Monarch Airlines (1968) (London Luton) is planning to close its Manchester International MRO hangar putting over 100 jobs at risk. The airline said in a statement that US-based airline strategy specialist, Seabury, had proposed the move following an extensive study of the carrier's shape and strategy, projected demand in the MRO sector, and the commercial viability of all of Monarch Aircraft Engineering Limited (MAEL) facilities.

"As Monarch has progressed with its restructuring, it has identified further ways to optimise its operations," it said. "The Seabury review also showed that the Manchester facility is less viable than MAEL’s other hangar locations."

Manchester's operations have been severely affected by the loss of a major Jet2 (United Kingdom) (LS, Leeds/Bradford) contract last year which was responsible for the bulk of work at the facility. The hangar specializes in heavy maintenance and D checks, as well as IMV and C checks for both Airbus (AIB, Toulouse Blagnac) and Boeing (BOE, Washington National) aircraft types including the A320 Family, the A300, the A310, the A330, and the B757 and B767.

The Unite labour union reports that in addition to the loss of 109 jobs in Manchester, thirteen engineering jobs at London Luton and several at Birmingham, GB will also be axed.

Talks between management and representatives of its employees are currently underway.