KPMG has won the right to sell airport take-off and landing slots from the defunct Monarch airline after a high court decision. The organisation was appointed administrator by the carrier after it ceased trading earlier this month.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority is gearing up for a huge number of claims from Monarch’s ATOL protected customers following the collapse of the airline. As the first week of the CAA’s ‘flying programme’ ends, 404 flights will have operated bringing home almost 80,000 people. 

The Civil Aviation Authority’s flying programme completed 61 flights in its first day of operation, returning passengers stranded by the collapse of Monarch Airlines to the UK. In total some 11,843 passengers were flown back to the UK, from 24 destinations.

Monarch is extending its Zagreb flights and city break holidays into winter 2017/18, with flights to the Croatian capital due to start on April 28th. Summer sales are strong and this news means the route will now be operating year round.

Monarch has announced the appointment of Ian Chambers as chief commercial officer with immediate effect. Joining Monarch in 2005, Chambers has held various digital and marketing management roles. Most recently, as head of digital and marketing he had responsibility for online marketing, the digital strategy and online sales across all group brands and products.

UK-based budget airline Monarch has moved to quell speculation over its financial health following a raft of stories over the weekend. Negative speculation about the carrier prompted the airline to release a statement this morning stating: “Our flights and holidays are operating as normal, carrying Monarch customers as scheduled.” Monarch employs nearly 3,000 staff and is based at Luton airport.