As part of its plan to maintain modest expansions, UK carrier Monarch is planning to place an order for 60 new aircraft at the end of September. The airline, which is receiving bids from all manufacturers, hopes deliveries to begin in 2015. However, although its preference is for new technology aircraft, current delivery dates for the Max and Neo do not begin until 2018-9.
Group finance director Robert Palmer said: “We have a choice of existing and new technology [aircraft] which have significant advantages on operating costs….Our natural preference is for new technology. There is always a risk with old technology that it will become obsolete faster.
“But most of the new technology aircraft will not be available until 2018-19.”
He said: “We are also looking carefully at pricing. If everyone wants new aircraft, it presents an economic opportunity.”
Monarch remains committeed to extending its long-haul fleet even though it cancelled its 787 order. Group executive chairman Iain Rawlinson said: “We will be putting out an RFP [request for proposal] on long haul next year.”
Monarch has appointed three new members to its board. Former Tui Travel customer director Tim Williamson becomes customer experience and marketing director; the new director of revenue and network development is Maria Blasco, who formerly worked with the Lufthansa Group and Iberia, while the new director of commercial partnerships and business development Adrian Tighe joins from G4S.