The Monarch Group has confirmed long held industry suspicions and cancelled its order for six Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

Although the aircraft is presently three years behind estimated delivery times, this is not believed to have been responsible for the Monarch decision.

Instead the carrier has confirmed the move was based on a “strategic decision” to focus on its role as a schedule airline.

This has involved strengthening and developing its short-haul network, introducing new scheduled services to Cyprus (Paphos), Turkey (Antalya, Bodrum, Dalaman), Greece (Corfu), Spain (Barcelona) and Egypt (Sharm el Sheikh) in 2011.

The decision to focus in this area was recealed in June this year.

“Monarch Airlines will see further expansion into new UK bases and new routes from 2012, whilst remaining dedicated to supporting its long standing tour operator partner needs,” read a statement.

“Further consideration will be given to developing and strengthening its long-haul options in the future.”

However, Monarch will play a role in the developing of the new Boeing aircraft.

“The decision by The Monarch Group to terminate its order for the B787 does not affect Monarch Aircraft Engineering strategy to support the Dreamliner.

“Monarch Aircraft Engineering is proud to have been awarded Boeing GoldCare approval and is committed to providing line and base capability for the B787 from early 2012 in addition to its existing support of Boeing’s 737, 757, 767 and 777 aircraft,” concluded the statement.