The story was front-page news, marking the beginning of an operation that would span 49 years, and expand into a separate business and tour operator within its own right. So it is with sadness that this week Monarch Airlines returns to our front page as we mark its demise.
Chief executive Andrew Swaffield’s apology seemed genuine and heartfelt. The real tragedy of Monarch’s collapse though is the 1,858 staff who have now lost their jobs.
It was heartening to see easyJet announce recruitment days for Monarch cabin crew, while also urging pilots and head office to apply for roles. And as ever the industry united to support the nearly one million customers affected, with Travel Counsellors setting up a freephone number to help non-customers.
Unusually, the government also came in for praise from many in the sector, after stepping in to repatriate all 110,000 passengers currently abroad – despite only 15-20% of them being Atol-protected. As we explore on page 6 though, the action also raised significant questions – namely, if all passengers can be repatriated, regardless of whether they’re covered by Atol or not, doesn’t this negate the purpose of the Atol badge?
Such a suggestion will be a difficult pill to swallow for the CAA, which has spent years campaigning on the benefits of booking Atol-protected holidays. But as Abta’s chairman highlights, it’s a necessary debate. The playing field has been uneven for too long between agents/operators and airlines. If there is one positive from all this, perhaps it will be that the debate is thrown back into fresh focus once again.
