TUI merges Thomsonfly and First Choice Airways in the UK

TUI is merging its two airlines, Thomsonfly and First Choice Airways, to create the third biggest airline in the UK. The combined airline will launch as Thomson Airways in May next year.

The holiday operator will continue to operate the two brands separately on the high street and overseas.

Thomsonfly and First Choice Airways have been operating under one Civil Aviation Authority air operator’s certificate since May 1 this year. Thomson says pilots from both airlines are currently flying together and will continue to become “more integrated” until the full merger next year.

Thomson Airways new managing director, Chris Browne, says the company will operate 65 planes to over 80 destinations from 21 airports spanning the UK.

The rebranding follows the merger of Thomson and First Choice Holidays in September 2007 when both airlines became part of TUI.