2009 News - Flights - Monarch’s scheduled traffic to mid-haul destinations soars in March

02 04 2009

Award winning low fares airline Monarch has seen traffic to its mid-haul destinations soar in March 2009 as customers head off to warmer climes in search of some much needed Winter sun.

Demand for seats to mainland Spain, Portugal and Gibraltar also remained strong throughout the month with average load factors* across the network reaching 82.3% - only 0.5% down on the same month last year**. Mid-haul destinations such as Tenerife, Lanzarote and Larnaca saw huge increases in demand, with Monarch carrying 70% more passengers to Larnaca during March 2009 compared to March 2008, 32% more passengers to Lanzarote and 11% more passengers to Tenerife.

Commenting on the traffic increases for March, managing director of Monarch Flights and Holidays, Liz Savage said, “The mid-haul destinations within Monarch’s scheduled network have once again proven they are firm favourites with customers. The onboard service offered on Monarch’s scheduled flights, which includes extra legroom seating, a great range of tasty hot and cold food, plus inflight entertainment showing some of the latest blockbuster films, is over and above the levels provided on some other airlines, and is perfectly suited for longer flight sectors such as Tenerife, Lanzarote and Larnaca. The increase in passenger numbers to the Canaries and Cyprus in March clearly demonstrates that when customers have a choice, which they do from all of our UK departure airports, they prefer to fly with Monarch rather than a competitor airline on these routes.

“The overall load factor of 82.3% on scheduled flights is also encouraging within the current market conditions. It reflects that demand across the network is constant and that Monarch is able to fill its aircraft to the same levels as last year”.

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 £6 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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* Load factor represents the number of passengers as a proportion of the number of seats available for passengers.

** Monarch’s load factor for scheduled flights in March 2008 was 82.8%