Episode Details

Monarch Airlines was a major British carrier that operated for five decades before its high-profile collapse in 2017. Originally established in 1967 as a charter service for affordable family holidays, the company eventually shifted to a low-cost scheduled model to compete with budget rivals. The airline maintained primary hubs at several major UK airports, including London Luton and Manchester, while serving numerous European leisure destinations. Throughout its history, the firm transitioned from turboprop planes to an all-jet fleet and was a pioneer in using twin-engine aircraft for transatlantic flights. Despite receiving various industry awards and significant financial bailouts, the business ultimately succumbed to intense market competition and geopolitical instability. Its failure resulted in the largest peacetime repatriation in British history at that time to assist stranded travelers.