The longest established airline brand still trading and flying under the same name in the UK marks 40th anniversary this weekend.

Luton-based Monarch’s first commercial service was between the Bedfordshire airport and Madrid on April 5, 1968.

The airline was created as a collaboration between Airline Engineering Limited (now Monarch Aircraft Engineering Ltd) and Cosmos with two Bristol Britannia 312 aircraft and a staff of less than 100.

Monarch now has a fleet of 31 aircraft with a 60/40 split between scheduled and charter flying, employs almost 3,000 people and carries more than seven million passengers a year.

The airline is to mark the anniversary tomorrow with a celebration flight between Luton and Menorca. Passengers will check-in at retro branded check-in desks and will be served Champagne and cakes on board by cabin crew dressed in replicas of the original 1968 uniform.

Monarch is offering up to £40 off return flights booked between today and midnight on April 8.

by Phil Davies

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