2009 News - Flights - Load factors top 82% for October

04 11 2009

There has again been strong demand for scheduled flights flown by award-winning low fares airline Monarch, with average load factors for October departures reaching 82.01%, an increase of 0.86% on the same period last year.

The introduction of new services to Fuerteventura* during the month helped bolster passenger numbers, with over 2,000 passengers carried during the October half-term alone. Flights to Gran Canaria** also commenced with over 1,500 passengers carried during half-term.

The mid-haul destinations offered by Monarch continue to see increases in traffic, with passenger numbers to Larnaca in Cyprus up by 34% and a 31% increase to Lanzarote. The Balearic Island of Menorca also continues to be popular with 16% more passengers travelling compared to September 2008.

Commenting on the traffic increases for October, managing director of Monarch Flights and Holidays, Liz Savage said, “Our new services to the Canary Islands of Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria have been very well-received and their addition strengthens Monarch’s flying programme to the islands, with 46 flights per week operating between the UK and the Canaries during Winter 2009/10.

“While there was a deliberate overall reduction in capacity offered during the month of October we are pleased to have delivered a load factor of 82% for the month, indicating that despite the ongoing difficult economic climate our passengers, many of whom are loyal repeat customers, continue to choose to fly with Monarch.”

Monarch operates scheduled flights to Spain, Gibraltar, Portugal and Cyprus from Birmingham, London Gatwick, London Luton and Manchester airports. In addition to year-round low fares, Monarch also offers a unique range of onboard meals with prices from £3.00.  To avoid a last minute free-for-all when boarding, seats can be pre-booked at £7.50 per one-way flight, or from only £15, extra-legroom seats are available, which offer up to six inches of extra space. 

Passengers travelling on scheduled flights can also avoid the queues at the airport and take advantage of online check-in which is available between seven days and 4.5 hours prior to departure.

In addition to flights, Monarch also now offers a huge range of great value holidays, accommodation options, car hire and travel insurance. 

For further information or to book Monarch flights, Monarch Holidays or Monarch Hotels, please visit www.monarch.co.uk.

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* FUE flights operate from LTN, LGW, BHX and MAN
** LPA flights operate from LGW, BHX and MAN with LTN to launch March 2010