Monarch plans 60-aircraft order

As part of its plan to maintain modest expansions, UK carrier Monarch is planning to place an order for 60 new aircraft at the end of September. The airline, which is receiving bids from all manufacturers, hopes deliveries to begin in 2015. However, although its preference is for new technology aircraft, current delivery dates for the Max and Neo do not begin until 2018-9. Group finance director Robert Palmer said: “We have a choice of existing and new technology [aircraft] which have significant advantages on operating costs….Our natural preference is for new technology. There is always a risk with old