Monarch Airlines has announced a significant expansion into the Mediterranean during summer 2012 - launching 14 new routes across Italy, Croatia and Greece.

The new routes are part of Monarch’s expansion strategy revealed in June this year that is focusing on its scheduled services and expanding its network to new leisure destinations across Europe.

There will also be two additional Airbus A320 aircraft being added into Monarch’s fleet from March 2012, which is the start of its expansion plans that will see the fleet grow from 30 to around 40 aircraft.

Flights to the 14 new routes – which include departures to Dubrovnik, Milan, Rome and Venice - from Monarch’s four UK bases go on sale from tomorrow.

Commenting on the expansion plans, managing director of Monarch Airlines, Kevin George said: “The strategy for Monarch Airlines is now firmly focused on its scheduled operations and we are delighted to be adding these new routes to our already extensive network of leisure destinations across Europe.

“Adding Italy to our network will further reinforce our position as the leading leisure focused airline serving the Mediterranean and the Canaries.

“The addition of two new aircraft to the fleet is great news, and marks the start of our fleet expansion plans, which will see the fleet grow from 30 to around 40 aircraft in the medium term. 

“In addition to growing our network, we are committed to providing high levels of care and service for our customers and are constantly striving for innovative ways of providing great value benefits for them at year-round low fares.”