TUI airlines Thomsonfly and First Choice Airways are to merge to create a new UK airline carrier - Thomson Airways.
The new UK carrier, which will begin operating scheduled flights from May 1 2009, will become Britain’s third largest airline with a combined fleet of 65 planes.
The re-branding of the airlines follows last September’s merger of German-owned TUI and First Choice Holidays to form TUI Travel UK .
Although the airline will fly under one brand, the company plans to gradually phase out the Thomsonfly and the First Choice Airways brands, with flights under the two names continuing to operate on the high street and overseas throughout 2008.
Thomson said the re-branding work on the combined fleet is expected to take up to two years to complete.
Thomsonfly and First Choice Airways have been flying under one Civil Aviation Authority Air Operator's Certificate since May 1, with pilots from both airlines already flying together and more integration work expected to take place over the coming months.
Chris Browne, the current Managing Director of First Choice Airways, commented: "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 aircraft to over 80 destinations from 21 airports in the UK," he added.
Thomson Airways is expected to become the first airline in Europe to take delivery of the much anticipated new Boeing 787 Dreamliner in 2010. The expected launch of the Dreamliner has been delayed due to problems with production of the giant aircraft in the US .
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Merger Of To Thomsonfly and First Choice Airways To Create New Airline Brand Tue, 17 Jun 2008      Recommended linksYour online travel agents resourceFirst Choice holidays and flights TUI Travel Low cost airlines Holiday insurance quote First Choice and Thomson Holidays to Merge TUI Travel Boosted By Strong Demand TUI Travel To Close 100 UK Agencies |
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