UK. Thomson and First Choice have confirmed that in summer 2016 they will be increasing capacity at London Stansted Airport through the introduction of additional seats and new long haul routes served by the Thomson Airways 787 Dreamliner.
Next year, for the first time, Thomson and First Choice will operate long haul flights from London Stansted to Mexico’s Caribbean Coast and Orlando, Florida. The new routes went on sale 23 April 2015.
Karen Switzer, Director of Aviation Planning for Thomson and First Choice, commented: “We’re excited to be able to extend our long haul offering served by the 787 Dreamliner to customers travelling from London Stansted to two of our most popular long haul destinations from their airport of choice.
“The introduction of new long haul routes to Orlando Sanford, Florida and Cancun, Mexico for the first time demonstrates our commitment to London Stansted Airport and the local area, and following the success of similar routes across a number of regional airports, we know that the demand is there.
“Expanding access to our portfolio of destinations and hotels is a key part of our overall strategy and we hope that this move will enhance the holiday experience for our customers.”
Stansted Airport Managing Director Andrew Harrison added: “Today’s announcement that Thomson Airways will introduce a new long haul programme to Orlando Sanford and Cancun using the Boeing 787 Dreamliner from Stansted Airport next year is fantastic news. This will be the first time an airline has operated the Dreamliner on any flight programme from Stansted and is another step in the right direction for the airport to offer passengers greater choice and to provide better services and facilities.
“I’m sure this news will be very well received by passengers seeking convenient long haul holidays from the region and we’re looking forward to supporting Thomson as it develops its new long-haul programme at Stansted.”
The news will be welcomed by Manchester Airports Group (MAG), which acquired London Stansted in 2013. London’s third largest airport is entering the final stages of the second phase of its £80 million transformation of the international departure lounge. In September 2014 MAG and World Duty Free Group unveiled a new 2,850sq m walk-though – a flagship store that underpins an in-depth overhaul of Stansted’s entire retail and F&B portfolio.
The latest F&B openings – which include the first ever James Martin Kitchen and Halo Champagne bar – will be showcased next week, at a special press event. Look out for the full report soon on www.TheMoodieReport.com.
