TUI Airways
TUI Airways is a British charter airline, providing scheduled and charter leisure flights from bases in the United Kingdom and Ireland to over 100 destinations in Europe, Africa, Asia, and North America.[1][2] As a subsidiary of the TUI Group, it operates within a network of five airlines that collectively manage around 130 medium- and long-haul aircraft, including the largest fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners among leisure airlines.[3] The airline maintains a fleet of 68 all-Boeing aircraft, comprising models such as the Boeing 737 MAX 8 for short- and medium-haul routes and the Boeing 787 for long-haul services, configured with premium and economy cabins to enhance passenger comfort on holiday flights.[1][4] TUI Airways traces its origins to 1962 with the founding of its predecessor airline, which later became part of the TUI Group through mergers and rebrandings including as Britannia Airways and Thomson Airways before adopting its current name in October 2017 to align with the group's unified branding.[1][5] It has been certified as a 3-Star Leisure Airline by Skytrax for its seat comfort, cabin services, and overall product quality in the leisure sector.[6]History
Foundation and early operations
TUI Travel PLC was formed in September 2007 through the merger of TUI AG's tourism division and First Choice Holidays PLC, a transaction announced in March 2007 and approved by the European Commission in June 2007.[7][8][9] This corporate integration set the stage for consolidating the airlines of both entities—Thomsonfly and First Choice Airways—into a unified operation serving as the charter arm of the new group.[10] On 1 May 2008, Thomsonfly and First Choice Airways began operating under a single UK Civil Aviation Authority Air Operator's Certificate held by Thomsonfly, enabling streamlined administration and resource sharing.[11] The merged airline was officially rebranded as Thomson Airways on 1 November 2008, marking the creation of the UK's largest charter carrier at the time with a focus on supporting TUI Travel's leisure holiday packages.[12] Full operational amalgamation followed on 1 May 2009, allowing the airline to commence integrated services under the new identity.[13] The early fleet of Thomson Airways comprised Boeing 737-800s for short-haul routes, Boeing 757-200s for medium-haul, and Boeing 767-300s for longer sectors, totaling around 64 aircraft inherited from Thomsonfly alone, with additional assets from First Choice Airways.[14] Primary bases were at London Gatwick and Manchester, facilitating departures from multiple UK regional airports to enhance accessibility for holidaymakers.[13] Key milestones in the foundational period included the post-merger integration from the 2007 acquisition, the introduction of scheduled services alongside charters starting in 2009, and fleet expansion to over 50 aircraft by 2010 through new deliveries and efficiencies.[15] Operations centered on leisure charter flights to popular Mediterranean destinations such as Spain, Greece, and Turkey, departing from regional UK airports to serve TUI Travel's package holiday clientele.[16] This structure provided the basis for subsequent rebranding to align with the broader TUI Group identity.[17]Rebranding and expansion
Following the 2014 merger between TUI Travel PLC and TUI AG, Thomson Airways was integrated into the newly formed TUI Group, which consolidated its tourism operations under a unified brand structure.[18] This all-share merger created the world's leading integrated leisure tourism company, enabling streamlined operations and the gradual phase-out of sub-brands like Thomson across markets.[19] The integration positioned Thomson Airways as a key component of the group's airline division, facilitating coordinated growth in flight services tied to TUI's holiday packages.[20] A major expansion milestone came in 2012 when Thomson Airways announced the introduction of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner for long-haul routes, with the first aircraft delivered in May 2013, making it the inaugural UK leisure carrier to operate the type.[21][22] The Dreamliner fleet enabled efficient operations to distant destinations, supporting increased capacity on transatlantic and other extended routes. By 2017, the airline had grown its network to serve from 15 UK airports, contributing to a rise in annual passenger numbers to 11.3 million.[23] In October 2017, Thomson Airways completed its rebranding to TUI Airways on 2 October, aligning fully with the TUI Group's single-brand strategy and mirroring changes at sister airlines.[24] This included repainting the fleet in a new TUI livery featuring a dynamic wave design, along with a marketing campaign emphasizing seamless integration with TUI holidays.[25][5] The rebrand marked the culmination of efforts started post-merger to unify the group's identity.[26] Strategically, TUI Airways shifted toward balancing charter flights with more scheduled services during 2010–2017, reflecting broader industry trends among leisure carriers to offer year-round options.[27] This evolution supported entry into North American markets, including expanded routes to Mexico such as Cancun starting in 2015, operated via the Dreamliner for improved long-haul efficiency.[28] These developments enhanced connectivity for TUI's holiday portfolio while boosting overall capacity.[29]Recent developments
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, TUI Airways grounded its entire fleet in March 2020, suspending all flight operations in line with government guidelines.[30] The airline utilized the UK government's Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, furloughing approximately 11,000 staff members, including nearly all of its travel agency employees, to mitigate financial strain during the shutdown.[31] Operations resumed gradually in mid-2020, but capacity remained severely limited; by summer 2021, TUI Airways operated at around 60% of pre-pandemic levels amid ongoing travel restrictions and quarantine rules.[32] Post-pandemic recovery accelerated in 2022 and 2023, with the airline returning to near-full operations by 2023, carrying 11.5 million passengers compared to 11.8 million in 2019. In 2024, passenger numbers rose to approximately 12.0 million.[33][23] As part of fleet rationalization, TUI Airways retired its last Boeing 767-300ER aircraft on October 31, 2023, marking the end of nearly 40 years of service for the type in its operations.[34] To support ongoing recovery and modernization, the airline confirmed orders for Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2025 through a lease agreement for 14 Boeing 737 MAX 8s.[35] In late 2025, TUI Airways expanded its route network with new services, including a launch to Fuerteventura in Spain's Canary Islands from Cardiff Airport in December 2025 and to Hurghada in Egypt from the same base in May 2026, enhancing options for winter sun destinations.[36][37] However, the airline also axed several routes for summer 2025 to optimize its schedule, including reductions from London Gatwick and Bristol Airports to destinations like Saint Lucia and Cape Verde.[38] Strategic sustainability initiatives gained momentum, with TUI Airways incorporating 1,700 tons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) into its operations during the 2024 financial year, equivalent to avoiding the emissions from conventional jet fuel for the same volume.[39] Fleet modernization continued into 2025-2026, focusing on the integration of more fuel-efficient Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to reduce environmental impact and align with long-term decarbonization goals.[35]Corporate affairs
Headquarters and ownership
TUI Airways is headquartered at Wigmore House, located at Luton Airport Parkway in Luton, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom.[40] The airline relocated its registered office to this site on 2 October 2017 from its previous location at TUI Travel House in the Crawley Business Quarter, Fleming Way, Crawley, West Sussex.[41] This move aligned with the broader integration efforts following the rebranding and organizational changes within the TUI Group. TUI Airways operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of TUI Group, a German-based multinational tourism conglomerate headquartered in Hanover.[18] The full ownership structure was established through the 2014 merger between TUI AG and TUI Travel PLC, which was completed on 17 December 2014, creating a unified entity with TUI AG shareholders holding 56.4% and former TUI Travel shareholders holding 43.6%.[42] This merger consolidated control over TUI's airline operations, including TUI Airways, under the TUI Group umbrella. The airline is legally registered as TUI Airways Limited in England and Wales, with company number 00444359, having been incorporated on 28 October 1947.[40] It holds a United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Type A Operating Licence, which authorizes scheduled and charter flights for the carriage of passengers, cargo, and mail on aircraft with 20 or more seats.[43] Within the TUI Group, TUI Airways serves as the primary airline for the United Kingdom and Ireland markets, forming the UK and Ireland arm of the group's airline division.[18] It coordinates operations with sister airlines, such as TUI fly in Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Nordic countries, to support the group's integrated leisure travel services across Europe.[44]Management and governance
TUI Airways, as a wholly owned subsidiary of TUI Group, operates under the oversight of the TUI AG Executive Board, which consists of five members responsible for strategic direction across the group's airlines and tour operations.[45] The board is led by Chief Executive Officer Sebastian Ebel, appointed in 2022 and reappointed in November 2024 for a term extending to 2028, alongside other members including Chief Financial Officer Mathias Kiep and CEO of Markets & Airlines David Schelp, who joined the executive board in January 2024 to lead airline activities.[46] [47] At the local level, TUI Airways maintains a UK governance committee to ensure compliance with Civil Aviation Authority regulations and broader UK corporate standards.[40] Key executives for TUI Airways include Neil Swanson, Managing Director of TUI UK & Ireland since October 2024, who oversees the airline's integration within the regional tour operations, and Brendan Kelly, Director of Airline Operations appointed in August 2023, with a background in aviation finance and operational strategy.[48] [49] Schelp, with prior experience in digital and growth strategies at TUI Musement, brings expertise in aviation transformation to the subsidiary's leadership.[50] Governance practices emphasize adherence to the UK Corporate Governance Code for its UK-based operations, alongside TUI Group's dual-board structure under German stock corporation law, featuring a 20-member Supervisory Board chaired by Dieter Zetsche.[51] The group prioritizes diversity, targeting 35% female representation in management positions by 2026, with baseline measurements established in 2024 to track progress across subsidiaries including TUI Airways.[52] Risk management frameworks integrate safety protocols compliant with International Air Transport Association standards and sustainability initiatives, such as emission reduction targets, embedded in annual corporate reports.[51] Recent changes include the 2024 appointment of Schelp to bolster airline efficiency and digital integration post-COVID recovery, alongside reappointments to the executive board for continuity in navigating market volatility.[47] [46]Financial performance
TUI Airways, as part of TUI Group's Markets & Airlines segment, has shown steady revenue growth in recent years, contributing significantly to the overall tourism operations. In Q3 2025 (ended June 30, 2025), the segment reported revenue of €5.38 billion, marking a 6.8% increase year-over-year, primarily driven by strong demand for integrated holiday packages that combine flights with accommodations and services.[53] Profitability within the airline operations has improved markedly post-pandemic. The underlying EBIT for the Markets & Airlines segment reached €49.7 million in Q3 2025, reflecting robust operational efficiency. For the full year FY 2025 (ended September 30, 2025), preliminary results show TUI Group underlying EBIT of €1,459 million, exceeding prior guidance of 9-11% growth and up 12.6% year-over-year at constant currency; segment-specific details are pending full report release on December 10, 2025. Group revenue reached €24.2 billion, up 4.4% year-over-year. The segment carried approximately 21 million passengers in FY 2025, approaching pre-pandemic levels of around 25 million group-wide.[54][53] Key drivers of this performance include the post-COVID recovery, with higher load factors and pricing power in leisure travel. Cost savings from fleet modernization, such as the transition to more fuel-efficient Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, have reduced operating expenses per seat kilometer. Additionally, effective fuel hedging—covering approximately 70% of requirements for 2025—has mitigated volatility in jet fuel prices, stabilizing margins amid fluctuating energy markets.[55] The segment faced significant challenges during the early pandemic period, recording losses of approximately €2.0 billion in FY 2020 due to widespread travel restrictions and grounded fleets. These setbacks have been offset by substantial growth, with group-wide underlying EBIT rising 38% to €321 million in Q3 2025, underscoring the resilience and recovery of TUI Airways' integrated model.[56][53]Operations
Route network
TUI Airways operates from 24 primary hubs across the United Kingdom, including major airports such as London Gatwick, Manchester, and Birmingham, as well as secondary bases in Ireland like Dublin Airport. As of summer 2025, TUI Airways operates from Irish airports including Dublin, but plans to shift to partner airlines for Ireland from summer 2026.[57][58][59] These airports serve as departure points for a network spanning over 100 destinations in more than 30 countries, with seasonal expansions that can increase the total to around 120 routes during peak periods.[57] The airline's route network emphasizes short-haul flights, which account for the majority of its operations, primarily to popular European leisure destinations such as Spain (including Mallorca and Tenerife), Greece, and Turkey.[57] Long-haul services, comprising a smaller portion, connect to farther afield locations like Mexico, the United States (particularly Florida), Mauritius, and Cape Verde.[57] In 2025, the network saw additions including new routes to Hurghada in Egypt, as well as to Orlando and Melbourne in Florida, USA, enhancing connectivity to emerging holiday spots.[60] Conversely, some routes were discontinued for summer 2025, as part of schedule optimizations affecting select European and African destinations.[61] TUI Airways' strategy blends charter services, which support TUI Group's holiday packages and form the core of its leisure-focused model, with scheduled flights available for independent travelers.[62] High-frequency operations underscore key routes, for instance, with daily flights to Palma de Mallorca from multiple UK hubs during the summer season, contributing to dozens of weekly departures overall to this top destination.[60] This approach ensures flexibility for both package holidays and standalone bookings, while partnerships occasionally extend reach to additional points.[62]Partnerships and codeshares
TUI Airways maintains codeshare agreements with several airlines to expand its connectivity, particularly for holiday packages offered through the TUI Group. Notable partnerships include those with BA CityFlyer and Air Mauritius, enabling passengers to access additional routes operated by these carriers under TUI flight codes.[63] Similarly, codeshares with Air Malta and Virgin Atlantic support enhanced travel options to key European and long-haul destinations.[63] Within the TUI Group, TUI Airways collaborates closely with sister airlines such as TUI fly Deutschland, facilitating interline connections across Europe and beyond for seamless group travel.[62] Additionally, a partnership with Volaris integrates TUI's tour offerings into the Mexican carrier's Ya Vas travel agency, allowing for bundled flight and activity extensions to Mexico.[64] Interline agreements further bolster TUI Airways' network by incorporating flights from British Airways and easyJet as feeder services for UK domestic and short-haul connections, enhancing access to TUI's core leisure routes.[65][66] These arrangements provide passengers with broader options beyond TUI's proprietary network.[62] Strategically, these partnerships enable expansions such as increased Canadian connectivity. Joint ventures within the TUI Group, including integrations with TUI Hotels, facilitate seamless transfers from flights to accommodations, improving overall holiday experiences without disrupting core route operations.[67] Beyond codeshares, TUI Airways engages in wet-lease collaborations with smaller carriers to manage peak-season capacity, such as agreements with Fly2Sky for summer 2025 operations across Europe.[68] Similar deals, such as with Global Crossing Airlines for TUI fly Netherlands, provide additional Airbus A320 capacity during high-demand periods like July and August, focusing solely on temporary operational support rather than long-term fleet expansion.[69]Fleet
Current fleet
As of November 2025, TUI Airways operates a fleet of approximately 61 all-Boeing active aircraft, consisting of narrow-body models for short- and medium-haul routes and wide-body aircraft for long-haul operations.[1][4] The current fleet composition is detailed in the following table:| Aircraft Type | In Service | Seats | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boeing 737-800 | 30 | 189 | Short-haul |
| Boeing 737 MAX 8 | 21 | 197 | Short-haul |
| Boeing 787-8/9 | 10 | 345 | Long-haul |