Thomson Airways revealed as amalgamated airline brand
The Thomsonfly and First Choice Airways brands are to be dropped in favour of Thomson Airways.
The combined carrier is to operate from May 1, 2009 following the amalgamation of TUI UK and First Choice last September.
The merger will create the UK’s third largest airline with 65 aircraft, the company claims.
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, with the re-branding work on the fleet expected to be completed over the next two years.
Thomsonfly and First Choice Airways have been operating under one Civil Aviation Authority Air Operator’s Certificate since May 1.
Pilots from both airlines are now flying together and more integration work will continue over the coming months.
Managing director Chris Browne, current boss of First Choice Airways, said: “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.
“By incorporating both airlines under one name, we will now operate 65 planes to over 80 destinations from 21 airports in the UK.â€
Thomson Airways expects to become the first European airline to operate the Boeing 787 Dreamliner when it takes delivery of the first to 23 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.
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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