On The Shopfloor At Monarch's Luton Hangar

James Pozzi

Cabin Stripped Out

James Pozzi/Aviation Week

The aircraft, in this case an Icelandair-operated Boeing 757, has its cabin thoroughly stripped out so technicians can undertake a full structural inspection of the upper deck.

A Mixed Hangar

James Pozzi/Aviation Week

Once work is complete on the 757, a mix of different aircraft types will enter the Luton hangar. Monarch is anticipating everything from 757 and 767, A300 and A320 aircraft - the four core aircraft maintained at Luton. “Over the past six months we’ve seen every when of these aircraft types come in for different types of checks,” says Chris Dare, managing director of Monarch Aircraft Engineering.

Work Types Are Dependent On The Season

James Pozzi/Aviation Week

During the winter Monarch will see more commercial aircraft undergoing heavy checks, with more cargo aircraft typically arriving during the summer months. However, in the past six months, this has changed somewhat, according to Monarch’s Dare. “There’s been no pattern to it during that time period and it’s been a mixture of both cargo and commercial.”

Seats Removed And Repaired

James Pozzi/Aviation Week

Seating is taken out of an aircraft and stored in a platform located above the shop floor. This provides a convenient space for technicians to store the seats and work on them.

A DHL A300 Undergoes Heavy Checks

James Pozzi/Aviation Week

A DHL-operated Airbus A300 undergoes heavy maintenance in the second bay at Monarch’s Luton hangar. It is in the facility on a 30-day input and was expected to be serviceable on May 1 following engine and ground checks being carried out a few days before. 

Paper Trails

James Pozzi/Aviation Week

For an aircraft like the A300, there will be up between 1,300-1,400 pieces of papers detailing the work history along with what is required on the aircraft.

On Board A Cargo Aircraft

James Pozz/Aviation Week

The aircraft, which is more than 20 years old, has also undergone a passenger-to-freighter conversion during its life. Monarch estimates around 10,000 man hours will be used on this aircraft for this heavy check.

Pre-Load Area

James Pozzi/Aviation Week

The pre-load area, where Monarch will typically store its spare parts needed for aircraft. The components are controlled through a mix of electronic software and manual methods.

James Pozzi

As Aviation Week's European MRO editor, James Pozzi covers the latest industry news from the European region and beyond. He also writes in-depth features on the commercial aftermarket for Inside MRO.

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