Norwegian (Oslo Gardermoen) has been named as one of the suitors interested in UK leisure specialist Monarch Airlines (1968) (London Luton). Last week, Sky News reported Monarch's owner, private equity firm Greybull Capital, and KPMG had been looking at either the sale or restructuring of Monarch's short-haul services through a joint venture or feeder deal with another airline.

Further to that report, the UK's Press Association (PA) stated on Friday, September 22, that the Scandinavian budget carrier had approached Monarch over a deal to buy all – or part – of the business as it looks to boost its competitiveness with rivals easyJet (London Luton) and Ryanair (FR, Dublin International).

"It is widely known that the UK is a key market for Norwegian where the airline is looking for opportunities to expand,” a source told the PA.

Monarch is said to be looking at returning to the long haul leisure niche following the hiving off of its short-haul operations.

Though it has declined to comment specifically on this purported market shift, Monarch has confirmed talks with prospective partners.

“We are having regular discussions on a number of options with potential strategic partners and we will announce any material developments, if and when they happen," it said in a statement.