Thomson Airways Released by: TOP pr Web Site: http://www.anrdoezrs.net/ef103hz74z6MPVOROTWMONSNOTPT?sid=FNR160608 Thomson Airways Keywords: Thomson Airways, Thopson Airways, Thomson Airlines, Thomsonfly, Thompsonfly Update Date: 6/16/2008 3:38:32 PM Hits: 414 Descrption:  Thomsonfly and First Choice Airways are to operate under one name, Thomson Airways, from May 1 next year. The rebranding follows the merger of the tourism division of Tui AG and First Choice Holidays plc in September 2007, when both airlines became part of Tui Travel UK and Ireland. Thomson claimed the merger would create 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 the next two years. Thomsonfly and First Choice Airways have been operating under one Civil Aviation Authority Air Operator’s Certificate since May this year. Pilots from both airlines are now flying together, and more integration work will continue 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 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.” Thomson Airways will become the first European airline to operate the Boeing 787 Dreamliner when it takes delivery in 2010. Delivery has been delayed because of production problems at Boeing’s factory in Seattle.