TUI Group is to integrate all its in-house airlines across Europe under a single brand, TUIfly, by 2008, and is starting with the German carrier being formed by the combination of charter airline Hapagfly and budget operator Hapag-Lloyd Express.
The German tour operator revealed the new identity in December on a Boeing 737-800, and from this year the company will market its carriers through a new internet portal - to be unveiled this month. TUI's other five in-house airlines will be rebranded under the new name next year.
These five airlines comprise Arkefly in the Netherlands, Corsair in France, Jetair in Belgium, Thomsonfly (formerly Britannia Airways) in the UK, and TUIfly Nordic in Scandinavia. Together with the German division, the TUI airlines operate about 120 aircraft. TUI claims that the new strategy for its carriers will lead to an earnings benefit of €60 million ($79 million) by 2008.
Last month, TUI Group revealed a deal for 65 Boeing aircraft for delivery between 2010 and 2013. The €2 billion fleet-replacement deal comprises a new order for 41 aircraft combined with 24 which are the subject of previous agreements with the airframer.
It is yet to provide details of the types included in the order, although it is expected to centre on the 737 and 787.
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The unified TUIfly brand was unveiled last month on a 737-800 |
Source: Flight International
