Thomson Airways is to switch passengers booked on the 787 Dreamliner in May and June to alternative flights while the aircraft remains grounded following a battery fire at the start of the year.
The company’s customer service team is in the process of contacting all customers affected to inform them they will now be on Thomson Airways 767 longhaul aifrcraft, which offer premium cabins.
Supplements of £10 each way paid to travel on the Dreamliner will be refunded to holidaymakers who proceed with their original holiday booking, but customers will also have the option to change their holiday without being charged an amendment fee.
The company is also offering an £80 “goodwill gesture” to those booked on premium seats on the 787 Dreamliner.
Holidaymakers who booked through a travel agent should return to the store to discuss their holiday options, the company added. Consumers who booked direct through the Thomson or First Choice websites or call centre can call a dedicated helpline number for advice. The number is 0800 0723 829.
A spokesperson said: “We understand how frustrating and disappointing this news will be for those customers looking forward to flying on the 787 Dreamliner, we are equally disappointed that Boeing was not able to confirm a delivery date for us but unfortunately these circumstances are out of our control.”
The company will notify customers about July and August 787 flights as soon as further information comes through.
The aircraft has been grounded since mid-January following a battery fire on a Japan Airlines 787 flight. The aircraft are not expected to fly until the problem has been fixed.