, reliable part of the UK's transport infrastructure.

:ok:

[LNIDA]

I think Monarch have an important role to play in the UK aviation market and have punched below their weight for a long time, a few years back it looked sadly like the choice was between Ryanair & Easy, but Jet2, Monarch, Norwegian, & veuling are slowly changing the dynamics,i think Vueling with IAG behind them will become a major player, ditto Norwegian because of the shear scale of their order book, the order that Monarch makes will be crucial to their future if the get it right, Jet2 is the wild card, they do their own thing and haven't put a foot wrong yet, but it is all good news for UK aviation jobs

[MKY661]

Enthusiasts Trip Update:

Dear Enthusiast,

Thank you for your patience. Details of Monarch’s A300 Enthusiast flight will be released by the middle of this week, with a planned on-sale date of Friday 20th December. I apologise for the delay in getting information to you.

Please hold any specific enquiries until after details of the event have been released.

Thank you very much,

Kind Regards

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

[SWBKCB]

The CS300 is a lot smaller than the current smallest a/c in the fleet - if they do get up to 20 as is mentioned in the Flight article, would this indicate a change in the current business model?

[Iver]

The CS-300 is not that much smaller in a high-density seating arrangement. I thought I read between 150-160 seats. All with 20% improvement in efficiency over the standard A320/737NG.


I hope Monarch orders it. Looks like a real winner if Bombardier can just get it's act together and get it certified sooner than later!

[SCANDIC]

When is the next aircraft delivery due for Monarch .

[MKY661]

They have 6 aircraft due before summer 2014. 4x A321's and 2x A320's. 2 of the 4 A321's are new. Registrations are curretly unknown at this time :)

They also have another two new A321's due for Summer 2015. :)

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

[zjc123]

Does anyone know if G-OJEG has had the new seats fitted?

[VC10Conway]

Just flew two opposing sectors, outward with BA, return with ZB. Other than the free mini packet of crisps and juice, really no difference in service/punctuality/experience, but £100+ with BA and £40 with Monarch. Good job Monarch, loving what you're doing.

[Say again s l o w l y]

Oh, the registrations are known, but I'm not going to release them yet!

OJEG has not got the new seats yet. It will have them before summer though.

[LNIDA]

I assume that was from LGW, the problem for Monarch at LGW sadly isn't BA which these days on short haul is nothing special, it the growing threat of Norwegian, Norwegian were second only to SWISS in the latest Which satisfaction survey (3rd overall) with the distortion of Aurigny & SWISS is a better product than BA short haul

Any new order from Monarch will i fear be to little to late, with retirement of older fleet aircraft there will be little real growth for several years ahead, they have of course a loyal customer base who remember the halcyon days, but most of them are North of 60 years old and think the Honda Jazz or Rover cars are the future.

The C series is an excellent aircraft for US feeder airlines, but for high density LoCo operations in Europe it is seriously compromised and any fuel savings will be offset against lower seat cost of the Neo & MAX, i think Air Baltic are the only other European operator to have ordered it ??

If ZB go for 60 aircraft they should go for one type (Family) and that should be based on the Airbus product given current fleet composition, anything else increases costs, reduces flexibility, the future they face is Ryanair/Easyjet/Norwegian/Vueling & in the Midlands/North Jet2, not Flybe or Eastern.

[David Sharpe]

I have just been reading the Monarch Traffic Statistics for November 2013 on their website. It seems that although Scheduled Traffic Dropped by just over 6% (from 280,000 to 263,000 passengers) overall passengers were up by just over 10% (from 282,000 to 312,000)

Unless the figures are in-correct, it indicates that Monarch carried almost 50,000 passengers more compared to last year in the "others" category.

Has their IT output increased by that much since last year, or were there a large number of one off flights operated in the month ?

[mark1484]

Im looking to catch a ride on the A300 before it bows out of service next year.

Can anybody please tell me which routes from MAN they will operate in Jan/Feb 2014?

I have holidays booked from the 27th Jan to 10th Feb so i'm looking at getting away somewhere in between these dates.

[tubby linton]

Mark, I cannot see anything out of Manchester on the A300 for the period and the remaining aircraft will be based at LGW operating ski flights and ZB to TFS/ACE.

[mark1484]

Thanks Tubby

Just my luck! I will check out flights from LGW and see what the better half thinks.

Do you have any ideas on flights which A300/A310/A340 aircraft within europe to a sunny destination?

[GrahamK]

Only chance for an A310 is TS to Canada, might be a bit cold though?

[LAX_LHR]

Im not sure on prices or schedules, but Kuwait Airways were, or are, running the A300 on FCO-CDG?

A340 wise LAN used to run MAD-FRA-MAD, but not sure if that is still going.

Other than that, widebodies in Europe are the BA B767's or the Singapore B777-300 on MUC-MAN-MUC.

[nigel osborne]

G-MAJS is still at BHX after a recent back up Rome flight, now back in the MAEL hangar today.

[compton3bravo]

David - they have been doing a lot of one off charters of late - i.e. football, rugby, Lapland etc. so that would account for a lot of the charter passengers you are talking about.

[alpha.charlie]

Quite a few Cruise Ship flights as well; Naples, Athens, Barca, Istanbul etc.

[MKY661]

Im looking to catch a ride on the A300 before it bows out of service next year.

Can anybody please tell me which routes from MAN they will operate in Jan/Feb 2014?

I have holidays booked from the 27th Jan to 10th Feb so i'm looking at getting away somewhere in between these dates.

There is an Enthusiasts Day Trip On the A300 in March if you are interested :) Will go on sale on Friday :)

[Mr @ Spotty M]

It will be an approximately 1 hour flight LGW-BHX on Sunday afternoon at 14:40 the 13th April. :ok:

[MKY661]

More New On Enthusiasts Trip:

Thank you very much for your patience in waiting for information regarding a farewell flight on the Monarch Airlines A300. Please see the foot of this e-mail for booking instructions, and the attached document for full details of the event.

Monarch Airlines have taken the decision to keep the Airbus A300 in service until Sunday 13th April 2014, two weeks longer than originally planned. As a result of this, a Birmingham – Birmingham sightseeing flight, or even a series of sightseeing flights will not be possible due to the tight timescales in preparing the aircraft for its departure to the United States.

The decision has been taken to offer seats for sale on a flight from London’s Gatwick Airport to Birmingham International Airport on Sunday 13th April 2014. This will be the very last commercial service operated by a Monarch Airlines Airbus A300-605R. Every seat will be available for purchase on this flight, meaning close to 350 enthusiasts arriving at Birmingham at one time. As a result, the decision has been taken that a hangar tour cannot be accommodated for such a large number of visitors, especially on a Sunday.

The flight is currently scheduled for 1 hour in duration, but we are currently investigating opportunities to extend this to as long as 2hrs either with additional air time, or a touch and go at another airport, at no extra cost to you. Additionally, we are looking in to adding more content to the flight to provide further value for money to you. If and when we are able to confirm this, we will let those that have booked a seat know, via e-mail.

While we acknowledge that you will be arriving in to a different airport than you depart from, Monarch Airlines cannot accept responsibility for returning you to London Gatwick. You will need to make your own travel arrangements. Both Gatwick Airport, and Birmingham Airport are well served by both rail and coach services.

Booking information

BOOKINGS WILL NOT BE POSSIBLE UNTIL 9AM (GMT) TOMORROW, FRIDAY 20th DECEMBER 2013

Booking will be possible by either of the following mediums;

Monarch Airlines website:
Please click on the link below to take you to the booking page. If you have any problems at all, please try entering the route London Gatwick > Birmingham and type in the date manually as follows – 13.04.2014. This should then allow you to book.

Avro Search Results (http://bookflights.monarch.co.uk/SearchSelect.aspx?origin=LGW&destination=BHX&outbounddate=20140413&adult=1&child=0&infant=0&lff=false&offer=false&culture=en-GB)

Due to the unusual nature of this operation, we have had to make special changes to the website booking processes in order to allow online bookings for this flight. Please be patient with the website.

Monarch Airlines call centre:
If you have any trouble with the website, or would prefer not to use it, bookings can be made via the Monarch Airlines call centre. You will be charged for these calls. The telephone numbers are shown below;
If calling from the UK: 08719 40 50 40
If calling from Overseas: 0044 8719 40 50 40

For those of you booking via the call centre, I have created a basic seat map for you to have a look at that may help you choose which seats you are looking for, please see the attached excel document.

If you have any questions or queries regarding booking seats on this flight, please do not hesitate to e-mail me and I will respond to you promptly.

I very much look forward to seeing you on board the flight in April.

Kind Regards

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

G-OJMR will be doing the flight if anyone is interested which A300 it is :)

[MKY661]

Just booked the flight and It seems that almost all of the window seats have gone already :o

[Skipness One Echo]

G-OJMR will be doing the flight if anyone is interested which A300 it is
Lovely, flew on G-MONS/G-MAJS back in 1994.

Any ppruners welcome to say "hi". Think I nabbed the last window seat :)

[SCANDIC]

Not seen any of the 75's at man for a while.

[nigel osborne]

Scandic,

G-MONK 757 is in the MAEL hangar at BHX, MONJ left last week I think after being refitted with the normal seating after its VIP lease.

[MKY661]

The 757's during the winter are usually based at Gatwick :)

[Alloy]

All three remaining 757s should be gone ten months from now.

[EK77WNCL]

What routes can I hope to try and catch one of their 757's on for next summer?

[SCANDIC]

Maybe fed ex bound.

[MKY661]

Maybe fed ex bound.

Wouldn't be 100% sure on that one. It's a Possibility though :)

[SCANDIC]

I really hope they go to fed ex cos considering how old they are their still in quite good condition thanks to the top monarch engineers.:)

[MKY661]

Wonder if Monarch are still looking to introduce some new routes for S14?

Also does anyone have the Departure date for G-MAJS? I know it's mid January :)

[SCANDIC]

anyone know where the a320 replacements are coming from for ozbb and monx will they be brand new.

[MKY661]

anyone know where the a320 replacements are coming from for ozbb and monx will they be brand new.

They are Second Hand :) Not sure who from yet :)

[SCANDIC]

thanks for that.

[SCANDIC]

Where are the 300's are they both at gatwick now. 757's last summer in monarch colours.

[CabinCrewe]

The long awaited narrow border must be pending soon is it not ? My bet is more of the same, well more Airbus anyway. A320/21 NEO

[Buster the Bear]

Narrow border......chuckles from Whipsnade

[Spitfire boy]

Good man joining.

Andrew Swaffield, who has been managing director of BA parent IAG’s loyalty scheme Avios Group since 2006, will take up the post from April 1.

Monarch Airlines appoints new managing director - www.travelweekly.co.uk (http://www.travelweekly.co.uk/Articles/2014/01/09/46570/monarch-airlines-appoints-new-managing-director.html)

[cheesebag]

Both 300's were in Gatwick when I flew out of there last week Scandic.

[Facelookbovvered]

Will this appointment further delay the "narrow border" order??? chuckle :=

[MKY661]

Hello. I give you More information on the Monarch Fleet Changes for 2014:

A300:
G-OJMR to be WFU 13th April 2014
G-MAJS to be WFU very shortly (It might be Tomorrow, not sure though)

A320:
G-ZBAP (Ex. First Choice) due at Birmingham January 2014 and to enter service in March.
Currently unknown status for the other A320 due

A321:
G-ZBAI (Ex. TACA) due late February 2014
G-ZBAJ (Ex. TACA) due late March 2014
G-ZBAL (Unknown Previous Operator) due April 2014
G-ZBAM (Unknown Previous Operator) due May 2014
G-ZBAN due March 2014, will have Sharklets
G-ZBAO due April 2014, will have Sharklets

B757:
G-MONJ to be WFU November 2014
G-MONK to be WFU November 2014
G-DAJB to be WFU November 2014

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

[Mr @ Spotty M]

G-MAJS last in service date is Jan 26th, starts EOL check 27th in BHX. :ok:

[SCANDIC]

What's the reg of the ex first choice.

[MKY661]

What's the reg of the ex first choice.

It left a while ago (has been to Saga Airlines since) but it was G-OOPT :)

[SCANDIC]

Where will the 757's end up come the end of the year has anyone got any idea.
:{

[Mr @ Spotty M]

The answer is no, the have been sold to a finance company, it will be up to them what they do with them. :ok:

[Facelookbovvered]

Looking at what is on order/due, is it conceivable that they would order anything other than Airbus??? Given their stated intention to remain in the long haul market to some degree i think A350 (10) the rest A320/321 maybe just maybe 20 C series? why buy Boeing? the 737MAX is nearly 4 years away. Monarch can't wait that long, Jet2 are near double the size of Monarch already, Vueling have 60+ new aircraft on order, Norwegian 200+, the Easyjet product is good and Ryanair will get better. When any of Jet2/Vueling/Norwegian turn up at BHX its going to destroy yields for Monarch.

[cheesebag]

I wonder if a deal has been done tho to keep these other airlines at bay? Hence a nice shiny Engineering base at BHX

[ATNotts]

Facelookbovvered

When any of Jet2/Vueling/Norwegian turn up at BHX its going to destroy yields for Monarch

Having trouble following your logic here. Perhaps I'm thick, but what make you think that any of the above is likely to muscle in on BHX? If Jet2 did, then surely their largely antique fleet of 737s isn't as efficient as Monarch's 320/321 fleet, and Vueling have no interest (presently) in serving anywhere else other than Spain.

In point of fact there is scope for more bucket and spade seats from BHX without severely damaging yields from BHX - however, increased capacity at BHX may damage yields at EMA - where Jet2 and Monarch already operate from, and could well be a factor warding off competition from Jet2.

I wonder if a deal has been done tho to keep these other airlines at bay? Hence a nice shiny Engineering base at BHX

I think you'll find that EU competition rules wouldn't allow such deals, even if BHX were inclined to offer them - which I doubt.

[Facelookbovvered]

All of the above have expansion plans, I understand Jet2 have already looked at BHX and it extends the reach Southwards, Vueling will be a big player in the future and Norwegian have over 200 aircraft on order BHX is poorly served for its catchment area and there is lots of parking at BHX unlike EMA/MAN/LBA

[LAX_LHR]

lots of parking at BHX unlike EMA/MAN/LBA


No parking at MAN? Are you sure?

Lots of new routes starting this year, still a good 3 million passengers off MAN's previous best (which equates to about 1/3 of BHX's current total for what its worth!), still a pretty quiet period in the afternoons. Stands seasonally converted to parking as they apparently have enough slack to do so. Therefore unsure where this parking issue you suggest stems from?

[bill b]

So , with no more A300's, and the 75 's gone at the end of the year - surely that limits the amount of , and type of ad hoc work that Monarch historically picks up in the winter :bored:With only two A330's and a whole bunch of 320/321 remaining , it does leave a gap in their armoury .....

[SCANDIC]

Whats going to cover the 330's when their on maintenance cos obviously the 300's did that even though they didn't quite have the range like the 330

[SCANDIC]

Maybe something like a 767 like the ex mytravel/ tommy cook one that was a great aircraft.

[MKY661]

Little update, apparently G-ZBAP is due today, according to Jethro :)

[JonEMA]

Does anyone know what percentage of seats Monarch sell through IT vs their website/direct ?

[MKY661]

Apologies that was me reading a date the wrong way :D It's due this month Though :)

[OltonPete]

I believe another first within the Monarch fleet - 321 AE rolled out of the BHX MAEL with sharklets.

Last flight 12/1 - therefore all done and dusted in 3-4 days.

[Alex321]

AD is also due sharklets at some point this winter

[Mr @ Spotty M]

Late Feb in BHX.

[LHRjc]

Looks like M-RAFF (ZBAP) did a flight test out of Kemble yesterday and landed into BHX.

[greatoaks]

any updates on the new seating/suppliers etc ?

[MKY661]

Mini Update on Enthusiasts Flight :):

Dear Enthusiasts,

Many of you are already booked on Monarch Airlines final Airbus A300-605R commercial flight, operating from London’s Gatwick Airport to Birmingham Airport on Sunday 13th April 2014. Monarch are the last remaining operator of the type amongst European airlines, and will be retiring our final aircraft from service immediately following its arrival at Birmingham.

Demand for seats on this service has been very high, and now only a limited number of seats remain bookable via the Monarch Airlines call centre. If you are interested in attending and have not yet booked your seat, I would strongly advise that you do so soon. For those of you that have booked your place on the flight, but have not booked a specific seat as yet, this is also possible via the Monarch Airlines call centre. Window seats are now sold out, but there are a handful of “next to window” seats available.

I have attached a copy of the original press release as a reminder for those of you requiring the details of the flight.

Contact information for the Monarch Airlines call centre can be found below;

If calling from the UK: 08719 40 50 40

If calling from Overseas: 0044 8719 40 50 40



Calls cost 10p (£0.10) per minute, plus network extras.



The contact centre is open at the following times (UK);



Mon-Fri 08:00 - 19:00

Sat-Sun 09:00 - 17:30


If you have any questions regarding the booking process, please respond via this e-mail address: [email protected]

I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible on board.

Kind Regards

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

[mudcity]

As the Cseries faces an uncertain future with further delays to it's planned entry into service; what of the monarch 60 aircraft order ?
Maybe they have already decided to go with airbus ? In the last airbus press release was an undisclosed customer for 60 aircraft ......
7 A319 ....13 A320 ...7 A321 and. 8 A319 Neo 12 A320 Neo 13 A321 Neo

Probably nothing to do with monarch but then this is the rumour network !!!

[CentreFix25]

Unless they're getting a cracking deal to go elsewhere - better the devil you know!

[nigel osborne]

Surprised to not see this on here yet..

Norwegian B787 EI-LNB arrived at BHX last night for attention with Monarch Engineering. currently parked on the remotes and should go in the hangar tomorrow to join a TOM767 and Jet 2 757.

MON A300 G-MAJS is due in later today for MAEL as well..The facility is so busy it needs another bay being built already

[pc.]

Monarch's last two Airbus A300's are presently (4pm Sat 25 Jan 2014) almost flying in formation....

Both south west of Paris

G-OJMR is at 32,000' coming back from Grenoble. (ZB6487)
Just behind it is...
G-MAJS at 30,000' coming back from Lyon. (ZB6073)

Probably MAJS's last revenue service.

Located via Flightradar24.

[Ian Brooks]

Hi Nigel
I think Monarch is picking up a lot of extra work as we have a Icelandair
B757 which went tech yesterday in and TCX have aircraft all over the place as well, but then we are into the main maintenance period so perhaps it is a good time to be a UK engineer in aerospace

[nigel osborne]

Hi Ian,

Yes possibly a lull in winter flts causing this influx.

It does help us having a large facility where we can get 4 767/A300s or 2 787/77W in at the same time.

I assume MAEL try and spread equal amounts between its 3 facilities ?

The mind boggles though, as we only up to half the workforce in place at present including crews from MAN/LTN helping out.

What are we going to achieve when its up to full strength on all models !

[David Sharpe]

In relation to the earlier post regarding the final service of A-300 registered G-MAJS last Saturday, what happens to the flying programme that this aircraft has recently been undertaking (I am guessing that it has kept reasonably busy on the Ski IT flights at weekends ?) does it just revert to a smaller aircraft for the remainder of the season ?

[Mr @ Spotty M]

The post was incorrect, in that its last flight was a LGW-GVA-LGW on Sunday morning.
In the short term, my guess would be narrow body aircraft would cover the routes, doubling up on each flight.
The long term until the season ends would be the A330, one A330 is currently on a maintenance check. :ok:

[Facelookbovvered]

Any update on the time table for new fleet order? new hangar looks fantastic

[greatoaks]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BevnVvpCYAE1IoO.jpg:large

[Alloy]

Yes Greatoaks, some of the aircraft have new seats giving more legroom and less weight. A number of further aircraft are being refitted with new seats.

[pc.]

Thursday 6 Feb @ 22:45 GMT

Monarch's second to last Airbus A300 is presently over Ireland heading west on it's way to be recycled at Tupelo, Mississippi.

Flight = MON300P

Edit
Friday 7 Feb @ 18:50 GMT

G-MAJS has left Portsmouth International Airport at Pease, New Hampshire.
38,000' on route to Tupelo.

[CabinCrewe]

not much padding on those seats for a 4 hour flight!

[harer92]

Down to AGP would probably be an acceptable flight time length to sit on those seats, but good luck to the pax on flights to SSH and HRG!! :eek:

[SCANDIC]

End of an era now that nearly all the big buses have gone.

[SCANDIC]

Anybody any info on the future of the 757's yet.

[easyflyer83]

You'd be surprised how comfy (relatively speaking of course) some of these slim line seats are compared to their 'chunkier' counterparts.

[spacegrand]

Anybody know if its an A320 and a 321 at EMA this summer? Thanks.

[on time all the time]

The new seats: they are very cleverly designed...British designed, British made and offer genuine extra legroom. Off course everything has got pros and cons but the complaint about lack of legroom has been addressed.
They were extensively tested against other made and came out best.

B757...As said in early pages they are leaving in November at the end of the summer season.

[gilesdavies]

With Thomson and now Thomas Cook upgrading their Long Haul product to offer something that is comparable with the scheduled carriers, is there any plans for the A330's to be upgraded?

These aircraft must now be 10-12 years old and they don't seem to have spent a penny on the cabins in that time! There's airlines like US Airways that have refurbed their A330-300's three times in that period...

They have never offered individual in-flight entertainment screens and they offer the dreaded 3-3-3 abreast config, which Thomas Cook are finally dropping.

Surely now the 787's are not coming, it is time for the airline to spend a bit of money on these planes! Read any reviews of Monarch on their long haul product, and none of them ever seem to be very favourable when they refer to the aircrafts amenities and general comfort.

The airline always seems to lag behind other carriers when it comes to innovation and takes a very lethargic approach to change and improving on-board passenger facilities, with a make do attitude. Other people might just call them a conservative airline!

[wallp]

What's the aircraft mix in the expanded Luton based fleet this summer?

[gilesdavies]

What's the aircraft mix in the expanded Luton based fleet this summer?


I am sure it was discussed in the Luton forum and is planned to be 3x A321 and 2x A320.

[111KAB]

A winter boost: airlines look at low season flights to Mallorca - Euro Weekly News Spain (http://www.euroweeklynews.com/news/mallorca/item/118720-a-winter-boost-airlines-look-at-low-season-flights-to-mallorca)

[runway08]

Will there be a 757 goodbye flight like the 300.

First flight was on a Mon 757 and growing up in LTN that was mostly all you saw for a few years. Favourite aircraft by a million miles. :ok:

[wallp]

Thanks gilesdavies for confirming.

Runway08 I too grew up in LTN and can remember the first Monarch 757's arriving there. I hope LTN will get a farewell flight, it seems very fitting.

[cheesebag]

Good idea but there are still quite a few operators with a 752, I presume the novelty of the last A300's warrant the farewell flights.

[ATNotts]

35+ years ago you could go to Mallorca throughout the winter, on 3 and 4 day breaks.

Dan Air were certainly contracted from BHX - seem to recall it was Mondays and Fridays using Comets - I think contracted by MATO / Ellerman Sunflight, or whatever they called themselves at that time. prices were ludicrously cheap as I recall, even by the standards of the day.

I'm guessing the same offers were made from other UK airports, so while welcome, it's hardly groundbreaking, and from my recollection of Palma as a city, not a bad move.

[SteveHP7]

Monarch already operate to PMI from LGW in the winter.

[SCANDIC]

I would have the 757 farewell flights afer all they have had them for nearly 30 years and for them to still be flying today is a massive thumbs up to the engineers, best boeing ever made in my opinion.:ok::ok:

[on time all the time]

Scandic,.....more than 30 years! 1982/3

[Curious Pax]

First Monarch 757 delivery was G-MONB on 21st March 1983, so just coming up to 31 years of Monarch 757 operations.

[wallp]

I remember its arrival at Luton. It was a big moment for Monarch after the Boeing 720 years. The B757 has served them very well over the years. It remains one of my most favourite aircraft to fly on.

[TSR2]

so just coming up to 31 years of Monarch 757 operations.

Blimey, 31 years of charter operations, must be like Triggers Broom by now.

[Skipness One Echo]

Blimey, 31 years of charter operations, must be like Triggers Broom by now.
The last two are 25 years old, on a par with the oldest BA B744s.

[ZeBedie]

The youngest survivor entered service in April '88.

[SCANDIC]

Do you think scrap man or freighters?

[MKY661]

Do you think scrap man or freighters?

I think it's up to the people who they have been sold to :)

[SCANDIC]

I hope they get to become freighters, MONB is over 30 years old and thats still going strong for Fed Ex.

[SCANDIC]

Any news as to where the other a320 is coming from ?

[Alex321]

Two More A321's confirmed to be joining the Monarch Fleet -

G-ZBAK - Joining the fleet from Royal Jordanian ex JYAYJ (due April)
G-ZBAL - Joining the fleet from Royal Jordanian ex JYAYK (due May)

These go with two further A321's confirmed as -

G-ZBAI - Joining from TACA ex N566TA (Due Feb)
G-ZBAJ - Joining from TACA ex N567TA (Due March)

These along with two new sharklet A321's direct from Airbus due March and April along with A320 G-ZBAP ex First choice which is currently at BOH being painted.

[MKY661]

Monarch Scoops Globe Award For Best Charter Airline Once Again:
2014 News - Flights - MONARCH AIRLINES SCOOPS AWARD FOR BEST CHARTER AIRLINE AT TRAVEL WEEKLY GLOBE AWARDS 2014 | Flights News - Monarch (http://www.monarch.co.uk/news/flights/2014-news/monarch-airlines-scoops-award-for-best-charter-airline-at%20travel-weekly-globe-awards-2014)

These along with two new sharklet A321's direct from Airbus due March and April along with A320 G-ZBAP ex First choice which is currently at BOH being painted.

There is also going to be G-ZBAR, another A320 joining the fleet soon but no info on where it is coming (Source: Monarch Airlines Fleet List (http://www.jethros.org.uk/fleets/fleet_listings/monarch_airlines.htm)). G-ZBAE also now has Sharklets and G-ZBAD will have shortly. Also rumours of G-ZBAF & G-ZBAG getting fitted with them but insure if true :)

[Mr @ Spotty M]

I can confirm that G-ZBAF & G-ZBAG will NOT be getting Sharklets and neither are any more, other than new build aircraft.
G-ZBAP should now be back at BHX, due into service 1st March, subject to change.
New A321s due mid April and late May, also subject to change.
Ex Royal Jordanian A321s due into service mid May & Mid June, also subject to change. :ok:

[Serenity]

Why the u turn on sharklet additions?

[Say again s l o w l y]

AL better go into service in mid June or the sound of swearing from one corner on the top floor will be fairly spectacular!

[Mr @ Spotty M]

What U turn?
Monarch has only two aircraft which you can modify to fit Sharklets and they have now accomplished those modifications. :ok:

[Serenity]

Ah ok. Thought there were more possible.

Great news on lots of new aircraft this year! :ok:

[on time all the time]

The Sharklets could be retrofitted on the new a/c because the wing was designed to allow the change.
Older a/c wings (2nd hand) don't have a wing which allows fitting/retrofitting.
So no U turn here . It is just not possible to fit them.

[BOHEuropean]

I believe they [older a/c] can be modified, it just requires additional work and takes longer / more money.

[MKY661]

OK I've just seen a Monarch Aircraft preparing a Flight to Orlando on 5th April 2014 for Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway :)

[jorvik]

Using a 757 from LBA

[Mr @ Spotty M]

You are correct in a way, at this time they cannot be modified, but Airbus is working on producing a Service Bulletin for modifying existing aircraft.
My opinion is Monarch will not be modifying any of its fleet, unless the leasing companies pay for it.

[Say again s l o w l y]

I've seen what needs to be done to modify an aircraft to take sharklets. It won't happen. In fact I can categorically say that MAL certainly won't be doing it!

[PAPI-74]

Any leaks about the new type?

[lbalad]

It seems a bit of an odd choice for the flight to Orlando to leave from Leeds/Bradford.Won't make it non stop on a 757 right?.

Has this anything to do with Bradford based Morrisons being the sponsor of the tv series/tour?.

[Mr @ Spotty M]

You cannot leak information if you have no information to leak.
I can say with 100% certainty, that they still reviewing all the submissions from the various parties. :ok:

[111KAB]

MKY661, jorvik and Ibalad > maybe a question for Mr @ Spotty M as jorvik says a 757 out of LBA, Ibalad is worried about the fuelling capability and Monarch say "I'm not sure which exact aircraft it is, I can see however it's one of our A321's."


So anyone the wiser in respect of Saturday Night Takeaway?

[LBIA]

The Monarch Boeing 757 charter flight from Leeds to Orlando will be operating via Portland for a refuel

[carbheatout]

You got the 'Port' bit right

[Flightrider]

Port Harcourt?
Port Hedland?

Go on, give us a clue...

[davidjohnson6]

Portland in Maine in the far NE of the USA has an international airport

[jungle jim]

Probably Portsmouth New Hampshire, just north of Boston. MON have used it before for tech stops.

[on time all the time]

The LBA-SFB flight is scheduled to fly via YVT, Buffalo Narrows airport in Canada, Leaving LBA at 19.15 GMT and arriving at 0640 GMT in SFB.
........looked at the airport stats and although the info I picked up is of the most reliable source, I think the airport code used is wrong and should be YYT, St John.
The reason of my doubt is the length of the runway.

[partyboy_uk]

I think the airport code used is wrong and should be YYT, St John.

You are correct. The flight is operated on a B752 and the timings are as follows:

05/04/14 LBA/YYT 1915/0035
06/04/14 YYT/SFB 0135/0640

11/04/14 SFB/PSM 1840/2125
11/04/14 PSM/LBA 2225/0435

(NB. All times are GMT)

[Facelookbovvered]

Historically the 5th of April will either be snow closed or 100m in FG BHX would have been a far safer bet!, but after this non winter who knows?

[crewmeal]

OK I've just seen a Monarch Aircraft preparing a Flight to Orlando on 5th April 2014 for Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway

Who pays for that lot?

[SCANDIC]

Which 757 is it and there is also one in the hangar at Man.

[cheesebag]

Prime time advertising for MON?

[Shed-on-a-Pole]

Monarch will gain lots of e.mail addresses for future marketing blasts as a result of this sweepstake, plus (presumably) numerous Faceplant 'likes' to push up their rating on search engines. And Saturday evening primetime TV exposure. Sounds like a good deal to me.

[paully]

Unless, like me, you steer clear of anything to do with Britains least talented,but thoroughly irritating, duo :ok:

[Shed-on-a-Pole]

No, no … you are invited to enter the sweepstake purely as a customer of Monarch … no need to apply via the TV show. :-)

[LNIDA]

Monarch are already very well known in the UK, in part because they have been around so long, but despite this they are half the size of Jet2, so Monarch already punch above the weight.......

They have a aged customer profile, but so do Ant & Dec (or PJ & Duncan) as they were known when Monarch customers thought they were hip.......

Farewell flights & celeb shows are no serious business strategy for taking on Jet2 in the North & Midlands & Norwegian in LGW, talk bout the squeezed middle, what Monarch need are new aircraft in numbers, not a couple likely lads from the North East, where MON presence is close to invisible :=

[Skipness One Echo]

Sorry, you're saying Monarch at 6,000,000+ pax are half the size of Jet2 at 5,000,000? I think you're looking at fleet size, where Monarch carry that figure with 36 aircraft whereas Jet2 have 50.... I think perhaps your role as Norwegian's PR officer means you might not know the British Public quite as well as you believe. Now let's get ready to rhumble :) Are Norwegian really so dismissive of anyone over 30?

[LNIDA]

That exactly my point when i say they(Monarch) already punch above their weight,but Jet2 grew at 27% in 2011 & 13% in 2012, meanwhile Monarch grew at just 2.4% & 6.2% over the same period. Monarch of course have wide body aircraft and that helps, but i think the final figures for 2013 will show Monarch at +9% closer to 7m so its going in the right direction, but more importantly they are now profitable

A high profile TV program may help reinforce brand awareness amongst current customers, but i don't see people going,wow that looks great lets give Monarch a try either, TV audiences according to BARB are continuing to trend lower this year and the historic trend if for watched hours to fall away significantly as the weather warms up, we are already well past the peak booking period for this summer, this show would have been better planned in the run up to Xmas, but then Ant & Dec wouldn't have had time for this filler to their income stream.

Norwegian are virtually unknown outside the London area, but already have 10% of LGW traffic (passengers) which i think would put them at 3.4m a year from just LGW so clearly they understand the British public and how to reach them.

Hopefully the new Monarch aircraft order will put them into a long term growth trajectory.

Love the new hanger BTW nice smell of fresh paint inside:ok:

[paully]

On a more serious note, a friend of mine who travels regularly to Tenerife says that Monarch cabin crew told him, that they have recently been re trained by the company that trained the `volunteers` at the London Olympics and the onboard service was excellent. He is now looking to use them regularly. My son has just returned from the Middle East on a Mod trooper flight, using the A330 and confirmed that the CC were outstanding :D

Maybe thats their strategy, but are using them in August,and Jet 2 in May, so will see;)

[Shed-on-a-Pole]

"Farewell flights & celeb shows are no serious business strategy …"

Hmmm. Well let's take a closer look at that. Cost-effective marketing in the modern era has required companies to engage the public via new social media platforms and embrace e.mail as a means of interacting with potential customers. The challenge presented by this is that contact with prospective new customers must be established BEFORE such communication can take place.

In the case of an airline such as Monarch, e.mail addresses are generally known for customers who have previously made bookings online. Subject to customer consent to receive e.mails, regular marketing newsletters can then be distributed to these contacts. However, the problem here is that the reservoir of e.mail addresses on file consists largely of existing customers who are broadly aware of the company offerings already. In order to reach potential new customers, the reservoir of e.mail addresses must be expanded to include contacts who have had no previous dealings with Monarch. This is easier said than done.

This initiative with a primetime TV show will provide Monarch with a very large pool of new contacts … competition entrants must supply e.mail / Faceplant details as part of the entry criteria. It is then up to Monarch to use this data effectively. Note that Faceplant 'likes' also promote company visibility on search engines.

So how will this promotion work for Monarch? Well firstly, let's all be clear about one thing. Some of us may wish the world to know that we wouldn't be seen dead watching [specified 'mass market' TV entertainment show]. Well, that's just fine. We each have our own individual viewing tastes. I personally don't watch any soaps, but I would be foolish to infer that such shows do not reach massive and loyal audiences. Ant and Dec's variety formula transmitted in the prime Saturday teatime slot attracts millions of loyal viewers. For Monarch, the benefit from direct brand exposure on the show is just the start. And don't be fooled by Ant and Dec's Geordie credentials … they have national appeal and recognition.

Naysayers may argue that viewers will not say, "wow that looks great let's give Monarch a try." They can argue that viewers will probably have heard of Monarch already. Such arguments miss the point. How many of those viewers know exactly where Monarch fly to and from? How much their fares cost? When there are special promotions on? Which new destinations are being launched? Well, once their contact details have been harvested from all the competition entries, Monarch has the opportunity to communicate all these things via their regular e.blast newsletters. And a proportion of those new contacts are likely to become future customers as a result. Which is the whole point of marketing, isn't it? The value of seeing the Monarch product demonstrated on a primetime TV show is just the start.

Touching upon LNIDA's reference to Monarch's farewell flights, I'm not sure these constituted a marketing initiative as such. The A300 farewell flight was a product for which there was an identified niche demand from aircraft enthusiasts. Whilst I have no access to Monarch's books, I suspect that this popular initiative would have been self-financing. Such flights are a net benefit to Monarch's image, but not central to marketing efforts.

Of course, in the end the quality of Monarch's e.mail / social media communications will determine the success (or otherwise) of the 'Saturday Night Takeaway' promotion over months and years to come. I regularly monitor marketing e.mails from several airlines (yes, sad I know!) and in my opinion Monarch's are amongst the best. They inform, they engage (competitions, win-a-flight promos), they are region specific (usually promoting flights from the appropriate departure airport), they highlight special offers. E.mail newsletters cost remarkably little to distribute and can be a great generator of new bookings.

Amongst leisure travel companies, Monarch are the masters of e.mail communication. Their e.mails are as good as Thomson's* efforts are dreadful. It is not enough to have a pool of e.mail addresses and bombard them with irrelevant rubbish … Monarch's e.mails read like a magazine index and encourage readers to click on interesting links / articles and spend time reading them. They are very professionally put together. Customers will be less inclined to 'unsubscribe'. This establishes a very cheap and reliable long-term communication channel between Monarch's customer base and the marketing department. Attracting customers to commit to these communications IS a serious business strategy.

[*Explanatory note: In contrast to Monarch, Thomson's e.mail blasts are a case study in how to utterly waste a great marketing opportunity. I eventually 'unsubscribed' in exasperation, doubting whether Thomson would ever get their e.mail promotions right. Month after month of offers departing Doncaster Airport e.mailed to customers with Greater Manchester postcodes … but a distinct absence of ex-MAN deals (to the same destinations) which might actually have been of interest and lead to new bookings. Other PPRuNe contributors advised similar debacles in their own postcode areas, with offers distributed to them exclusively available from the wrong geographical region. Yes, I'm aware of the argument that afew (but very few) uninformed punters may be lured into booking an unsuitable product (once) … no way to build loyalty once those customers realise they've been duped! Far better to match the right product with the right customer at the outset and build a long-term relationship based on trust. Good long-term marketing should ALWAYS promote a product that the customer is well-suited to buy (and will then choose to repeat-purchase regularly) rather than an inappropriate one which some office suit is struggling to shift on the day. A deceived / dissatisfied customer may not return to the company and will tell many friends of their dissatisfaction. Thomson could learn a great deal from the Monarch e.mail promotional communications.]

Good luck to Monarch with the 'Saturday Night Takeaway' promotion. A bold and very smart initiative. I will monitor its progress with interest.

[Skipness One Echo]

A bit of brand awareness is important, BA's brand positioning in terms of the London Olympics means it got the Number One spot in Superbrands this week.
British Airways tops UK brand rankings - Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/10656804/British-Airways-tops-UK-brand-rankings.html)
This is also off the back of a TV campaign with old fashioned pilots and aeroplanes. Monarch have survived this long by doing what they do in their own space and not going Hell for leather for growth. (also, owners with deep pockets) Jet2s growth will mature in the medium term whereas Norwegians business model is predicated on others failing (hello SAS!, still there btw), union busting, staff based in Bangkok and aircraft registered under a flag of convenience. Monarch as you say are unknown in the North East, as well as Scotland nowadays. They are mainstream and niche at the same time, aiming to be the carrier of choice on any route they're on.

Ahhh now I understand the attention from NAS :)

[Dannyboy39]

Re: the pleasure flights comment - G-OJMR will be positioning LGW-BHX anyway for its EoL check, so why not fill it up with 300+ pax and make a bit of dosh out of it, rather than run it empty?

[LNIDA]

Interesting, if rather long post..........but, whilst people in the industry might go ah yes nice e mail add (and Monarch are ok in this regard) many will just go delete-delete-delete, because we are all bombarded with this stuff.

BA olympic add campaign was refreshing and different, but again they were already well known, but very London Centric in terms of flights,

Lets see how it pans out for Monarch, they clearly understand the need to refresh their product (and many of their aircraft) and if the cabin crew are put on a charm course great, the biggest complaint I hear about Monarch is don't give a toss cabin crew, poor leg room/ seat comfort and delays, although their OTP is much improved this past year.

Thomson's e mails might lack finesse, but their on board product is streets ahead of Monarch in my experience and I have flown both recently.

The good news for all is that the race to the bottom in customer service standards appears to be over for most airline and that is positive

[compton3bravo]

Having flown with Monarch for over 40 years I have never come across any problems with cabin crew attitudes. I totally agree about the leg room and comfort of some seats though.

[Artie Fufkin]

I was on a Monarch flight recently where the entire cabin crew (A330) were Spanish. Nothing wrong with it, the crew were great, just curious as to what was going on?

[ATNotts]

Artie Fufkin

We're all European now (until the Daily Mail gets it's way) so we're all free to live and work wherever we want within the EU. I would suggest that with unemployment as it is in Spain Monarch found it possible to get multilingual cabin staff, willing and eager to work, for the same price, or less, than monolingual staff from UK.

If people in the UK bothered to learn a second (European) language they may be more able to compete for these sorts of jobs on a level playing field.

[Facelookbovvered]

Agreed, but which second language ? most Europeans speak English as a second language, its very much the common language across much of Europe and beyond, it the language of business, computing and of course aviation, but learn French, you'll end up working in Spain, lean Spanish you'll end up working in Northern Europe.......but i totally agree with your comments.

I guess cabin crew it depends on the day, i've had fantastic & bad experience with same airlines, but agree comments about seats and leg room.

[yeo valley]

well at the moment the second langauge in the uk is polish.

[PAPI-74]

In my experience, the Monarch cabin crew are very professional and deal with rude passengers extremely well - which is on the rise unfortunately. I guess if the parking or journey in is difficult, or security have gone for the full treatment, the poor cabin crew are an easy vent after a beer.

I was flying last year and a guy was kicking a child's seat in front of him, just because the child was not sitting still - the father went mad and it all kicked off at 38,000 feet. Another woman was really rude and cutting to the crew, just because she felt like it. Honestly, there is just no need for that. The crew are there for our safety, not to abuse.

[ATNotts]

Facelookbovvered

Agree that most travelling Europeans speak English, as a second language, but crew give a much better impression to passengers when they can address them in their own language, rather than "shouting very slowly in English" which is the default position adopted by your average Brit - or American. I recall a trip with Pan American when a senior steward, who clearly should have known better, resorted to the aforementioned communications technique when speaking to a Dutch passenger who clearly spoke English at least well as said steward, but simply hadn't heard correctly what had been said!

As an aside, your average DB train "clippy" on IC or ICE services speaks English, and usually another language (not necessarily Turkish!!) - try getting a second language out of a Virgin Trains employee, unless it's "foul" one that originates from the sub continent!!!

A major step forward for Monarch, and other UK airlines, would be to employ cabin crew with appropriate language skills. If Norwegian only employed Norwegian speaking staff, they wouldn't have proved as successful at Gatwick as they undoubtedly are.

[SCANDIC]

Does anyone think that monarch would ever look at getting a 3rd a330.

[CSman]

Good time for Monarch to make Qantas an offer for all their parked up new ,never been used a320/321

[Skipness One Echo]

Does anyone think that monarch would ever look at getting a 3rd a330.
Wasn't the cancellation of the B787 justified around Monarch getting out of long haul flying entirely but was tied into the leases on the two A332s?

[PAPI-74]

More like the massive leasing costs:

787 approx. $1.2m
767 approx. $0.2m

That was a smart move in my opinion, helping to secure the future.

[renort]

Wasn't the cancellation of the B787 justified around Monarch getting out of long haul flying entirely but was tied into the leases on the two A332s?

The 332's were paid for in cash by a group entity so I'd say it was more just a case of getting out of longhaul. Monarch need the business first before they go out and get the airframes for longhaul again. If that ever happens who knows.

[MKY661]

I've booked a Window Seat, 12K on the Monarch A300 Enthusiasts Trip. I understand row 12 is the fourth row after the second set of Doors, but I watched this video and it seems to be a Window seat... without a window :(

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-eJZ4maAyA

I'm not sure if the aircraft has been reconfigured since this video but if anyone can provide me any info on this please let me know :) Thanks :)

[Mr @ Spotty M]

I believe the B787 were cancelled due to cost and the decline in the longhaul market.
Even though the A330s were owned at the time of the B787 cancellation, they are now leased.
So this does have a baring on not getting out of longhaul, however they are being used more of a A300 replacement during the summer season.

[pc.]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77EKIuo5Yxg&list=UU2rFZcNllWXfeb3yNPQ_RUg

Quote from my video.-
"..... Monarch's 23 year old Airbus A300. (G-MONS).
The pre-booked seat had been changed from 7F to 12J... a window seat without a window.
Terrible leg room with no personal cooling vents. What look like cooling vents are actually lights!!!"

"How bad was seat 12J window wise? I'm sitting there on the Enthusiasts Trip :)"

The window on MONS was filled in with plastic trim.... Whether this is the case for JMR I don't know, but if it is then It certainly should not have been sold as a window seat on this special enthusiast flight.

[MKY661]

"How bad was seat 12J window wise? I'm sitting there on the Enthusiasts Trip "

Yeah that was me who made that comment :)

Cross your fingers G-OJMR has a slightly different layout :)

[SteveHP7]

AFAIK all seat configs were/are the same on Monarchs A300's from row 9 back and have never changed. Presumably if row 12 had no window in the video it is still the same. The front cabin row's 1-7 did change on some aircraft.

[MKY661]

According to skyliner-aviation.de Monarch are to lease an Air Malta A320 9H-AEF? Anyone know what's going on? :)

[firstforfirstchoice]

Hi all,

Does anyone know what the aircraft allocations and types will be based at their UK bases this Summer??

Thanks in advance.

[Alex321]

When I last looked the allocations were as follows -

BHX

7 x A321
2 x A320

EMA

2 x A321

LBA

2 x A320

LGW

8 x A321
1 x A320
1 x A332
2 x B757

LTN

2 x A321
3 x A320

MAN

7 x A321
2 x A320
1 x A332
1 x B757

That gives a total of 26 x A321, 10 x A320, 2 x A332, 3 x B757 which makes 41 Aircraft leaving 1 x A321 as spare A/C. There has been a few changes in the schedules since I looked so there could have been a slight reshuffle of the A321/A320 fleets around bases but I dont expect any changes to B757/A332 allocations.

[SCANDIC]

Any news on the 75's I know they have been bought.

[Drive4it]

Hi.

Im flying out this July BHX - JSI

The return flight is via Kavala, so would i be right in guessing the AC will be A320? Or would an A321 still be unable to power off Skiathos and back to BHX without a refuel?

Only time ive flew out of JSI was on a TCX 757 which didnt require a refuel.

Thanks

[partyboy_uk]

Im flying out this July BHX - JSI

The return flight is via Kavala, so would i be right in guessing the AC will be A320? Or would an A321 still be unable to power off Skiathos and back to BHX without a refuel?

The aircraft operating on this route is indeed an A320. However this has nothing to do with refueling. The same rotation takes place out of MAN on the same day of the week, a Tuesday, and uses an A321. The two flights are as follows:

BHX/JSI MON5838 1055/1430 A320
JSI/KVA MON5839 1515/1605
KVA/BHX MON5839 1705/2050

MAN/JSI MON5624 0805/1150 A321
JSI/KVA MON5625 1250/1340
KVA/MAN MON5625 1440/1830

[TartinTon]

Actually it is all about refuelling. Neither aircraft can operate non-stop from JSI back to BHX/MAN. The a/c either go via Kavala or Volos depending on apron availability at the intermediate point.

[partyboy_uk]

Actually it is all about refuelling

I appreciate what you are saying and I won't pretend that I was aware of this beforehand but the question I was answering was whether the aircraft chosen for this route was an A320 as opposed to an A321 because of its inability to make it back to BHX without refuelling (i.e. the questioner implied they had guessed the a/c was an A320 due to the fact it stopped along the way)

As you kindly pointed out, neither the A320 nor the A321 can make it back without refuelling but it is not for this reason that this aircraft was used. I illustrated the point that fuelling had nothing to do with the decision as to which aircraft was used by highlighting that an A321 is used on the same route from MAN (and not an A320).

In this respect, which aircraft is chosen has nothing to do with refuelling and I would imagine that the aircraft on these routes is down to the charterer’s expected demand for seats.

Just out of interest, Monarch also has a flight from MAN-JSI on the B752 which also returns via Volos to pick up and drop down pax. The details are as follows:

MAN/JSI MON7026 0920/1305
JSI/VOL MON7027 1405/1440
VOL/MAN MON7027 1530/1930

[VC10man]

The reason the aircraft has to refuel on the return trip, is because the Skiathos runway is too short for a A320/321 or a B737 with a full tank of fuel and a full load of passengers.
The B757 with it's extra power and performance can get off the short runway with enough fuel for the trip. Good plane, I'll miss it!
When you come in to land at Skiathos and look down it looks like an aircraft carrier, there is sea at each end of the runway. When you take off there isn't much tarmac left when the wheels leave the ground!
Very nice place for a holiday though, lovely beaches especially Banana beach!

[LHRjc]

G-ZBAI currently en route BHX as MON553P.

[BasilFawlty]

Anyone know what the A330 and B752 schedules are for the upcoming summer season?


Thanks in advance!

[goldeneye]

Monarch are providing the flight for the competition on Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway and I can see from the itv website that the flight is leaving LBA on Sat 5th April. Does anyone know what aircraft type is operating the flight and will it be direct ?

[LEEDS APPROACH]

@goldeneye
heard it's a 757

[111KAB]

Refuels on both legs.

[Alex321]

Going off the timetables for a week in peak August

LGW 1 x A332/2 x B757

Monday - A332 - AM - CFU - B757 AM - DLM/FAO PM - PMI/VRN/DLM

Tuesday -A332 - AM - SSH - B757 AM - KVA/CHQ

Wednesday - A332 - AM - TAB - B757 AM - PMI/RHO PM - DLM/LCA

Thursday - A332 - AM - SFB - B757 AM - ALC/ZTH PM - FAO/DLM

Friday - A332 - AM - TFS PM - DLM - B757 AM - BCN/VOL PM - TFS/CFU

Saturday - A332 - AM - SFB - B757 AM - MJT/DLM PM - DLM/PMI/ALC

Sunday - A332 - AM - PVK PM - FAO - B757 AM - PVK x 2 PM - PMI/DBV

MAN 1 x A332/1 x B757

Monday - A332 - AM - CFU - B757- AM - DLM PM - DLM

Tuesday -A332 - AM - TFS PM - TFS - B757 - AM - CHQ PM - HER

Wednesday -A332 - AM - SFB - B757 AM - RHO PM - DLM

Thursday - A332 - AM - SSH - B757 - AM - ZTH PM - ZTH

Friday - A332 - AM - SFB -B757 AM - JSI PM - PMI

Saturday - A332 - AM - PMI PM - SSH - B757 - AM - MJT PM - PMI x 2

Sunday - A332 - AM - PMI PM - TFS - B757 - AM - VRN PM - SSH

[SCANDIC]

Not long til the 757's pop off to where ever their going to, hope it's not to the scrap man far to good to be broken up. :)

[SCANDIC]

I was really hoping that someone might of done a posky 757 monarch with the new decals on.

[adfly]

Interestingly the last few 757's appear to be younger than a couple of the A321's and both of the A330's.

[Skipness One Echo]

Interestingly the last few 757's appear to be younger than a couple of the A321's and both of the A330's.
If you're looking at dates on airfleets, you need to click on the reg for history. The three B757s date from 1987-88!

[adfly]

I may well be mistaken then, I suspect the dates I read (2000ish) were when they joined Monarch, or even rejoined after being leased out to another operator. Interesting to see an almost 15 year age difference between the oldest and youngest A321's though!

[SCANDIC]

I'm not sure whether you would get 25/26 years out of a 321 like many airlines have out of the 757.

[ZeBedie]

The two 320s that were scrapped in November were 21 years old and working beautifully.

[MKY661]

The two 320s that were scrapped in November were 21 years old and working beautifully.

Does anyone know if these are in Pieces yet? Apparently it took an A300 last year 7 months before that got scrapped :)

[CabinCrewe]

What happened to the "early 2014" announcement on the new (Airbus ;) ) narrowbody order ?

[111KAB]

New MD starts 01/04/14 (tomorrow) .... maybe waiting so he can make the announcement.

[Aluminium shuffler]

60 aircraft order on April Fool's day? They could be a better day to announce it...

[SCANDIC]

Monarch are in a league of their own when it comes to engineering.

[Brian Fantana]

CabinCrewe, don't forget the 5xA350 order.:D
Long haul product needs a revamp !

[adfly]

It really does, awful compared to the competition - a 29-30" pitch and 9 abreast seating on an A330 must be torture on a 9-10 hour flight. Oh and did I mention there is no ife? In fact their premium product is on par with the latest TOM/TCX economy products! I know long haul has not been much of a focus for Monarch recently but surely a cabin refresh and the removal of a couple of rows of seats could help them compete with TCX/TOM a little better.

[CabinCrewe]

The dont really need to compete. Their long haul flights are essentially full and if people are still paying and using it, why do they need to invest in an expensive upgrade ? (MON are often some of the cheapest flight only deals to Florida). I certainly wouldn't touch it, but lots are.

[LNIDA]

The problem is that if you sit on your laurels someone will come along and steal your CROWN also a bad experience on a long haul flight will likely put you off a short haul flight, just being better than Ryanair is not good enough, Thomson & Norwegian and Jet2 on a good day are better in terms of comfort

[Skipness One Echo]

Remember they cancelled the B787 then extended the time they were keeping the A332s. I think the focus on the moment is on sorting out short haul where the bulk of the losses came from, A300s and B757s going. There's no focus on long haul and they might step away entirely.

The problem is that if you sit on your laurels someone will come along and steal your CROWN also a bad experience on a long haul flight will likely put you off a short haul flight,
This is very true, those god awful hi-fly A340s were a huge let down for anyone looking for a new flame proof Norwegian B787.

[Mr @ Spotty M]

For those who are interested, the flight from LBA on Saturday for that Ant & Dec show is on G-MONJ.

[BHX5DME]

G-MONJ landed at BHX at 2100

[ATNotts]

CabinCrewe

The dont really need to compete. Their long haul flights are essentially full and if people are still paying and using it, why do they need to invest in an expensive upgrade ?

If I'm not mistaken, the long haul programme is 100% charter, so it matters not whether the flights are full or not, since tour operators have paid for the seats anyway.

If the tour operators transfer their allegiance to another carrier, then that becomes a problem, unless the 330s can be be utilised on high density short haul ITs to the usual bucket and spade destinations instead.

[airhumberside]

Most of Monarch's long haul charters are for Cosmos aren't they? I.e. Not for a third party but the in-house tour operator

[CabinCrewe]

"flight only" have been previously bookable (not through the ZB scheduled arm), but that may or may not be linked with a tour operator such as Cosmos

[TSR2]

"flight only" have been previously bookable

Most charter flight-only are booked through Avro.

[EK77WNCL]

Does anyone know which flights the A300 will be operating between now and it's retirement on the 13th? Unfortunately it appears to be restricted to just SSH every other day :(

[Alex321]

This is what its down to do as things stand at the moment -

4/4 LGW - ACE - LGW
5/4 LGW - GNB - LGW x 2
6/4 LGW - FDH - LGW
6/4 LGW - GNB - LGW
8/4 LGW - SSH - LGW
11/4 LGW - FAO - LGW
12/4 LGW - GNB - LGW x 2
13/4 LGW - FDH - LGW
13/4 LGW - BHX - Final Commercial Flight

It has covered the odd short haul rotation for the 332's in the last couple of weeks so there possibly could be a few extra opportunities if things change.

[EK77WNCL]

Thank you very much alex321... Wish I hadn't put it off so long now :(

[BasilFawlty]

leaving 1 x A321 as spare A/C.Anyone know where this one will be based most of the time?

[Mr @ Spotty M]

After the last one entering service in June, the spare will be at BHX. :ok:

[BasilFawlty]

Thanks for the info!

[NWSRG]

For those who are interested, the flight from LBA on Saturday for that Ant & Dec show is on G-MONJ.

...which has apparently just departed for Sanford. Which seems mighty impressive for a 752, so I'm guessing there's a tech stop?!

[TCAS_Alert]

...which has apparently just departed for Sanford. Which seems mighty impressive for a 752, so I'm guessing there's a tech stop?!


YYT I believe. Those flight times have gotta suck - arrival into YYT around 2300 local I'm guessing, an hour on the ground and then 4 hours odd down to SFB with an arrival around 3-4am!

[TartinTon]

I think they said 9 1/2 hours to SFB so that would be 0030 local (ish)

[TCAS_Alert]

Flightaware showing it due into YYT at 21:08, depart 23:05 local arriving into SFB 02:16 local.

[Jet Set Willie]

In at 02:35 Local now. 11:35 total.....ouch!!!!!

[crewmeal]

Congratulations to MON and ITV for brilliant coordination and showing the departure live on prime time TV. I can see why they chose LBA, nothing much happening at that time of night so they would have the airport to themselves. And not a FR plane in sight :D

[SCANDIC]

Has MONJ got any special titles on it for the promotion.

[LHRjc]

yes

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/t1.0-9/q77/s720x720/1554370_757007514330280_1929306022_n.jpg

[Captain_Caveman]

What caused the three day delay on the TAB - LGW service that finally arrived into Gatwick this morning? I was told the aircraft was severely delayed leaving Tobago and then diverted into BGI where pax were stranded for two days !!
Was this an A300 showing it's age or an A330 ?
Good to see Monarch arranging onward flights for some of the delayed passengers on arrival at LGW with other airlines.

[Mr @ Spotty M]

No it was one of the A330s showing its age. :ugh:

[SCANDIC]

Aircraft will go tech from time to time luckily monarch's aircraft are quite reliable and well looked after and not very old.

[adfly]

The A330's are 15 years old now! (They'll be the oldest in the fleet along with 2 A321's once the 757's and last A300 leave).

[SCANDIC]

How long will they keep the 330's for. When is MONJ due back from Florida.

[LBIA]

I think the Ant & Dec Orlando charter operated by Boeing 757-200, G-MONJ is due back into Leeds/Bradford this Saturday morning, ETA 05:35.

[MKY661]

How long will they keep the 330's for.

Until 2018 I believe :)

[crewmeal]

Oh dear.....

Monarch Airlines is worst for delays | Mail Online (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2601130/Monarch-Airlines-worst-delays-Almost-7-flights-held-hour.html)

But who believes that rubbish anyway :ugh:

[ATNotts]

As usual, there are lies, darned lies, and statistics!

The figures are for the last 3 years. I recall in 2012, when they expanded quickly into the BHX market, to fill a gap left by BMI Baby, they were overstretched capacity wise and leased in a rag tag and bobtail of poor quality carriers which resulted in poor punctuality, and poor customer service on those routes. I'm sure this was a major factor in these poor figures, leading to the Daily Mail story.

Unfortunately being "lazy" journalists, the Mail didn't bother to look behind the figures and establish possible reasons; they don't even seem to have asked Monarch to comment on the figures. Sloppy journalism, especially from papers like the Mail are a reason I don't pay for their daily rags.

[jubilee]

Although I use Monarch a lot, I have over the last few years suffered some delays on Monarch flights. ( Usually used them about 8 times a year).

Some delays have been 3/4 hours, so much so that this year I have spread my flights over different airlines.

The two flights I have with them this year have just been subjected to time changes,at four weeks notice, which know means have to change the car hire bookings.

Feel sorry for the people on the flight who are in hotels, having to leave the hotels at midday, and are now booked on a flight leaving Palma at 23:10.

Manchester flights.

[LadyL2013]

I see G-MONJ is still in Orlando. Is it staying there to bring them home too?

[TSR2]

I see G-MONJ is still in Orlando

Nice little jolly for the crew if it is.

[flyboyweeksy]

Returns in the early hours of tomorrow morning into LBA - week trip

[SCANDIC]

What's going on with Monarch today Titan 757 and 767 both operating for them.

[LBIA]

G-MONJ is on her way home now she's currently flying up the US east coast. Will be stopping at Portsmouth NH for fuel before crossing the Atlantic. Due into Leeds early new ETA 03:50.

[cairnfield]

What's going on with Monarch today Titan 757 and 767 both operating for them.

I believe they had a tech A330 all day, so maybe cover for that?

[roccon970]

I was under the impression the Titan (and Privilege Style) aircraft have been brought in due to issues with the recent A321 acquisitions, which have delayed their entry into service.

On the subject of the new A321s, are these being fitted with the new pitch seats before entering service?

[Mr @ Spotty M]

Some a/c will get the new pitch seats some will not, its complicated for various reasons. :ok:

[Fullback]

Has anyone got any news on the imminent order?

Seems to have gone quiet over the past few weeks.

[Facelookbovvered]

Monarch are a regular customer for Titan, last summer Monarch used both Titan and Hi-fly (A340) to cover flights to ALC/AGP from LGW

Latest i heard was an announcement about an announcement on the 14th:rolleyes:

[pc.]

Monarch's last Airbus A300 G-OJMR retires.

Monarch's enthusiast flight departed Gatwick today for a 1 hour flight.
It routed up to Manchester where it looks to have done a flypast at approx 1000' before heading back south to land at Birmingham at around 4:35pm this afternoon.

What a lovely sunny Spring day to go on a fairly low level flight (15,000' at the most). I hope all passengers enjoyed the flight...

[valefan16]

Was lucky enough to be on it and they did a great trip. Very steep take off and at 22,000 feet up to Manchester then down to Birmingham at 9000 after the fly past. They did a good job serving champaign and providing certificates and safety cards.

Well done to them and a fitting farewell to a lovely bird.

[MKY661]

Lovely flight as well :) Was nice to meet some friendly spotters :) Sad to see it go :(

Oh and I didn't get a window on 12K in the end, but I could still see through the window behind me so it wasn't too bad :)

[LadyL2013]

Sad to see her go. I feel like the variety is slowly leaving the skies. It seems a lot of airlines are moving towards the 2 aircraft model of 737-800/A320 for short haul and 787/A350 for long haul. I can see why, but it's all so beige.

[Skipness One Echo]

It was an amazing day, though I only saw MAN receding behind in the climb out! Did we do the go around off 23R? Loved the chance to get out on the tarmac at Gatters for a time too. Major kudos to Toby and all the team.

[MKY661]

It was an amazing day, though I only saw MAN receding behind in the climb out! Did we do the go around off 23R? Loved the chance to get out on the tarmac at Gatters for a time too. Major kudos to Toby and all the team.

Yeah we did :) I was on the right (didn't get my window but peeked through someone else's) And I saw Terminal 2 completely empty along with the remote stand area :)

Nice for a view Round the aircraft at Gatwick as well, wasn't expecting that :) I thought it was better than the one at Birmingham actually. Saw some people at Gatwick deciding to use a set of airstairs to take photos which I thought was Hilarious :)

[CabinCrewe]

dont really understand the fascination. Was sick to death of travelling on them. Its not exactly a vintage aircraft. Straight to spotters corner the lot of you...;)

[SCANDIC]

How come OJMR is being scrapped in Lourdes and not tupelo.

[jam4scot]

correct me if i am wrong.did G-MONK fly non stop from calgary to gatwick[landed 10mins ago ]must be getting near the running on fumes stage for that distance??

[LBIA]

Well them Monarch Boeing 757-200's are getting out and about recently jam4scot! G-MONK did Calgary to Gatwick today whilst its sister G-MONJ did the returning Orlando Sanford charter back to Leeds/Bradford direct last week.....

[SCANDIC]

Even though their knocking on Monarch will miss them a lot, best aircraft monarch have ever had in the fleet, I sure will be sad to see them go at the end of the year.

[SCANDIC]

Still very reliable too. :ok: