New economy and premium in-flight services will feature on Thomas Cook Airlines’ Airbus A330 long haul fleet in time for next summer.
The economy cabin will include ergonomically designed light weight seats, alongside 8.9” touch screen on-demand in-flight entertainment system and a range of films.
Customers will also receive a three-course meal designed by celebrity chef James Martin, snacks as standard, 23kg baggage allowance (20kg on non-US routes) and 6kg hand baggage allowance.
The airline’s four Manchester-based A330s will feature the new premium cabin, with 49 seats in a 2-3-2 configuration, with more legroom and width. With adjustable headrests and footrests, the seats will also have personal in-arm tray tables and feature the 8.9” touchscreen on-demand system with a wider range of films.
Premium passengers will have 2x23kg (USA) or 1x30kg (non-USA) baggage, 10kg hand baggage, special check-in and bag drop, fast track security for departures and advance boarding.
They will receive a welcome drink, a three-course James Martin meal, free alcoholic drinks as well as an amenity kit, headphones, pillows and blankets.
Customers who have already booked existing premium economy seats on board prior for departures prior to May 2015 will be seated in the new cabin once aircraft are refurbished. The new premium service will begin in May 2015.
The refurbished A330 fleet will to serve the airline’s long haul programme from Manchester, Gatwick, Stansted, Glasgow and Belfast to destinations including New York, Miami, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cuba and the Caribbean.
The fleet includes four aircraft which will offer a configuration of 273 economy seats and a 49-seat premium cabin on routes from Manchester. These aircraft will also fly Belfast to Florida and Las Vegas routes in summer 2015.
Two other A330S will operate long haul routes from Glasgow, Stansted, and Gatwick.
Airline CEO Christoph Debus said: “It’s great news for our long haul customers in 2015 that they will experience our new and significantly enhanced on-board cabins and service.
“As more and more customers book flight-only seats, it’s also important that we compete with scheduled airlines on these routes, combining great value and great service to provide outstanding value for money for the savvy long haul traveller.
“Our brand new long haul economy cabins and service will challenge perceptions of our airline, and our new premium will ensure those customers experience a great range of services, whether they are celebrating a special event and want to fly in style or need to relax on a business trip.”
Holidays and flights on the refurbished A330 aircraft go on sale this week with New York return leading in at £389 or £649 for premium.