First Choice Airlines insists a six-month delay in delivery of the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner will not compromise its summer programme for 2009.
The carrier will be the first in the UK to fly the 787, which was due to make its maiden flight next month until Boeing announced a half-year delay.
Japanese carrier ANA was expecting delivery of the first 787 next May and First Choice expected its first aircraft in February-March 2009, with a second to arrive in the summer.
The fuel-saving 787, which is made from carbon composites, is predicted to revolutionise long-haul flying. It will be capable of flying from regional airports and opening unused routes and destinations.
A First Choice Airlines spokeswoman said: “We don’t know the impact on delivery yet, but the aircraft would run on existing routes for the first season. There are no implications for the programme.”
The recently merged carrier has 23 of the aircraft on order – 12 purchased by First Choice Airlines and 11 by former rival-turned-partner TUI. Monarch Airlines also has the 787 on order and British Airways ordered 24 last month.