Monarch ‘planning switch to long-haul flights’
Monarch Airlines is rumoured to be planning to sell or restructure its short-haul business via a joint venture or feeder deal with another airline.
Reports on Sky News claimed that the airline has been working on a new strategy to shift towards potentially more profitable long-haul flights for several months.
Monarch Airlines ditched its long-haul flights and charter operation two years ago to offer solely short-haul scheduled leisure services, but it is believed to now want to get out of the cut-throat European market.
According to Sky, it has employed KPMG to work out its options.
At the same time, Monarch working with the Civil Aviation Authority to renew its Air travel Organiser’s Licence, which expires at the end of the month.
In a statement, a Monarch spokesman said: "In recent months we have undertaken, and continue to undertake, a comprehensive review of Monarch designed to determine its optimal future shape, size and strategy.
"We are having regular discussions on a number of options with potential strategic partners and we will announce any material developments, if and when they happen."
The Luton-based airline secured a £165 million rescue package led by Greybull Capital, its controlling shareholder, and Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, a year ago.
Likely airlines to acquire or enter into a joint venture with Monarch could include easyJet or Jet2.
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
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