Travel News | Travel Advice

Thomson and First Choice, both part of TUI Travel, have been forced to delay expansion plans for flights and holidays to long haul destinations due to the delayed delivery of the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft it has on firm order.

TUI Travel have 23 of the new Boeing aircraft on firm order and Boeing have pushed the entire delivery schedule back. The introduction of new long haul destinations for both Thomson and First Choice is now no longer possible.

The delay in the delivery of the 787 aircraft is quite significant. First Choice Airways (which became part of the TUI group in 2007) was due to receive the first of the 23 787 Dreamliner aircraft in February 2009. This date has been put back to at least March 2011.

First Choice and Thomson are both now taking bookings for long haul holidays departing in 2010. These holidays can be secured with a deposit of just £100 and include destinations such as Sri Lanka, Cuba and the Maldives.

First Choice boasts some of the best long haul cabins in the UK, with economy customers receiving a generous 33” seat pitch, leather seats and a free pampering pack.

Suffering from the winter blues? Wondering what to get the Kids for Christmas?
First Choice offer once in a life time trips to Lapland, which surely beat any high street pressie!
Holiday packages are still available with First Choice, but don’t delay. With limited places they are sure to sell out fast.
Prices start from as little as £274 for a day trip to Lapland but why not consider a package and stay overnight.

Here are just a few of the deals on offer:
3 nights in Lapland flying from East Midlands on 14th Dec £371pp
4 nights in Lapland flying from London Gatwick on 10th Dec £367pp
7 nights in Lapland flying from Manchester on 28th Dec £749pp

Holidays to Lapland with First Choice include treats such as a visit to Santa’s underground grotto, reindeer sleigh rides and trips to icy igloos. Sure to remain in the memory long after the holiday has finished!

Trips to Lapland are also available with other tour operators such as Monarch Holidays.