Thomsonfly and First Choice Airways have announced today that they are to operate under one name, Thomson Airways, from May 1 2009. The rebranding follows the merger of the tourism division of TUI AG and First Choice Holidays last September, when both airlines became part of TUI Travel UK and Ireland. The merger creates the UK's third largest airline.
Although the airline will fly under one brand, the company plans to continue to operate both the Thomson and First Choice brands on the high street and overseas. Changes will be phased in gradually with the re-branding work on the fleet expected to be completed over two years.
Thomsonfly and First Choice Airways have successfully been operating under one Civil Aviation Authority Air Operator's Certificate since May 1. Pilots from both airlines are now flying together and further integration work will take place over the coming months.
Chris Browne, managing director of the newly formed Thomson Airways, said: 'Our aim is to build on the very best from these two award-winning airlines. By operating both airlines under one name, we will have 65 planes flying to over 80 destinations from 21 airports in the UK.'
Thomson Airways is slated to become the first European airline to operate the Boeing 787 Dreamliner when it takes delivery of this state-of-the- art aircraft in 2010. The new aircraft will enable the airline to operate more flights to long haul destinations from regional airports. |
