MONARCH FLEET TO GROW WITH FIVE AIRBUS A321s

UK-based carrier Monarch Airlines has signed a firm order for five A321s, confirming an intent announced in July. According to the purchase agreement, the aircraft will be powered by V2500 engines from International Aero Engines.

Monarch’s new A321s, seating 220 passengers in a comfortable single class layout, will be operated on the airline’s growing scheduled and charter network in Southern Europe, with first deliveries scheduled to begin in 2002.

Monarch Airlines already operates a fleet of five A320s and three A321s on its Monarch Crown Services scheduled network from London Luton and Manchester to Spain and Gibraltar, in addition to its charter routes from Gatwick, Manchester, London Luton and Birmingham airports in the UK to Mediterranean resorts. It also operates four A300s and 2 A330s on routes further afield.

“The A320 Family delivers great value for our mixed schedule and charter use, offering superior operational efficiency and economy as well as wider seats and aisles for passengers,” said Monarch’s Managing Director Danny Bernstein. “Airbus’ family concept also affords us significant savings thanks to the full commonality that exists between the different aircraft types.”

“We are proud to be associated with Monarch Airlines’ continued growth,” said Airbus Chief Executive Officer Noël Forgeard. ”Airbus’ A320 Family aircraft are indeed ideal for both, scheduled and charter market, and this repeat order by Monarch constitutes another vote of confidence in our market-leading product line.”

This deal takes total orders booked for A320 Family aircraft to more than 2630. To date, some 1,330 A320 Family aircraft have been delivered to over 100 customers around the world.