Blue Sky Thinking
It’s not long now until Thomson Airways takes delivery of the 787 Dreamliner, Boeing’s brand-new super jet. Here, we look at some of the planes in the Thomson Airways fleet that have forged – and will be forging – new frontiers in flying…
Lockheed Constellation
1962-1965
Thomson Airways first took to the skies in 1962, ferrying holidaymakers from Manchester to Majorca. Back then, the airline was called Euravia and the fleet (if you can call it that) was made up of just three propeller-driven classics called Lockheed Constellations. The Connies, as they were affectionately known, were some of the first planes to have pressurised cabins. Flying would never be the same again…
Bristol Britannia
1964-1971
The arrival of six Bristol Britannias in 1964 sparked a name change for the airline – it was so long Euravia, and hello Britannia Airways. These sleek turboprops were incredibly quiet, hence their nickname, the Whispering Giants. The following year, Britannia was snapped up by Lord Roy Thomson who needed an airline for his new business venture – a little-known holiday company called, you’ve guessed it, Thomson.
Boeing 737-200
1968-1994
Britannia went into the Jet Age at full throttle, becoming the first European airline to get its hands on this nippy little jetliner. The 737 was perfect for short hops around Europe, and seriously cut down flying time – instead of 6 hours, it could do a round trip to Majorca in 4. By the end of the Sixties, Britannia had scored another coup as the first British charter airline to serve hot meals. Chicken or beef, anyone?
Boeing 767-200
1984-2008
Places like Australia started to appear on the route map when Britannia became the first airline in Europe to fly this long-ranger. And its cutting edge extras, like onboard tellies, meant passengers could leave their travel Scrabble sets at home. By the time the 767- 200s were retired, Britannia had been rechristened twice – Thomsonfly in 2004 and Thomson Airways in 2008, when it merged with First Choice Airways.
Thomson 787 Dreamliner
2013-?
1st in the UK
They’re all whispering about it at airport check-in desks. They’re all chatting about it in galleys at 40,000 feet. And here at Thomson HQ, it’s all we ever seem to talk about. So what exactly is it that’s got everyone in the travel industry more excited than a kid on Christmas Day? Boeing’s latest baby – the 787 Dreamliner. And Thomson Airways is going to be the first airline in the UK to fly this super-league plane.
Ultra Comfy
Passenger comfort will reach new heights. The seat pitch in Economy Club will be 34” – that’s more than you get with BA and Virgin. And with 38” inches in Premium Club, you’ll be more tempted than ever to upgrade. Along with bigger seats, the 787 will have wider aisles and higher ceilings. In fact, even at its lowest point, the cabin tops 6 foot.
Super Fast
What’s so special about the 787? Well, it’s going to be made out of something called ‘composite’ which will make it stronger, lighter and more aerodynamic. The result? Well, let’s just say the Dreamliner will really be able to go the distance – 8,000 miles non-stop, in fact. What’s more, this bad boy will zoom through the air at Mach 0.85. That’s equivalent to 640 miles per hour – about 3 times faster than a Formula 1 car at full throttle. Move over Lewis Hamilton!
Adios Jetlag
Perhaps most impressive of all, jetlag is being tackled head on. The re-jigged cabin pressure means you get more oxygen in your bloodstream, so you’ll step off the plane feeling fresher.
It’s Oh So Quiet
The Dreamliner will generate 60 per cent less noise than standard planes during take-off and landing. It’ll be quieter when you’re in the air, too.
Window On The World
The 787’s windows are about 3 times the size of an average jet’s. And the seats have been laid out in a really clever way, so wherever you’re sitting you’ll get a view of the horizon. When you’re ready for a nap, simply dim the windows at the touch of a button.
Light Fantastic
Boeing’s new plane is going to be kitted out with a clever mood lighting system. It can mimic things like dawn and dusk so as not to knock out your body clock.
Power Up
When it comes to powerful engines, the Dreamliner’s take some beating. Each one has enough power to supply energy to two million iPods at the same time. Talking of iPods, you’ll be able to plug yours into your seatback TV to watch your downloads.
When will th Dreamliner come into service ? Wil it only be used on long haul flight, and what’s the shortest flight time you will be using this plane ?
Hi William, Thanks for your message. At the moment, the Dreamliner is scheduled to fly from Gatwick, Manchester, East Midlands and Glasgow to Florida and Mexico from early next year.
I am Scottish – will the Dreamliner fly to Mexico from Glasgow in June 2013 and will it take less time to get there?
Hi William, Thanks for your further message. The Dreamliner is scheduled to fly from Glasgow to and Mexico from early next year and has super fast engines, which indicates it will take less time to get to Mexico.
Why does a british company like Thomson always buy American planes. Why not support Britain and Europe and buy Airbus?
I feel the same way about British Airways
I’m sorry you feel that way, Mike. But we’ll pass your comments on to our Airline Team.
wow what a fantastic thought i and my wife love flying so we shall be
booking a trip on the beautiful
looking 787 dreamliner thank you
thomson for giving uk people the
chance to experience the joy
Love to have seen it arrive at Manchester. But did not recieve notice till 26th
Hi Malcolm, Sorry to hear you missed out seeing the Dreamliner 787 arrive in Manchester. I can confirm this was announced the week before it was due to arrive. However from early next year you will be able to test the Dreamliner 787 out yourself.
using composites is nntoihg new. most of the absolute best aircraft in the world are using composites. using kevlar/carbon fiber for wings and fuselages is ungodly stronger and lighter then traditional method. Like a Lancair, kitbuilt single engine prop. Can out fly any cessna on a very bad day, and cruise at almost twice the speed. Boeing is doing the right thing, they just need to get their heads out of their butts to drop some moronic suppliers.
Ooooh! How exciting! Many years ago I saved hard to travel on Concord. To go nowhere in particular, just “there and back” would have been enough. Unfortunately there were too many bills and not enough time so my dream never materialised. I am determined this time! Never mind if the roof leaks!
looks fantastic where will it be flying from and where will it be flying to, Is it only for long haul flights
Hi Kathleen, At the moment, the Dreamliner is scheduled to fly from Gatwick, Manchester, East Midlands and Glasgow to Florida and Mexico. We are currently planning new routes so watch this space for more information.
I remember in 2007 booking to go to Florida. In the brochures it advertised “787 summer 2008″ then it was “summer 2009″ followed by “early 2011″ again delayed to “mid 2012″ now it’s “early 2013.” FIVE years after the original date. I can see us being here in a few years time and having the blog announce “Fly the 787, Summer 2015″
Hi Matt, Unfortunately we did have delays with our new aircraft but we will be taking delivery in early 2013. But thanks for sharing your comments with us.
If you look at the history of the development of the 787 , then you would realised it was delayed by over 2 years woth tech issues, hardly thomsons fault, they can only go by what boeing tells them, as the plane has now been on a promo visit to the uk , pretty sure 2013 will be thomsons year, nice livery too, pity its not under the britannia name though. Looking forward to flying on her,
will the dreamliner ever fly from
the north east
At the moment the only information we have is from 1st May 2013, holidaymakers heading to Cancun, Mexico and Sanford, Florida from Manchester, London Gatwick, East Midlands and Glasgow will have the opportunity to travel on the brand-new aircraft. But watch this space…
Why are you charging an extra £20pp just to fly on this thing?
Did you not get enough compensation from Boeing for being late….just greedy!
I am travelling to mexico this year and disappointed not on the dreamliner.How can we be sure the flight will be on the dreamliner next year will it be shown on time of booking
Hi Jim, We don’t take delivery of the Dreamliner until early next year so it’s not part of the programme until May 2013. But you can take a look at our Dreamliner flight timetable here to help when you’re booking your next holiday – http://dreamliner.thomson.co.uk/787destinations/
can you book me on the maiden flight gatwick to florida
Hi Mark, The best place to view availability and up to date prices is our website. Alternatively, you can always drop into your local Thomson Travel Agent who’ll be happy to help with your booking.
WHEN WILL THE DREAMLINER BE FLYING FROM BRISTOL
Hi Ken, From next year the Dreamliner will be flying from Manchester, Gatwick, East Midlands and Glasgow. Not all airports have runways long enough for the Dreamliner. But, we might add more airports to the programme in the future, so watch this space.
Thompson certainly do need a comfortable ‘plane. A wonderful holiday to Cyprus a couple or so years ago was ruined by the flight home. Outward was an extremely comfortable First Choice plane on which we had paid for the extra legroom seats. Our holiday was ruined by the homeward flight which was, unfortunately, ruined by a Thompson ‘plane (this was at the time of Thompson taking over First Choice). Those of us who had booked extra legroom seats were taken to the forward part of the plane and directed into seats that would have barely been big enough for infants. The thoroughly cramped conditions were extremely painful and would have brought a summons against Thompson if we had been animals. Complaints both on the plane and later to Thompson brought absolutely no satisfaction. Not even an offer for refund for part of the extra money we had paid or even an apology. We vowed never, ever, to travel with Thompson againand never will we. We will be extremely surprised if Thompson don’t cram in as many seats as possible and totally spoil what otherwise is going to be a wonderful flying experience.
Will the flights from Glasgow to Florida be year round or only seasonal. Since FlyGlobespan stopped flying year round from Glasgow to Orlando, there has been a huge gap in the market. We used their return service at least four times a year on average. Now we can only get direct flights for a few months of the year with other operators.
Hi Ann, Unfortunately, flights from Glasgow to Florida only operate during the summer months. However, we do operate flights from other UK airports throughout the winter. I hope this helps
It sounds fantastic but, Why is a British/German company like Thomson buying Boeing.Airbus
build the best air craft in the world You have a duty to buy
from europe.
and if you think about it,it would give Europe more to spend on holidays .Do to get the gist. Any way good luck but I will not be flying with you SORRY BUT LETS BUY BRITISH
Hi Andy, I’m sorry to hear that. We do have some Airbus’ within our fleet. But, it’s a fantastic opportunity for us to have the Dreamliner as part of our flying programme. Thanks for taking the time to share your comments with us.
MY WIFE AND I GO LONGHAUL TWICE A YEAR,MANY TIMES WHITH YOUR GOOD SELVES,WE ARE GOING TO MEXICO WITH YOU IN JUNE 2012,WE ALWAYS PRE BOOK SEATS,WHAT IS THE SEATING LAYOUT ON THIS PLANE.
Hi Robert, If you’re flying on the Dreamliner, the seat configuration will be 3-3-3 in economy and 2-3-2 in Premium. I hope this helps.
Will the Dreamliner fly to turkey Dalaman airport?
Hi Callum, We’re not aware of any other destinations apart from Florida and Mexico at the moment.
have booked the 2013 holiday already to Orlando and will be experiencing the Dreamliner first hand in premium class
looking forward to it already
When will Thomson use this new aircraft on the Maldives route?
Hi Joe, At first the Dreamliner will fly to Cancun and Florida. Unfortunately, we don’t have a date for when more destinations will be added just yet.
I am super excited as just booked holiday to Mexico on the 2nd Dreamliner flight out of Manchester on the 5th may 2013 and doing it premium club
although Glasgow have Dreamliner it is quite a bit cheaper to fly from Manchester.
Hi there, i’m booked for may 2nd flight from Manchester on dreamliner, what will happen if there is a delay (apart from being very upset!) and we don’t end up flying on this?
Hi Luke, We’re getting delivery early next year so we don’t anticipate any delays. However, if there were our Programme Change Team would always notify our customers to let them know.
We are cruising with P&O in Feb 2013 and travelling to Barbados on a charter Thomson plane from Birmingham uk. What is the likelihood of us going on a Dreamliner plane. Thanks
Hi Mary, The Dreamliner won’t be operating until May 2013 and it’s only got Mexico and Florida on it’s flying schedule at the moment so unfortunately you won’t be flying on the Dreamliner for your cruise in Feb 2013. I’m sorry for any disappointment this has caused.
Will the 787 fly from Birmingham? because it would be nice to see the aircraft fly in your livery, as I know that no other airline is going to fly the 787 from or to Birmingham?
Hi Joe, It’s starting out flying from Gatwick, Manchester, East Midlands and Glasgow. As time goes on, there might be more airports in the UK we’ll be travelling from.
Will all flights to mexico be dreamliner flights?
Hi Tania, Please see out flight schedule to see which flights to Mexico will be on the Dreamliner – http://dreamliner.thomson.co.uk/flying-schedule/.
Of course all those of us who cannot afford to fly to such nice places and have to stick to places such as Spain or Greece will never get to fly the dreamliner will we?
If our last 6 holidays are anything to go by our planes will be around 25 years old and bearly able to fly. While the dreamline is kept for the expensive trips.
Hi Richard, We’re not aware of any short or mid-haul flights planned for the Dreamliner but when we get further delivery in 2014, we will be looking at offering other destinations.
Hello, I’m Flying to the Dominican next september, will this beauty of a plane be used in flights to the Dominican Republic? I hope it is, its a right plane!
Hi Samiie, Unfortunately not, the Dreamliner will only be flying to Mexico and Florida next year. Sorry for any disappointment caused.
Knew i should of booked florida! thank you, hopefully they will fly to the domincan in 2014!
Hi Samiie, When we get more Dreamliners in the fleet, we’re hoping to cover more of our longhaul destinations, as well as a few new ones.
We fly to the Maldives each year, will the Dreamliner be going to the Maldives in 2013 or2014.
Hi Frances, There’s no plans to fly to the Maldives on the Dreamliner at the moment but when we get further delivery in 2014 – we can look at other destinations.
Hi, we are looking at booking at the end of this month a Thomson cruise to the caribbean which flys into Barbados. Will the Birmingham or Manchester flights be dreamliner, The date of travel is the 23feb14. Birmingham is closer to us but we would travel to Manchester if need be?
Thank you,
Hi Jade, The Dreamliner’s first flight isn’t until May 2013. Any flights before then will not be on one of our other aircrafts. I hope this helps.
My wife and I have booked a 3 week holiday in Mexico. We are flying premium class on the new Dreamliner leaving on the 10th May 2013. With the recent and on-going problems with the 787 can Thomson guarantee that their 787 flights will be in operation on the date that we travel or not?
Hi Brian, I can understand your concerns. We’re very confident that you’ll experience all the customer benefits of this modern and sophisticated aircraft and arrive safely for a great holiday with your family. We’re still on track to take delivery of our first aircraft early this year, and if anything were to change we’d look to contact you as soon as possible.
Will the Dreamliner be flying from Birmingham in the near future? My partner and I are going to Florida later this year and are trying to weigh up airport convenience and a spanking new flight experience!
Hi Daisy, At the moment we’ll only be operating from East Midlands, Glasgow, London Gatwick and Manchester but we may be able to look into other airports in the future.
hi , im going on the dreamliner in may , can you tell me please ,are the very back seats on the plane in 2′s ? i know the rest are 3′s , but looking on the video the very last ones look like 2 , am i right ,because these are the ones i want to prebook .thanks
Hi Sandra, The very last seating line on the Dreamliner does feature two pairs of seating on the outer blocks. These seats however do not recline. You’ll be able to select your seats 90 days before your return journey, so you’ll be able to pre-book those seats from this date. I hope this helps.
Hi Sandra, I’ve checked our seat plans and it appears there are 2 seats either side near the windows on the back row, however these will have little or no recline. As we’ve not received the plane at the moment this configuration is subject to change.
do you think you will be able to find out more info for me regarding these seats please ?recline etc ,they looks a big gap to the window on video, im a pain i know but we like the 2 seats not 3.s,thanks a lot for your help sandra
Hi Sandra, Looking at the seating plans, it’s going to be a 3-3-3 seating configuration – so 3 seats on the left, 3 seats in the middle and 3 seats on the right hand side. The only time this would be different is if you were to have premium seating, which is then a 2-3-2 – so 2 on the left, 3 in the middle and 2 on the right hand side. As we are still awaiting delivery of the Dreamliners the seating plan is subject to change. ^Sammi
hi sammi , yep i know there in 3.s but ive seen the thomson video and like i told dan the back 2 rows loook they are in 2.s and he says yes ther are
,but i wanted more info on them , when do u think you will know ?
thanks ,
Hi Sandra, Yes that’s correct. If you check back in a couple of weeks time we may have more of an update for you. ^Sammi
ok thanks for your help, these are the seats i want to book but i need to be sure about them , 10 hrs a long time , thats why i need to knoe regarding reclne, dreamliner may not be flying yet !! due to all the faults !!
Hi Sandra, Not a problem. Just so you’re aware it does state that these seats don’t recline. ^Sammi
I have booked to fly on the 1st may from east midlands on the dreamliner. will this still happen
Yes or No ? I am due to pay my holiday in full this week and I do not want to pay if its not going to happen I would sooner change the whole holiday all together
Hi Paul, Thank you for your post. I can appreciate your concerns regarding the Dreamliner – however, we’re working closely with Boeing and we’ve not been advised at the current time that there’ll be any delay with the delivery of our 787 Dreamliner. If there was to be a change to your booking, our Programme Team would look to contact you with your options as soon as we’re aware of the change. I hope this helps with your query.
if there are problems with the plane they will just put on the normal 767 anyway i would presume
nothing about refunds then there is a price difference or are you the pilot harry
no lol, just guessing thats what they will do
We are due to fly on the dreamliner in early May, as Thomson has just announced there may be delays in it coming into service, will we be compensated as the cost has increased significantly when compared with the same journey last year?
Hi Kate, Boeing has yet to confirm a new delivery schedule with us, Should we not receive our Dreamliners in time, your holiday will still go ahead as you will travel on an alternative aircraft.
what about the compensation, as the flight is a lot more expensive than it was last year?
Hi Kate, As soon as Boeing confirm our new delivery schedule, should your flight be impacted, we’ll immediately contact you to discuss your booking.
what will happen if they change the aircraft after you have been online and selected your seat you want ? as the 767 is a different layout ?
Hi Sandra, Thank you for your question. At the minute we are still going ahead with the first flight from May the 1st. However, we’re working on contingency plans and once information is released we’ll be sure to contact all affected customers.
anymore news on the dreamliner yet ? have you got the seat layout yet , thanks
Hi Sandra, We’ve not yet been given a new delivery date for our Dreamliner by Boeing but we’re putting contingency plans in place if delivery is delayed beyond the end of March. You can view the seating plan on our Flight Extras website by logging in 90 days before your inbound flight. You’ll be able to access the site here – https://flightextras.thomson.co.uk
hi so now thomsons have confirmed that the dreamliner wont be flying to mexico in may , we have picked our seats online ,select your seat , configuration is different on a 767 , how will this work , ?
Hi Sandra, We’re providing customers with two weeks to make any amendments they need to. After this has passed, our seating team will re-seat those customers who’ve selected their seat numbers onto the alternate aircraft. You’ll then be issued with a new confirmation detailing their seat numbers on the new flight.
can you tell me please the 767 now replacing the dreamliner is it a v1, v2, v3 or v4 model thanks , or how many seats it has thanks
Hi Sandra, Our contingency planning has included finding alternative 767 aircraft with enough Premium seats to cover the amount of Premium bookings we have. As well as accommodating the amount of bookings we have been affected.
thanks for reply dan , but i wanted to know the type of 767 , i havent booked premium,
Hi Sandra, It’ll be one of our Boeing 767-300 planes from the Thomson Airways and TUI fleet.
hi can you just verify something please , i fly to mexico on the 18th may, i have already selected my seat , do i have to log on again on the 19th of march to select again , or will it be reallocated by the alterations team and then they will let me know , hearing all different stories. thanks
Hi Sandra, If you’ve already selected your seating then our Seating Team will automatically re-allocate your seats on to your new flight. You’ll receive an email confirmation of this either on or before the 22nd March. I hope this helps.
yes thanks , can you tell me also please how many people the 767 holds, the one we are going on to mexico 18th may , cheers
Hi Sandra, If you can send your booking reference across we can check this for you.
******
thanks
Hi Sandra, I can confirm that at present the aircraft assigned to your flight can hold 258 passengers.