I can also confirm what previous posters have said regarding imminent redundancies. I've had a few mates at Monarch on the phone over the last few days. Not good news.

Very very sad.

Very sad news for all, been there got the t shirt and it's not great. I hope those affected end up ok.

As an aside it will be of significance to all as to how the criteria for redundancy is set. In particular if seniority is bypassed for type and base.

Safe flying Monarch crews.

History repeating itself ?
 

This news about Monarch seemingly has many of the same elements that I witnessed (from within) just prior to the demise of Air Europe (UK) in March 1991.

If I was working at Monarch today, and they offered me a full redundancy / severance package, I'd take it. Much better that than to get $0.02's worth of f'all later on, i.e. when they go bust (all as happened at AE).

See also: Air Europe - Causes of it's collapse

Facelookbovvered
 

The LH crew don't just do LH flying they do mixed fleet flying, they are current on 320/1/330 no need for retraining.

BF
 

Thats good news then! what about the 757 pilots?

I would think that they either go to a320 or a321 or find another airline that operates 757's. They'll be missed a lot when they go. I hope Fed Ex have bought them but i have a feeling they might get chopped up.

They are type rated for Jet 2.

Isn't Thomson also hiring 757 rated pilots?

Really sad news, especially for an airline that has remained independent for over 45 years. I do hope they can find a way to weather this particular storm.
Just a thought, with so many pilots who have retired over the years, how do they stand re their pensions if the company either cease flying or are taken over?

Monarch
 

I still think, possibly thru rose tinted specs, that, maintaining a level of service be it only slightly above the other low cost operators, may attract the pax numbers Monarch could do with. I do think, a bare knuckle slog out with Easy, Ryan Air etc, is going to be very difficult indeed at best. Monarch always had & I think, still has a reputation, for that level of service which is above many other similar airlines & surely that should count for something.
Yes I have some interest in Monarch, it certainly had in my day, extremely proud, loyal & highly professional staff in all departments & this lead to very many happy & satisfied pax & other clients. Times do move on & it,s not easy out there, but with the right, honest, direct & honourable approach, I contend, Monarch will still be here in years to come.

Unfortunately, it seems to be on a par with the demise of GB. A good product, good service, well liked and well sold, but the power of the perceived 'low cost' airlines deprives the customers of real choice with inevitable consequences.
Having been in the same situation, I wish the crews and staff well.

Just seen a copy of the new terms to be imposed on the remaining flight crew. Shockingly severe reductions in terms and conditions...

And no I'm not going to post them as it's technically none of my business and no doubt a serving pilot will if they feel justified.

Shockingly severe reductions in terms of the current Ts and Cs or compared to the rest of the industry? Are they below the market averages?

Change of T&Cs to existing workforce is serious, and should help demotivate.

But if you're going to compete with the loco's you've got to.

What did people expect when one of the IAG hatchet men was put in post.
Mon have had too many changes at the top over the last 4 1/2 years.
Shame for the workers who have had to suffer, "lions led by donkeys".

I have just seen a rather flashy TV advert for 'Virgin Holidays' (I assume IT) to Florida. If they can continue to offer this service, as Monarch did with considerable success for quite a number of years, could Monarch not keep at least a toe hold here? I am not a business expert by any means, but surely, there are already, more than enough ultra lot cost operators, all slugging it out between themselves.

As sad and unpalatable as this is, management obviously have to knock the business into some sort of shape appealing to a potential buyer, the "contingency plan" with PWC doesn't bear thinking about.

Looks like they are not going to waste anytime in making changes, a friend who works for Monarch informs me that the consultancy period will be just 45day, so by mid October redundancy notices will be going out just in time for xmas

Of course this is neither deliberate or personal, more a factor of taking cost out before winter, but it hurst just the same.

If nothing else at least it shows they are serious about adjusting the cost base, i bet with the reduced conditions they will end up short for next summer, just at the time everyone else is hovering up pilots, what a bloody industry :sad::sad:

LNIDA
Believe some of the guys at the top (Not Flt Ops) have gone already