MONARCH: 'NEW AIRPORT SIGNIFICANT FACTOR IN FLIGHT EXPANSION'

GIBRALTAR (Agencies) Monarch airlines yesterday announced increased flights from Gibraltar to London Luton and Manchester. There will be a total of 16 flights a week from Gibraltar to UK this summer. According to the Gibraltar Chronicle, Managing Director of Monarch Airlines Kevin George said the new terminal at Gibraltar, due to open in summer, “has been a significant factor in encouraging us to expand our operations from Gibraltar.” Monarch yesterday issued the following statement: “Due to soaring demand from customers, leading leisure airline Monarch is adding thousands of extra seats from Gibraltar to London Luton and Manchester this summer.>
“From 27 May 11, an extra four flights a week will operate from ‘The Rock’ to London Luton airport in addition to the daily flights currently offered, meaning double daily flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

“In addition, an extra two flights a week will operate between Gibraltar and Manchester this summer, bringing the total number of flights to five per week – a 62% increase on the same period last year. In total, for summer 2011, Monarch will operate up to 16 flights a week from Gibraltar to the UK.

Commenting on the additional services Mr George said: “We have seen huge demand for seats between Gibraltar and London Luton this summer and as a result have introduced these additional services, meaning an extra 31,000 seats will be available. This also means that we are the only airline offering a choice of morning and afternoon departures between the UK and Gibraltar.

“We also have almost 21,000 extra seats available on our services between Gibraltar and Manchester this summer compared to last summer, offering an even greater choice of low fare flights and convenient flight times to the UK.

“The new terminal at Gibraltar, which is due to open this summer, has been a significant factor in encouraging us to expand our operations from Gibraltar as this will see better facilities for customers and an enhanced travel experience.”