1,000 jobs could go in Monarch revamp
Fears are growing that Monarch Airlines is to cut more than 1,000 jobs – around one third of its workforce – as part of a major overhaul of its operations.
Other moves could see it axe charter and long-haul flights as it concentrates on becoming a European budget carrier competing with bigger rivals such as Ryanair and easyJet.
Monarch's aircraft fleet would be cut from 42 to 30 among dramatic plans drawn up by new chief executive Andrew Swaffield to restore the company to profitability.
Monarch operates around a dozen flights a day from Birmingham Airport to a range of holiday destinations.
It also created 150 jobs at the airport last year when it built a new 110,000 sq ft jet maintenance centre for its Monarch Aircraft Engineering arm.
So far Birmingham Airport does not believe the reorganisation will hit Monarch's operations in the West Midlands. But earlier this month it revealed it would stop flying from East Midlands Airport next year.
Monarch would not confirm the job losses yesterday. A spokesman said: "The company has previously stated that the new management team is conducting a strategic review of the group's businesses, including in relation to their operations, ownership and financing.
"That review is on-going and further announcements will be made upon its conclusion or as otherwise appropriate."
Monarch said last week it hopes to complete its transformation to become a scheduled low-cost carrier by the time a new narrow-bodied aircraft fleet of 30 Boeing 737 MAX 8s start entering service in 2018.
