[June 16, 2008 ]
The UK will have a new airline, Thomson Airways, from 1st May next year when Thomsonfly and First Choice Airways rebrand.
The rebranding has come about as a result of the merger between travel companies TUI and First Choice Holidays. Thomson Airways will become the third largest airline in the UK with a fleet of 65 planes.
From May this year Thomsonfly and First Choice Airways have been flying under one Civil Aviation Authority Air Operator's Certificate. Pilots from the two airlines are already flying together, but complete integration will be phased in gradually.
Rebranding work on the combined fleet could take up to two years. Both the Thomson and First Choice brands are, however, expected to continue to operate on the high street.
“Our aim is to build on the very best from these two award-winning airlines that share a very strong drive to provide a truly exceptional customer experience," comments Chris Browne, currently MD of First Choice Airways.
"By incorporating both airlines under one name, we will now operate 65 aircraft to over 80 destinations from 21 airports in the UK," Browne adds.
Thomson Airways should become the first airline in Europe to take delivery of the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner in 2010. The launch of the much anticipated Dreamliner has been delayed due to production problems. Other UK customers for the new plane include British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Monarch.
Written by: Nick Purdom