Monarch to place large aircraft order
The Monarch Group is to buy 30 next-generation Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft worth US$3.1 billion (£1.8bn), and plans to acquire options to buy a further 15.
It is currently in the process of finalising terms and working towards signing a Purchase Agreement, it said.
The announcement represents the latest milestone in the transformation of Monarch Airlines from a traditional charter carrier to a scheduled low-cost airline, said the Group.
Over the past three years, the airline has been driving efficiencies to bring unit operating costs into line with its low-cost competitors over the medium term and to improve its customer service, including the introduction of the Olympics-inspired "WorldHost" customer service training.
"This process, and the plans announced today, will contribute significantly to both objectives, improving service levels and providing cost savings through fuel economy and better asset utilization," it said.
Managing director Andrew Swaffield, who joined the airline in April, said: "We see an opportunity to bring back warmth and a personal touch to a very commoditised European aviation market.
"Our size enables us to deliver on this promise. With this fleet replacement we are choosing the correct number of aircraft and the correct size of aircraft to help us create a year round efficient European operation which maximises profitability.
"Having reviewed all of the options in the marketplace, we concluded that the Boeing 737 MAX 8 is the aircraft that best fits our future route network strategy, enabling us to tightly control our unit costs whilst offering a superior service to our customers."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
France prepares for a massive strike across all transports on September 18
Turkish tourism stalls due to soaring prices for accommodation and food
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt