Thomson Airways Receives Its First Boeing 787

British leisure carrier Thomson Airways has taken delivery of its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

The aircraft, the first of eight Boeing 787-8 widebodies Thomson Airways has on order, is the first Dreamliner to be delivered to a UK airline.

Thomson Airways of the UK took delivery of its first Boeing 787-8 on May 31, 2013. The aircraft is seen here departing Paine Field in Washington, next to where Boeing’s main 787 final assembly line is located, for Manchester Airport in the UK

Thousands gathered to watch Thomson’s Dreamliner arrive at Manchester Airport, completing its delivery flight from Paine Field in Everett, Washington. Senior Thomson and Boeing executives, including Thomson Managing Director Chris Browne and Boeing Commercial Airplanes Vice President of Marketing Randy Tinseth, were onboard the delivery flight.

“After much anticipation, we are very excited to welcome the 787 Dreamliner to our fleet and as the first airline in the UK, hope our customers will enjoy the unique experience of this revolutionary aircraft,” said Browne.

“The extended flying range of the Dreamliner also unlocks a host of new and exciting holiday options for our customers, increasing the range of long-haul destinations available with Thomson Airways from four UK airports,” said Browne. “Customers will be amazed at the unique look, feel and service – all of which will ensure the unique Thomson holiday experience starts as soon as they step on board this fabulous new aircraft.”

Thomson Airways’ first Boeing 787 arrives at Manchester Airport in the UK on May 31, 2013, following its delivery flight from Paine Field in Everett. The aircraft was the first 787 to be delivered to a British airline

On July 8, Thomson’s first long-haul Dreamliner flights will operate from Manchester to Florida and Glasgow Airport to Cancun. Thomson will also operate 787 services from London Gatwick and East Midlands airports.

Later this year, the airline will introduce non-stop 787 flights to Phuket in Thailand from the UK.

Thomson’s Boeing 787-8s will each carry 291 passengers. Each is configured with 47 seats in the airline’s Premium Club cabin and 244 seats in the Economy Club cabin.

Thomson Airways is part of TUI Travel PLC ‒ which used the occasion of Thomson’s first Boeing 787 delivery to announce a commitment for 60 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft ‒ and is the UK’s third largest airline, operating 58 aircraft.