UK’s Thomson Air dreams of the day it gets Boeing 787s
The international industry debut of the Boeing 787 at Farnborough International this week has provided a major opportunity for local carrier Thomson Airway
Thomson is the launch UK customer for the Boeing 787. It has placed an order for 13 Dreamliners, with options for another equal number. (Photo by David McIntosh)
Thomson is the launch UK customer for the Boeing 787. It has placed an order for 13 Dreamliners, with options for another equal number. (Photo by David McIntosh)

The international industry debut of the Boeing 787 at Farnborough International this week has provided a major opportunity for local carrier Thomson Airways to fly its flag as the UK launch customer for the new aircraft, which is on display here until this afternoon. Thomson is a wholly owned subsidiary of international leisure group TUI Travel, which has ordered 13 of the 787s and has purchase rights on a further 13.

Eight of TUI’s aircraft have been assigned to Thomson, with the parent company taking the balance into its almost 150-strong overall fleet. The first 787 for Thomson is scheduled to be delivered in January 2012, with the balance following over three years to the first quarter of 2015, Thomson Airways managing director Chris Browne told AIN.