Member Article

Tour operators add 20,000 holidays from Newcastle Airport

Tour operators Thomson and First Choice have announced increased capacity from Newcastle, creating an extra 20,000 holidays for North East travellers next year.

The firms will offer new, 10 and 11 night durations to Costa Del Sol, Kefalonia and Rhodes, which will increase the number of weekly flights.

Paul Cooper, airport negotiations manager for Thomson and First Choice, said of the move: “Increasing our capacity from Newcastle International Airport demonstrates our commitment to the region 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.”

Chris Sanders, aviation development director at Newcastle International Airport, said: “This announcement is wonderful news for the north east travelling public. Even more passengers will be able to jet off on holiday from Newcastle Airport next year – with flexible options which will enable them to tailor their holiday to suit their individual needs.

“We’re delighted that Thomson and First Choice have made this further commitment to our region following a long and successful partnership with the airport.”

The announcement follows news that Thomson Airways will also operate the Thomson 787 Dreamliner to Cancun and Orlando from Newcastle airport, from July 21 2014.

Thomson and First Choice will be the first UK operator to fly customers on the Dreamliner from their local airport.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .