Claims that Monarch Airlines is relaunching have re-emerged on social media, but it seems unlikely this is the case given that similarly bizarre claims were made two years ago and came to nothing.
In August 2023, ‘Daniel Ellingham’, who purported to be the chairman of the ‘new Monarch’ said the airline was relaunching under new ownership, six years after its collapse, but two weeks later put out a statement saying the project had run out of cash before it got off the ground.
Questions about ‘Daniel Ellingham’s identity later emerged after it was noted that the photo on his LinkedIn profile appeared to have been a doctored image of US politician John Driscoll.
He never provided journalists with any contact details, there was just a website – letsmonarch.com – and an Instagram account called Letsmonarch, using the hashtag #letsmonarch.
The website and Instagram account were later deactivated and Daniel Ellingham’s LinkedIn account was deleted.
However, the website and Instagram accounts are live once again, and a post on 15 June claimed the airline had been granted an Air Operator Certificate by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
It said: “This milestone marks the formal approval for Monarch to commence commercial flight operations, signifying full compliance with all safety, regulatory and operational standards required to operate as an airline in the United Kingdom.”
However, CAA spokesperson Andrew McConnell told Travel Gossip: “We are aware of social media posts suggesting Monarch Airlines may be restarting operations and recruiting staff. The UK Civil Aviation Authority has not received any formal approach or application for an Operating Licence or Air Operator Certificate.
“Anyone seeing these messages should not share personal information. Details of businesses that do apply for licences can be found on our website.”
Recent posts on Instagram state the airline is recruiting for cabin crew, although its website suggests flights are not due to launch till 2027. Emails to the ‘HR department’, to the email address provided on the post, have bounced back.
The website claims it will be flying from London Luton, Birmingham and Manchester to Alicante, Barcelona, Naples, Nice and Tenerife and social media users have welcomed the possible return of Monarch, a once much-loved airline. However, some questioned the validity of the claims, with one requesting its AOC number.
A post, which purported to be from Monarch’s CEO (though the signature is not legible) on 28 August said: “I would like to address recent speculation and confirm that Monarch Airlines is returning to the skies. This relaunch is a genuine and carefully managed undertaking, led by experienced aviation professionals and supported by extensive planning.
“We are progressing through the required regulatory and operational processes with the relevant authorities to ensure full compliance and to establish a safe, credible and sustainable operation.
“While we are aware of the doubts expressed online, I want to be absolutely clear: Monarch’s return is not aspirational, it is real and already underway. Our focus is on restoring a trusted airline that reflects the values Monarch has always stood for.
“Further details regarding our initial network, services and timelines will be shared soon.”
We’ll keep you posted.
