Thomson: first UK carrier to get Dreamliner

Thomson Airways has become the first UK-based airline to get Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

Travel Insurance News - 30/05/2013

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Thomson Airways has become the first UK-based airline to get Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

According to a USA Today article published at the weekend, the airline took delivery of the state-of-the wide-body aircraft late last week in front of a large crowd at Manchester airport. Arriving from Boeing production facilities in the Seattle area, the plane features seating for up to 291 passengers: including 244 economy seats and room for 44 Premium Club travellers.

Thomson officials said the jet would be put into service later this year on the carrier’s route from Manchester to Orlando, Florida, and in the autumn will be commissioned on flights from Manchester to the Thai holiday hotspot of Phuket.

Thomson’s managing director Chris Browne said in a statement that the arrival of the new jet would “unlock” potential for exciting new destinations. He added that it was a “great experience” to the Dreamliner finally land in Manchester after a nine-year production effort and waiting period.

Thomson has a total of eight Dreamliners on order from the US-based planemaker and will take delivery of two more within the coming weeks, according to reports.

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