Agents could be among the first to see Boeing’s new 787 Dreamliner aircraft when it is delivered to Thomson Airways next year.
The latest arrival date for the long-delayed aircraft is June 2012.
The Dreamliner will be initially tested on short domestic routes and agents could be invited on board during this period.
Mark German, head of aircraft management, said: “We will see if we can get agents on board to experience the aircraft during this time. The Civil Aviation Authority has got to approve everything at this stage, so if we can’t do that, we will do a fam trip as soon as we can. It’s very important to us that agents are able to experience the benefits of the aircraft.”
The Dreamliner will then be used on short haul flights before being employed for long haul routes.
“Initially we will use it on known, robust routes in case there are any technical issues. Our ultimate aim is for it to open up new long-haul destinations to the market.”
Chris Browne, managing director of Thomson Airways, said the company intended not to increase prices for flights on the new aircraft. “It’s very important for us to keep it affordable for our customers,” she said.
Brown was speaking at the launch of Thomson Airways’ Good Flight Guide, which offers beauty, fitness and wellbeing tips for consumers.