Awful British weather sees Brits flocking to sunnier climes

Award winning low fares airline Monarch has seen strong demand for scheduled flights in July 2009, with average load factors across the network reaching 87.54% - a 1.39% increase on the same period last year.

Commenting on the traffic increases for July, managing director of Monarch Flights and Holidays, Liz Savage said, “As yet again the British summer has failed to materialise, we have seen huge demand for flights across our network this July as fed up parents are faced with the prospect of shivering in Cornwall or heading to the sunnier climes of Spain, Portugal, Gibraltar and Cyprus this summer.

“It was a deliberate decision to reduce capacity for July 2009 compared to the same period last year and whilst this means that overall passenger numbers have decreased for the month, our load factor for July 2009 has been boosted to record levels proving that despite the current economic climate there is still strong demand from people looking to holiday overseas.”

Monarch operates scheduled flights to Spain, Gibraltar, Portugal and Cyprus from Birmingham, London Gatwick, London Luton and Manchester airports. In addition to year-round low fares, Monarch also offers a unique range of onboard meals with prices from £3.00. To avoid a last minute free-for-all when boarding, seats can be pre-booked at £7.50 per one-way flight, or from only £15, extra-legroom seats are available, which offer up to six inches of extra space.

Passengers travelling on scheduled flights can also avoid the queues at the airport and take advantage of online check-in which is available between seven days and 4.5 hours prior to departure.

In addition to flights, Monarch also now offers a huge range of great value holidays, accommodation options, car hire and travel insurance.

For further information or to book Monarch flights, Monarch Holidays or Monarch Hotels, visit monarch.co.uk.