Monarch
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I have been in the company for around 6 years ,
Although we have had some ups and downs I still believe that Monarch is one of the better places to work . The package is still very good compared to other airlines ...
During our only crisis recently ( not the one a few months ago which was caused by enthusiastic plane spotters but the one in 2014) lots of my friends and colleagues left to other airlines BA, Easy etc... and the grass isn't always greener
They regret there decision
Lots of rumours at the moment regarding LH
Quick time to command , around 6 years (I'm due soon)
Easy days out (2 sectors)
Fantastic guys and gals like a small flying club
Not sure about the current recruitment
Although we have had some ups and downs I still believe that Monarch is one of the better places to work . The package is still very good compared to other airlines ...
During our only crisis recently ( not the one a few months ago which was caused by enthusiastic plane spotters but the one in 2014) lots of my friends and colleagues left to other airlines BA, Easy etc... and the grass isn't always greener
They regret there decision
Lots of rumours at the moment regarding LH
Quick time to command , around 6 years (I'm due soon)
Easy days out (2 sectors)
Fantastic guys and gals like a small flying club
Not sure about the current recruitment
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Either the back of a sim, or wherever Crewing send me.
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During our only crisis recently ( not the one a few months ago which was caused by enthusiastic plane spotters but the one in 2014)
Join Date: Mar 2017
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I'm sure you "all" do , it's amazing the negativity monarch has from fellow aviators ?
It's as if Monarch is an airline which is new in the industry crushing T&Cs for all involved ?
It's as if Monarch is an airline which is new in the industry crushing T&Cs for all involved ?
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I was one of those that left and believe me I wish I had not. It's a great company with lovely people, decent 2 sector rosters, good pay and conditions. The only negative is that constant dark cloud that hangs over it and questions regarding its current ownership and their plans for the future. If you can live with that and the airline lasts you will be rewarded with in my opinion the best job in the UK.
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I agree with you Enzo , the only negative (which alas is a big one ) is the dark cloud .
But I believe in this industry there is always a pay off , some folks love working as a number in a huge organisation with rock solid stability but fly till you die work . But I prefer an easy lifestyle ( max pay for least work ) while it lasts
But I believe in this industry there is always a pay off , some folks love working as a number in a huge organisation with rock solid stability but fly till you die work . But I prefer an easy lifestyle ( max pay for least work ) while it lasts
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JFP,
You have absolutely no idea what really happened! It never surprises me how some (emphasis on "some") of our colleagues from our competitors would rather we sank as an airline. How sad!
At the moment the company is in as good a financial position it has ever been and I am quite optimistic about the future. The company knows it has to expand and longhaul is a strong possibility sooner rather than later. Despite what some say, I am impressed with Greybull who come across as very business savvy. It is clear they want to grow the airline and our current CEO Andrew Swaffield is one of the very best in his field.
I joined in Spring last year and overall I am very happy. The vast majority of my colleagues are first class, both as pilots and people. I nearly always have a good day out! A pleasant place to work without doubt. Summers are extremely busy and winters much quieter.
Selection is fairly straightforward. Online testing followed by a selection day at Luton including a group exercise, a briefing exercise and interview. Be yourself they know what type of person they are looking for! Sim ride was straightforward and fairly similar to most other airlines. They are hot on decision making and situational awareness as an airline and if you display these qualities in the sim, you will pass no problem. Not looking for perfection, just improvement and above all operate safely!
Good luck.
You have absolutely no idea what really happened! It never surprises me how some (emphasis on "some") of our colleagues from our competitors would rather we sank as an airline. How sad!
At the moment the company is in as good a financial position it has ever been and I am quite optimistic about the future. The company knows it has to expand and longhaul is a strong possibility sooner rather than later. Despite what some say, I am impressed with Greybull who come across as very business savvy. It is clear they want to grow the airline and our current CEO Andrew Swaffield is one of the very best in his field.
I joined in Spring last year and overall I am very happy. The vast majority of my colleagues are first class, both as pilots and people. I nearly always have a good day out! A pleasant place to work without doubt. Summers are extremely busy and winters much quieter.
Selection is fairly straightforward. Online testing followed by a selection day at Luton including a group exercise, a briefing exercise and interview. Be yourself they know what type of person they are looking for! Sim ride was straightforward and fairly similar to most other airlines. They are hot on decision making and situational awareness as an airline and if you display these qualities in the sim, you will pass no problem. Not looking for perfection, just improvement and above all operate safely!
Good luck.
Join Date: Mar 2001
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JFP,
You have absolutely no idea what really happened! It never surprises me how some (emphasis on "some") of our colleagues from our competitors would rather we sank as an airline. How sad!
You have absolutely no idea what really happened! It never surprises me how some (emphasis on "some") of our colleagues from our competitors would rather we sank as an airline. How sad!
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What happened last autumn was almost a self fulfilling prophecy. Prior to the ATOL debacle, the company was NOT in financial difficulty but with the conspiring circumstmaces that developed, was almost pushed to the brink! Not having to bond our flights only, is a millstone we have gladly shed!
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Ask your Captain (who has been there for twenty+ years) about his DB pension and loss of all the increments he had earned due long service and loyalty.
They are taking a hit that is in the hundreds of thousands of pounds - just like the British Midland pensioners.
Greybull had an airline that had nearly 50 aircraft but were only interested in an airline with 32 aircraft.
There is a degree of paranoia displayed by a couple of posters on here that indicate that their fellow pilots, in other airlines, wish they would fail. Absolute nonsense.
I hope to god that Monarch survive - I genuinely do - but some of the comments on here are best described as delusional.
I left fairly recently and don't regret it. I have seen too many of my friends wake up in the morning and find that they have lost their job. I will do everything within my power to stop that happening to myself.
I still can't work out the logic of doing a switch from Airbus to Boeing at such a critical stage in the airline's recovery. Airbus are still scratching their heads.
Best of luck.
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Just out of interest would anyone care to share the latest financial package on offer for a Monarch Captain?
It would be interesting to compare it to Easy, Ryanair, Norwegian and Jet2.
It would be interesting to compare it to Easy, Ryanair, Norwegian and Jet2.
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I think Monarch is, and always was, a class act. Very hopeful for its future.
You Airbus guys looking forward to the MAX? When will we see them on the ramp? Which bases will see them first? At one point I saw an ad for hiring pilots with 737 type/experience for the MAX - is that still the case?
You Airbus guys looking forward to the MAX? When will we see them on the ramp? Which bases will see them first? At one point I saw an ad for hiring pilots with 737 type/experience for the MAX - is that still the case?
Last edited by Iver; 27th Mar 2017 at 00:22.
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I have been on PPRUNE a very long time but I have never been called paranoid or delusional! 
Anyway, for the avoidance of doubt, no one knows how things will pan out with Monarch. Five years down the road will Monarch exist in its present form or be merged/subsumed with another airline?
Whilst I'm a recent joiner, I have friends who have been at Monarch for many years. The Mantegazza family ran the airline for their own ends and then summarily ditched it when it no longer served their needs. Many loyal and long serving employees were shafted no two ways about it. That said, if it wasn't for the rescue package put forward by Greybull in late 2014, none of us would be in a job. The rescue was painful, extremely painful even but by then Monarch had run out of options. Slashing the final salary pension scheme, cutting salaries and working hours was inevitable. Whilst the airline was saved, the process generated bitterness and resentment from some senior employees. Many left or simply retired but a few stayed on. They are easy to spot in the crew room and everyone knows who they are. Thankfully there aren't that many! There are quite a few long term employees who are still guarded about the future and that is understable but we are where we are! The move to a low cost model has been a success, albeit painful. Longhaul was stopped because it was never done efficiently, not my words but those of long standing in the airline. Moving forward if Monarch think they can do longhaul efficiently and profitably they will do it as there is definitely a market for it!
As to why the fleet change, no one knows for certain but I have heard the following. Airbus seemed to have lost interest whereas Boeing were dead keen on creating a new relationship and the subsequent terms and conditions offered were far more suitable for Monarch. I don't believe anyone at Airbus was scratching their heads because of the fleet change decision contrary to what has been said by another poster. However, the fleet change is a logistical nightmare and how it's all going to work out is anyone's guess! There is talk of A321s remaining at LGW because of slot restrictions which is another complication!
For those that are interested, the basic salary quoted on PPJN for a year 1 FO is correct. When I joined we were only offered a 10/13 contract but very soon after were offered 12/13 which I'm now on. Those that want it are now going full time from this May. I haven't got time to dig out the exact figures, but there's also flight pay, pension, private medical, LoL insurance and 30 days annual leave. However, where PPJN is wrong is saying that the travel perks are rubbish which they most definitely now are not! In fact they are really quite good and include standby with many other airlines like BA and Emirates.
Anyway, in a nutshell, I am paid on time every time and I am treated like an individual. The company is very reasonable and accommodating most of the time and genuinely a nice place to work. Unless things change dramatically, I plan to see my career out at Monarch if I can!
Anyway, for the avoidance of doubt, no one knows how things will pan out with Monarch. Five years down the road will Monarch exist in its present form or be merged/subsumed with another airline?
Whilst I'm a recent joiner, I have friends who have been at Monarch for many years. The Mantegazza family ran the airline for their own ends and then summarily ditched it when it no longer served their needs. Many loyal and long serving employees were shafted no two ways about it. That said, if it wasn't for the rescue package put forward by Greybull in late 2014, none of us would be in a job. The rescue was painful, extremely painful even but by then Monarch had run out of options. Slashing the final salary pension scheme, cutting salaries and working hours was inevitable. Whilst the airline was saved, the process generated bitterness and resentment from some senior employees. Many left or simply retired but a few stayed on. They are easy to spot in the crew room and everyone knows who they are. Thankfully there aren't that many! There are quite a few long term employees who are still guarded about the future and that is understable but we are where we are! The move to a low cost model has been a success, albeit painful. Longhaul was stopped because it was never done efficiently, not my words but those of long standing in the airline. Moving forward if Monarch think they can do longhaul efficiently and profitably they will do it as there is definitely a market for it!
As to why the fleet change, no one knows for certain but I have heard the following. Airbus seemed to have lost interest whereas Boeing were dead keen on creating a new relationship and the subsequent terms and conditions offered were far more suitable for Monarch. I don't believe anyone at Airbus was scratching their heads because of the fleet change decision contrary to what has been said by another poster. However, the fleet change is a logistical nightmare and how it's all going to work out is anyone's guess! There is talk of A321s remaining at LGW because of slot restrictions which is another complication!
For those that are interested, the basic salary quoted on PPJN for a year 1 FO is correct. When I joined we were only offered a 10/13 contract but very soon after were offered 12/13 which I'm now on. Those that want it are now going full time from this May. I haven't got time to dig out the exact figures, but there's also flight pay, pension, private medical, LoL insurance and 30 days annual leave. However, where PPJN is wrong is saying that the travel perks are rubbish which they most definitely now are not! In fact they are really quite good and include standby with many other airlines like BA and Emirates.
Anyway, in a nutshell, I am paid on time every time and I am treated like an individual. The company is very reasonable and accommodating most of the time and genuinely a nice place to work. Unless things change dramatically, I plan to see my career out at Monarch if I can!
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Crosswind
I don't understand what your point is, should they all have left?
Many left or simply retired but a few stayed on. They are easy to spot in the crew room and everyone knows who they are. Thankfully there aren't that many!
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I'm glad in a way that Monarch has had its change or modernisation as they like to call it . Pre 2014 the airline was almost like a legacy carrier from the 60s ,
Lots of the 20+ year captains were living the life of Larry , 600 hours a year mixed fleet on full pay , a monthly week trip to the Maldives or Goa etc.. , staying in a nice all inclusive and still getting £1k worth of voyage pay ,
A pension which would give them 60k a year ? (Better than the top legacy carriers)
Whilst all this was happening the orange airline and the Irish airline were appearing and squashing T&Cs , making everything cheaper ,the start of the race to the bottom ,
So we had to do something to compete , and for now it's worked ,
I find it very frustrating when the older guys moan about how they lost out , whilst deep down I know I will never see that type of remuneration and lifestyle ,
Look at BA SH modernising , BOB food , smaller seats , pp34 , lots of bad press recently , supposedly a unhappy place to work especially with Mr Cruz at the helm ,
Why pay £150 for BA when you could pay £70 for easy ? Same package , easy is probably better in there own game
Everyone has felt the squeeze and these are the toughest aviation conditions ever with over saturated roots , terror , fuel ...
But considering all of this I still get my 4300k a month (6yr fo) and I'm part time , still fly with my friends , and always have a great day out ! Even if Monarch ever went tits up ( considering it is the oldest airline in the U.K. It hasn't done too bad ) I'm sure it would be bought or absorbed into another airline , thus no job loss (no pilots have ever been let loose)
Lots of the 20+ year captains were living the life of Larry , 600 hours a year mixed fleet on full pay , a monthly week trip to the Maldives or Goa etc.. , staying in a nice all inclusive and still getting £1k worth of voyage pay ,
A pension which would give them 60k a year ? (Better than the top legacy carriers)
Whilst all this was happening the orange airline and the Irish airline were appearing and squashing T&Cs , making everything cheaper ,the start of the race to the bottom ,
So we had to do something to compete , and for now it's worked ,
I find it very frustrating when the older guys moan about how they lost out , whilst deep down I know I will never see that type of remuneration and lifestyle ,
Look at BA SH modernising , BOB food , smaller seats , pp34 , lots of bad press recently , supposedly a unhappy place to work especially with Mr Cruz at the helm ,
Why pay £150 for BA when you could pay £70 for easy ? Same package , easy is probably better in there own game
Everyone has felt the squeeze and these are the toughest aviation conditions ever with over saturated roots , terror , fuel ...
But considering all of this I still get my 4300k a month (6yr fo) and I'm part time , still fly with my friends , and always have a great day out ! Even if Monarch ever went tits up ( considering it is the oldest airline in the U.K. It hasn't done too bad ) I'm sure it would be bought or absorbed into another airline , thus no job loss (no pilots have ever been let loose)