New options for passengers at Leeds Bradford Airport

As part of the multi-million pound investment, Monarch will launch 12 new scheduled routes for summer 2013 from Leeds Bradford

Monarch, the scheduled leisure airline, has today announced the launch of its sixth UK base, Leeds Bradford, as well as twelve new routes and the continuation of the Leeds Bradford to Munich route for Summer 13; further strengthening the airline’s operations from the North of England and creating 200 jobs within the local area. 

The multi-million pound investment from the airline will see two A320 aircraft based at Leeds Bradford and will provide a new choice for customers seeking to travel to Monarch’s extensive range of leisure destinations. 

The new scheduled services will include flights to key destinations across the Mediterranean, including Turkey, Italy, Cyprus, Palma and Portugal. The announcement represents a further increase in Monarch’s scheduled flights from Leeds Bradford following the launch of flights to ski destinations, Munich and Grenoble, from December 2012.

PICTURED: (Left to right) Managing Director of Monarch Airlines, Kevin George, celebrates the announcement with John Parkin, Chief Executive of Leeds Bradford Airport

Flights for Summer 13 from Leeds Bradford Airport start from March 2013 and will include the following services; all available to book via www.monarch.co.uk from 10^th July 2012.

• Lanzarote – 2 x weekly
• Antalya – 2 x weekly
• Barcelona – 2 x weekly
• Bodrum – 2 x weekly (22 July – 16 Sept only)
• Dalaman – 2 x weekly
• Faro – 3 x weekly
• Rome – 2 x weekly
• Heraklion – 2 x weekly
• Larnaca – 2 x weekly
• Menorca – 2 x weekly
• Majorca – 4 x weekly
• Tenerife – 2 x weekly
• Munich – 3 x weekly

Commenting on the launch of the new base from Leeds Bradford and the introduction of new flights for summer 2013, Managing Director of Monarch Airlines, Kevin George said:

“The strategy for Monarch Airlines is now firmly focused on its scheduled services and we are delighted to add Leeds Bradford as our sixth UK base. The addition of thirteen routes further strengthens our already extensive network of leisure destinations across Europe from many of the major gateways in the UK. 

“Monarch’s operations continue to grow from strength to strength and we have expanded our operations based on demand; offering passengers choice, value and great customer service.  The launch of Leeds Bradford as a base for the airline has the potential to create around 200 jobs within the local area and will provide a gateway for inbound tourism with an estimated 20,000 EU passengers travelling from Europe to West Yorkshire.”

John Parkin, Chief Executive of Leeds Bradford Airport, said:

“We are pleased to welcome a Monarch base at Leeds Bradford Airport for Summer 2013.  Monarch’s extensive route network will deliver increased destination choice for leisure travellers flying to and from Yorkshire. This investment provides significant benefits to the local economy alongside bringing new jobs to the region. It is tremendous news for the Leeds City Region and we look forward to a successful relationship with Monarch.”