Monarch Airlines, first Cosmos flight 5th April 1968, Bristol Britannia from Luton Airport to Madrid

First Monarch Airlines / Cosmos flight, Luton airport to Madrid 5th April 1968. Bristol 175 Britannia 312.
This film made the rounds of the Monarch offices at the company 40th anniversary.
The music is the original soundtrack.
Passengers had to depart from the offices at London Victoria station in the brand new Monarch Airlines coach - not sure why, I guess they were the rules at the time.
The approach to Luton Airport was via Cuttenhoe road.
Passengers checked in their baggage at the (then) new airport terminal, then walked across the tarmac to the aircraft (G-AOVI?) parked outside hangar 7+8.
If any-one can give further details, please leave comments.

[@Thunderblue888]

Thanks for sharing this love the awfully naff soundtrack!
My most vivid memory of the few times I flew with Mum & Dad (Monarch co founder) in one of these beauties were the seemingly huge oval windows and the propellers.
Way back in 1967 when the office was a portacabin at Luton Mum Dad Bill Hodgson (co founder) Nick (Dad's secretary) and a stewardess all sat round a table with Dulex colour charts and decided on the colour scheme I know Yellow was Mum's choice - Dad was a wise 'bird' - Design Consultants Laugh Out Loud!

[@johannesbols57]

The bird flying perfectly into the middle of the shot just after the aircraft flys away is amazing.

[@Tirana44]

What a fantastic video! I was involved for many years working on the restoration of the Monarch Britannia at Duxford. Amazing to see footage of a Monarch Britannia earning its keep! Now, where’s that share icon😊

[@johannesbols57]

I remember walking up to that aircraft and underneath it. This was April 1998 and it was still inside the hangar that was refurbished and jazzed up. Anyway, you don't quite get the massive scale of the Britannia until you're on the ground and approaching those Proteus engines! Lor abuv!

[@minair99t]

Thanks for uploading this historic footage. The aircraft was indeed G-AOVI commanded by Monarchs chief pilot A.J Burridge assisted by First Officer Tony Dodd. Unfortunately, the Flight Engineers name was not recorded.
Victor India was acquired from Caledonian Airways and was operated by Monarch until January 1972.

[@Tirana44]

minair99t I met the founders of Monarch, Mr Hodgeson and Mr Peacock at the official handover of G-AOVT to the Duxford Aviation Society many years ago. Happy days.

[@Ale-um9to]

Rip monarch 1968-2017

[@Ale-um9to]

Rip monarch airlines