THOMSON AND FIRST CHOICE LAUNCH ENHANCED CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE AT DONCASTER SHEFFIELD AIRPORT - PLUS MORE ROUTES FOR 2010

TUI Travel UK & Ireland, the UK’s largest travel company and parent company of Thomson and First Choice, has today unveiled a number of innovations at Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield as part of a joint commitment with the Airport to give their passengers the best possible start to their holiday. At the same time the travel firm announced the addition of three new routes to operate from the Airport for Summer 2010.

Work has been underway in recent weeks to install dedicated branding in areas of the terminal, for both Thomson and First Choice, including a new dedicated Customer Service Desk, four branded check in desks, a First Choice children’s play area (to be officially opened soon) and a themed boarding gate.

Over £70,000 has been invested in the improvements aimed at making Thomson and First Choice passengers’ holiday start the moment they arrive at the airport, and simplifying their journey through the terminal.

The unveiling of the ‘new look’ areas coincided with the news that TUI will be adding three more destinations to be served from the Airport next summer. Lanzarote, in the Canary Islands, Antalya in Turkey and Monastir in Tunisia, will all be available direct from the Airport for the first time next year, with Summer 2010 holidays now on sale.

Commenting on today’s news, Neil Pakey, Deputy CEO for airport owners The Peel Airports Group said, “We’ve been working closely with the tour operator on this initiative for some time, wanting to create the Thomson/First Choice experience from the moment passengers arrive to the time they board their aircraft. The news that they will be operating additional routes next summer, further demonstrates their commitment to the Airport and to the region, giving passengers even more opportunities to fly from their local airport.”

Neil Morris, Planning Director TUI added, “It’s been great to work side by side with the airport to create the best experience for our customers.

He continued: “We have seen a high demand from customers wishing to fly out of Doncaster Sheffield Airport so we are delighted to be able to increase our destination offering and give these customers a greater choice.”

Photo: Neil Pakey, Deputy CEO for Peel Airports Group, Neil Morris, Planning Director for TUI with Joanne Hubbard & Kelly Hughes of Wetherspoons