Airlines

UK leisure carrier Thomson Airways has emerged as the unidentified airline announced by Timco Aviation Services last week as committing to a major upgrade of its 12-strong Boeing 767-300ER fleet.

The TUI Group airline confirmed to ATI that it is the carrier which Timco says has agreed to a $40 million, five-year deal, plus two-year option, covering heavy maintenance and the fitting of Aviation Partners Boeing winglets and a new in-flight entertainment (IFE) system.

In a statement, Thomson Airways director of engineering Fraser Ellacott says: "We are delighted to be working with TIMCO on this project which will maintain, upgrade and enhance our fleet of Boeing 767s as part of our transition strategy to the Boeing 787. The continued installation of winglets on our aircraft demonstrates our committed to ensuring we maximise fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions."

TUI has just cancelled ten of its 23 Boeing 787 orders and added 13 purchase rights for the type which will eventually replace the 767s.

Greensville-based Timco says it will perform the winglet and IFE installations during the first year of the contract.