TUI airways-2

[Smudge's Lot]

SE-RFZ (ex TUIK) is now estimated to be repaired by the end of Jan 22!!!

[AlexKitch]

Does anybody know why G-OBYG is EOL instead of freighter conversion?

[BOHEuropean]

SE-RFZ (ex TUIK) is now estimated to be repaired by the end of Jan 22!!!

What happened to it in Arlanda? I see it's not flown since 18th October

[speedrestriction]

What happened to it in Arlanda? I see it's not flown since 18th October

In the aviation equivalent of Rock, Paper, Scissors it would appear that Steel beats Carbon Fibre.


https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/768x1024/dd85d73d_cb43_45e7_8568_0afdc44d3ccb_7427e7924d2f3cca84e2956 1607962466121c784.jpeg

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/768x1024/4003fcdf_f25a_4dbe_977f_a9b1c9098313_dc1e52256a93a0c20de075a a636cc297d1e6f9a6.jpeg

Not an easy fix.

[VickersVicount]

My alert level with TUI generally has just gone up a notch… a reasonable number of ‘operational’ incidents and events over past few months which I haven’t previously been aware of.

[speedrestriction]

To be fair to TUI, a ground handler driving a catering truck into the side of the aircraft is something that can happen any time and anywhere - just bad luck. CF repair is a more complex affair than on more traditional build methods.

[Smudge's Lot]

Does anybody know why G-OBYG is EOL instead of freighter conversion?
It's not TUI's responsibility to turn it into a freighter, it's only duty is to return it to the Lessor in a fit state.

[speedrestriction]

It's not TUI's responsibility to turn it into a freighter, it's only duty is to return it to the Lessor in a fit state.

A few years ago a friend of mine ferried a 9 year old A319 to the US to be parted out - more demand for parts at that time than second hand minibuses. Lots of different economic considerations (cost of conversion, value parted out, cost of routine maintenance etc) to be balanced as a pax aircraft reaches the end of its airline life.

[GBYAJ]

I’ve noticed on FR24 the 737-Max’s are now operating more from Glasgow and Newcastle instead of the usual 737/800’s. Anyone know if this is a permanent switch or just keeping them busy over the winter?

[ROC10]

I’ve noticed on FR24 the 737-Max’s are now operating more from Glasgow and Newcastle instead of the usual 737/800’s. Anyone know if this is a permanent switch or just keeping them busy over the winter?

GLA, CWL, NCL and DSA have recently switched from being 1x738 to 1x7M8. It makes sense particularly for GLA and NCL due to their more northerly positions meaning most flights are a bit longer than from other bases.

[GBYAJ]

GLA, CWL, NCL and DSA have recently switched from being 1x738 to 1x7M8. It makes sense particularly for GLA and NCL due to their more northerly positions meaning most flights are a bit longer than from other bases.

thanks, next question! Given the seating capacity is the same and assume cabin crew can switch easily between them (And perhaps flight crew?) at the larger bases that have both types (including NCL during the summer) are they used interchangeably?

[ROC10]

thanks, next question! Given the seating capacity is the same and assume cabin crew can switch easily between them (And perhaps flight crew?) at the larger bases that have both types (including NCL during the summer) are they used interchangeably?

I don’t work for TUI so I’m not sure. I would imagine that will probably end up being the case if a mix of types will be required at these bases during the summer (as is currently the case at LGW/MAN/BHX).

[manchesterflyer2]

Hi I'm cc for TUI; for CC there is practically no difference between the MAX and NG other than a couple of safety equipment location differences which can be covered in an online training module. Seating layout is identical. For flight crew the two variants are totally interchangeable once some additional training on the Max has been completed. I'm not 100% but presume max a/c are being plotted into regional programmes in order to give flight crew at based regional stations opportunities to get increased exposure to it.

[P330]

Just noticing on a booking for Easter next year (2023), that TUI are still showing the 767 as operating some flights.

Is this what people were expecting? I thought they would have all gone by then?

Do the medium hall 767s have PTVs?

[JKKne]

Random one but I’ve booked a few flights with TUI out of NCL this year into REU and PMI.

On all 10 flights the last 4 rows are blocked off from reserving. Am I entirely unlucky or are they just not accepting reservations for some reason for the rear of the plane?

I thought initially an equipment change but I’d imagine the 737-8 (either TUI or sunwing) and the max would have the same rows?

[loopylee]

They are blocked off to allow check in to be able to sort out any seating issues with families split up etc! Just enables flexibility.

[P330]

Looks like TUIN is landing in the mid-Azores. Was on way to Bridgetown from LGW.

Unusual diversion!

[CabinCrewe]

Looks like TUIN is landing in the mid-Azores. Was on way to Bridgetown from LGW.
Unusual diversion!
Isn’t it a (relatively common) recognised diversion airport?

[LBAflyer22]

Anyone know what short haul rotations the 787 will be doing from MAN this summer? I’ve tired googling it but it just brings up all the summer plans for S21 not S22.

[Smudge's Lot]

I don't think they have an idea what the 787s are doing next week, let alone for the summer!

[Curious Pax]

I don't think they have an idea what the 787s are doing next week, let alone for the summer!

Presumably G-TUIP’s delivery isn’t imminent as it’s been ferried from Charleston to Victorville?

[jethro15]

Presumably G-TUIP’s delivery isn’t imminent as it’s been ferried from Charleston to Victorville?
That's correct, went to Victorville yesterday.

[Matt995]

Anyone know what short haul rotations the 787 will be doing from MAN this summer? I’ve tired googling it but it just brings up all the summer plans for S21 not S22.

schedules all shows on google flights ok, I found this one straight away!!! :-

Monday July 11th : MAN-DLM TOM336 6:30PM - 12:50AM Boeing 787

[Mr @ Spotty M]

No B787s around the world are imminent delivery, unless they are second hand.

[jethro15]

No B787s around the world are imminent delivery, unless they are second hand
All completed airframes since Aug last year require rectification work. Correct?

[Mr @ Spotty M]

Yes, but as yet nothing approved by the FAA on what needs doing.

[LBAflyer22]

Everything alright at TUI? Im going on holiday from Manchester in a few weeks and cannot help but see they are suffering delays from Manchester on a good chunk of flights, especially the long haul services (I'll be using LH). If this is February then I feel sorry for them come July. Weekends I ignore as Ski season brings about delays to flights to destinations due to volume of traffic heading down to the alps.

[azz767]

Everything alright at TUI? Im going on holiday from Manchester in a few weeks and cannot help but see they are suffering delays from Manchester on a good chunk of flights, especially the long haul services (I'll be using LH). If this is February then I feel sorry for them come July. Weekends I ignore as Ski season brings about delays to flights to destinations due to volume of traffic heading down to the alps.

Looking at the MAN thread I think the issue is more the capacity of the handling agents than TUI. I must admit when I went to PUJ in December and was looking at the flight in the weeks prior, it was consistently an hour late as were most of the long haul flights, but as I say, I think this is a MAN/handling agent issue as opposed to a TUI issue.

[SWBKCB]

or put another way, it's a TUI issue cos they don't pay their handling agents enough.

[LBAflyer22]

Ahhh seems to put me at ease slightly. However maybe it's time TUI did what jet2 did many years ago and self handle completely at big stations like MAN BHX LGW where they've got ultimate control over everything. Small bases such as NCL, DSA, EMA don't seem to have much of an issue.

[double-oscar]

TUI does not help itself in having a lot of departures planned in a short space of time. For example, today at MAN four long-haul flights departing within 30 minutes. This might have worked pre-pandemic but at the moment staffing in many areas is not back up to pre-Covid levels. Handling agents are struggling to employ staff and when they do they take time to train. Likewise security channels at Manchester Airport are still not open like they were pre-pandemic and so at busy times queues can be long. It’s also not easy to alter the timings as these are often set months in advance and there can be significant knock on effects. Hopefully, as things get back to normal the situation will improve.

[LiamNCL]

Cant access the article as its behind a paywall but ch-aviation reports that UK's TUI Airways to add ACMI B787 capacity from 2Q22 (https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/112751-uks-tui-airways-to-add-acmi-b787-capacity-from-2q22)

[CabinCrewe]

Not sure I understand. They will bring in ACMI capacity to supplement UK or the UK 787s will go elsewhere in an ACMI role..?

[CWL757]

Not sure I understand. They will bring in ACMI capacity to supplement UK or the UK 787s will go elsewhere in an ACMI role..?
I was wondering the same thing, quite a poorly worded title.

I'd imagine its bringing it in for the summer, seeing that the fleet is usually quite stretched during the summer season. I dont know who has spare dreamliners hanging around in a similar config to TUIs though. Maybe Norse Atlantic?

[H44]

I'm not sure if the 787 capacity being added is ACMI, or 787's are being juggled around between the various TUI AOC's, eg. possibly moving the TUI Nordic Swedish registered 787 back to the UK reg. I have heard that there might be external widebody capacity being added, not sure if they will be 787's though.

[oldbalboy]

The ACMI 787 is being based at Manchester to support TUI flying & 2 x A321on ACMI to be at LGW

[Downwind_Left]

The only other airline I could think of other than TUI Nordic, which wouldn’t really be true ACMI, would be EuroAtlantic that are reportedly in the process of adding 2 787-8s from AeroMexico.

[sparkie320]

See TUI are using Sunwings this year after a very long period, good to see them back hope a good summer ahead
C-FJVE 10/5/22-3/10/22
C-FWGH 28/4/22-1/11/22
C-FYJD 28/4/22-1/11/22
C-GFEH 12/5/22-1/10/22

[P330]

See TUI are using Sunwings this year after a very long period, good to see them back hope a good summer ahead
C-FJVE 10/5/22-3/10/22
C-FWGH 28/4/22-1/11/22
C-FYJD 28/4/22-1/11/22
C-GFEH 12/5/22-1/10/22

Do we know where they will be based?

[sparkie320]

Norwich, for sure as we dont have any TUI based here due to cost, Aberdeen Dublin or Belfast perhaps depending i guess on the schedule for these this summer
Mark

[2Planks]

Last Saturday, 26 Feb, there are numerous reports of queues in excess of 2 hours for TUI bag drop at Birmingham and long queues at Manchester, which led to delays in departure times at both airports. Is the handling by TUI or an agent and why was it such a surprise that so many skiers turned up to fly to the Alps?

[commit aviation]

WestJet takes over Canadian rival Sunwing | Travel Weekly (https://travelweekly.co.uk/news/air/westjet-takes-over-canadian-rival-sunwing)

I wonder how this will affect the current relationship between Tui & Sunwing
"This will add increased capacity, dedicating otherwise seasonal aircraft to operate year-round in Canada, instead of Sunwing supplementing seasonal demand with imported aircraft."
Implies less aircraft needed in Canada during the winter. Nothing to indicate about summer traffic in the European direction.

[NickBarnes]

WestJet takes over Canadian rival Sunwing | Travel Weekly (https://travelweekly.co.uk/news/air/westjet-takes-over-canadian-rival-sunwing)

I wonder how this will affect the current relationship between Tui & Sunwing
"This will add increased capacity, dedicating otherwise seasonal aircraft to operate year-round in Canada, instead of Sunwing supplementing seasonal demand with imported aircraft."
Implies less aircraft needed in Canada during the winter. Nothing to indicate about summer traffic in the European direction.


​​​​​Was going to post are the 4 Sunwing aircraft due this summer still coming? If they are could this possibly mean this will be the last Summer we will see them

[Yeehaw22]

​​​​​Was going to post are the 4 Sunwing aircraft due this summer still coming? If they are could this possibly mean this will be the last Summer we will see them

Yes and yes. I believe winter 22/23 will be the last time any aircraft will transfer.

[NickBarnes]

Yes and yes. I believe winter 22/23 will be the last time any aircraft will transfer.

Thanks Yeehaw22 for your reply, will be interested who comes in for the Summer bases in the future such as NWI, as its had Germania and of course Sunwing till now.

[P330]

When TUI send aircraft to Canada for winter, who crews them?

If it is UK crew, how does it work practically? People based there all winter, 3 weeks on/off, or rotational through the entire family.

Interested what its like for UK crew on a medium term run out of the country...

Also am I right by saying, when TUI go to Canada, the aircraft go onto the Canadian register for winter, but Sunwing aircraft retain their Canadian status when spending the summer here? If so, any reason for the different approach?

[loopylee]

Only TUI pilots go to Canada on the G reg planes, they're crewed by Sunwing cabin crew who are retrained to TUI procedures.

[P330]

Only TUI pilots go to Canada on the G reg planes, they're crewed by Sunwing cabin crew who are retrained to TUI procedures.

Thanks. So, do they stay all winter or is it rotated? If you were on the books at TUI, would that be a good gig to get?

[LiamNCL]

Thanks. So, do they stay all winter or is it rotated? If you were on the books at TUI, would that be a good gig to get?

There is none that has stayed on the G Register this winter.

[AirportPlanner1]

If you were on the books at TUI, would that be a good gig to get?

Yes if you want to do some flying in interesting places, no if you hate sub-zero temperatures in your downtime

[L66MBD]

Hi, who are operating these please?

[CWL757]

Hi, who are operating these please?
The 320s have come from Smartlynx previously so possibly them again

[Vokes55]

Looks like Smartlynx out of DSA and Avion Express and Titan out of LGW.

Assuming the first two can recruit any crew to fly the aircraft of course.

[FRatSTN]

How many of the DSA and LGW based fleet is planned to be A320's?

[GBYAJ]

How many of the DSA and LGW based fleet is planned to be A320's?

does anyone know the plan for NCL pls? I think pre-covid 2020 was planned to be 4 based aircraft some of which were to be leased. Obvs for the past 2 years Its been greatly reduced and very flexible//unpredictable

[Vokes55]

Last time I checked it was 2x A320 and 2x A321 from LGW and 1x A320 from DSA. Everything else operated by TUI. Newcastle is 4x 738/MAX. The 4 ACMI at LGW is essentially a like for like replacement of Norwegian pre-covid.

By all accounts bottom feeders Avion Express and Smartlynx haven’t got anywhere close to the number of pilots they need for summer, so I’m sure it’ll be a fun summer season for all who’ve decided to go down the path of cheap foreign contractors. TUI, Jet2, easyJet and BA are all signed up.

[Matt995]

TUI current summer aircraft allocation:-

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/432x531/screenshot_2022_03_18_175003_83f4975d9c590e404c19fa527860198 7f2bb6ce1.png

subject to change!

[P330]

Really interesting - thanks for sharing!

Are the Max and 738 used interchangeably or will the Max be used on specific flights when there is a mix at a base?

[inOban]

How will they operate their remaining services from EDI?

[irishlad06]

TUI current summer aircraft allocation:-

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/432x531/screenshot_2022_03_18_175003_83f4975d9c590e404c19fa527860198 7f2bb6ce1.png

subject to change!


does MAN include the additional leased in B787 and the air tanker A330 ? G-VYGK

[Matt995]

I believe the Max aircraft will fly the same programme every week, and will not be interchangeable with the 738's, the Max will operate most of the Egypt & Cape Verde flights.

The 3 Edinburgh flights will be operated on "W" patterns by the ABZ or NCL based 738's

The leased in 787 at Manchester, I think is due to be a "spare" aircraft, so not included in my breakdown, and the Air Tanker A330 is not showing in any schedules at present, not certain if it might operate extra flights, or maybe replace a 737/763/787 , hence schedule it always subject to final confirmation.

As already mentioned, there is still a query about the SmartLynx A320's/A321's, and if they have enough aircraft/crews to go around for the summer.

[Vokes55]

I think the “leased” 787 is just the BLX 789 coming back for Summer but remaining on the SE register. Due to do MAN-CUN

[inOban]

I hadn't realised that Edinburgh operations were being slashed that much, considering that, pre-covid, the one based a/c was fully utilised.

[BFS BHD]

Where's the Sunwing B738s due to be based? Looks like there's four due over this year.

[CabinCrewe]

I hadn't realised that Edinburgh operations were being slashed that much, considering that, pre-covid, the one based a/c was fully utilised.
Didn’t it do a number of w patterns?

[inOban]

No more than a couple. Generally an early rotation to the Med followed by an afternoon to the Canaries.

[Matt995]

Where's the Sunwing B738s due to be based? Looks like there's four due over this year.

Believe they are going to be based at Aberdeen, Belfast & Norwich, but the 4th one is a bit more uncertain, had heard it might possibly be Cardiff

[Kc4475]

It looks like the Air tanker may be operating the flight to Tenerife from Manchester on the 06/09/22 by the seating plan shown when booking.

[Vokes55]

It looks like the Air tanker may be operating the flight to Tenerife from Manchester on the 06/09/22 by the seating plan shown when booking.

Are you sure it’s not the 767? If Airtanker are operating for TUI I think it’ll be on a backup basis to cover for the lack of spare if TUIP isn’t delivered by Summer.

[Matt995]

It looks like the Air tanker may be operating the flight to Tenerife from Manchester on the 06/09/22 by the seating plan shown when booking.

should be flight TOM2202/3, departure time of 06:55, and arrives back at 17:00, planned to be on the B763

[Matt995]

TUI Summer Timetable attached, based on the month of August, which is sorted by flight number order.

I'm not 100% certain on which flights the 788 & 789 are planned to do at Gatwick and Manchester, i'm presuming the 789 will only be long haul, the 788, a mix of short and long haul.

Again, subject to any last minute changes/cancellations.

[Kc4475]

Apologies I meant the flight on the 05/09/22 from Manchester departing at 15:00. I think it’s scheduled for the 788. But seating ma- shows a configuration in 2-4-2 x 42 rows ?

[rog747]

Apologies I meant the flight on the 05/09/22 from Manchester departing at 15:00. I think it’s scheduled for the 788. But seating ma- shows a configuration in 2-4-2 x 42 rows ?

Could be the Air Tanker A330 which is said to be on ACMI lease for TUI

The BY 763's have 46 rows of 2-4-2

[GrahamK]

Apologies I meant the flight on the 05/09/22 from Manchester departing at 15:00. I think it’s scheduled for the 788. But seating ma- shows a configuration in 2-4-2 x 42 rows ?
TOM2106 is a 787

[P330]

TUI Summer Timetable attached, based on the month of August, which is sorted by flight number order.

I'm not 100% certain on which flights the 788 & 789 are planned to do at Gatwick and Manchester, i'm presuming the 789 will only be long haul, the 788, a mix of short and long haul.

Again, subject to any last minute changes/cancellations.

Fantastic - thanks for sharing!

[Kc4475]

Could be the Air Tanker A330 which is said to be on ACMI lease for TUI

The BY 763's have 46 rows of 2-4-2

Thats what I was thinking. The seating plan on the TUI website when booking is the same as one of the air tanker configurations.

[gdiddy]

Could be the Air Tanker A330 which is said to be on ACMI lease for TUI

The BY 763's have 46 rows of 2-4-2

Thats surprised me, I thought all of TUI's 767s were in the industry standard configuration of 7 seats abreast in a 2-3-2 configuration, as they adopted when they took over Air 2000 and refurbished all aircraft to the same standard.

[pamann]

Thats surprised me, I thought all of TUI's 767s were in the industry standard configuration of 7 seats abreast in a 2-3-2 configuration, as they adopted when they took over Air 2000 and refurbished all aircraft to the same standard.

The ex FCA 767 were all in a 2-3-2 config. The traditional BY 767 fleet were and still are 2-4-2. The fleet were not refurbished to the ex FCA config during the merger, they were kept as they were.
All ex FCA 767’s left the fleet once the 787 fleet were established.

[rog747]

BY's 767-204/204ER and the later 767-304ER's were all delivered with a 2-4-2 config from new, with no premium fit.
The -204's from new were 273Y then to 290Y (reduced to 258 when they did the winter Oz charters)

The 767-304ER's had 328 seats in Economy Class, and also a later Thomson fit with 31 Premium 2-3-2 seats in the front 5 rows of the cabin that gave a total of 315 seats.
The Boeing 767-304ER fleet G-OBYA - YJ were first delivered new to Britannia Airways from 1996 - 4 of the new order did pass quickly over to the short-lived Britannia Airways GmbH of Germany.
Returning to Britannia UK, until their re-brand as Thomsonfly, then Thomson Airways, TUI Airways.
Many BY 763's also flew for sister TUI airlines - JetairFly TUIFly Belgium ArkeFly TUI Airlines Netherlands Britannia Nordic TUIFly Nordic and TUIfly GmbH.

In 1998 Air 2000 AMM took over Leisure International from Unijet and inherited their 2 newish 767-39HER's (ILFC) with a 2-4-2 fit.
The Leisure International Airways pair G-UKLH/LI were re-regd G-OOAN and AO.
AN was kept to 2013, but AO was returned early in 2001.

AMM had cancelled the 4 x A330-200's that Leisure had on order to standardise on the 767, and so AMM then ordered for 1999 and 2000 2 new 767-38AERs from GECAS in a 2-4-2 fit. No Premium cabin afaik.
G-OOAL and AM. But both were returned early to GECAS in 2003 and 2004.
AL was later to join the TUI Airways fleet many years later in 2017, strangely registered as G-OBYK.

Renamed FCA, who now ended up obtaining early build 763's from EVA Air and Vietnam AL that FCA fitted with a low density 2-3-2 cabin with high quality seats with 33' legroom, plus a 'luxury' Premium cabin...
Merger with Thomson's came along and the TOM/FCA fleets got very fragmented, as did their configs.

[Downwind_Left]

In 1998 Air 2000 AMM took over Leisure International from Unijet and inherited their 2 newish 767-39HER's (ILFC) with a 2-4-2 fit.
The Leisure International Airways pair G-UKLH/LI were re-regd G-OOAN and AO.
AN was kept to 2013, but AO was returned early in 2001.

AMM had cancelled the 4 x A330-200's that Leisure had on order to standardise on the 767, and so AMM then ordered for 1999 and 2000 2 new 767-38AERs from GECAS in a 2-4-2 fit. No Premium cabin afaik.
G-OOAL and AM. But both were returned early to GECAS in 2003 and 2004.
AL was later to join the TUI Airways fleet many years later in 2017, strangely registered as G-OBYK.

Renamed FCA, who now ended up obtaining early build 763's from EVA Air and Vietnam AL that FCA fitted with a low density 2-3-2 cabin with high quality seats with 33' legroom, plus a 'luxury' Premium cabin...
Merger with Thomson's came along and the TOM/FCA fleets got very fragmented, as did their configs.

Not quite accurate.

Air 2000 were the first to announce and introduce a Premium economy product (Classic Premium) on their first new build 767s, G-OOAL/M, to be delivered in 1999 and 2000. Total seats 312, W38Y274. These were ordered before the Leisure merger.

This caused both Airtours and Monarch to do an about-face with their newly ordered A330s, both planned an all Y380 seat layout but changed to include a Premium cabin by delivery.

The ex-Leisure pair 767 G-OOAN/O gained premium cabins the winter 1999/2000 season.

The Leisure order was only for 2 PW powered A330-200s, originally due to be delivered in 2000. Order cancelled shortly after the takeover.

G-OOAO left the fleet in 2001, G-OOAM in 2003. Leaving just the other pair to soldier on.

In late 2003 the company decided to go long-haul in a big way, and start to expand and roll over the whole long-haul fleet. The ex-Vietnam Airlines 767s were the interim lift, arriving from late 2004, pending delivery of the 787s which First Choice were the European launch customer for in early 2004. In fact it was still the 7E7 when the order was placed. The refurbishment of these aircraft was reportedly part of the 7E7 deal with Boeing. The Vietnam Airlines aircraft weren’t early build, being less than 10 years old at the time. Configuration was 258, W63Y195.

G-OOAL left the fleet in 2005, which left just G-OOAN which was reconfigured to W62Y196, note slightly different config to the others.

The EVA Air pair were acquired in 2006/7, which were slightly older but from the same era as the rest of the fleet (1992 build) while around the same time the 787 order was increased accordingly from 6 to 8.

By the time of the Thomson merger, First Choice had 12 787-8 orders due to the success of the new long haul programme, and all the refurbished 767s including G-OOAN became part of the Thomson fleet.

For 2006, which was the last full year of independence for First Choice, they were serving;
Antigua, Aruba, Barbados, Cancun, Cayo Coco, Columbo, Cozumel, Holguin, Huatulco, Male, Mombassa, Montego Bay, Orlando/Sanford, Porlamar, Puerto Plata, Puerto Vallarta, Punta Cana, Salvador, Varadero. Plus winter only flights to Goa and Trivandrum. A far wider range than is served today by TUI, but at much lower frequency. Many of the flights were fortnightly, with attendant cost and operational complexity. The TUI model is much more based on frequency to the main destinations.

[737James]

I am after some help if possible please, I am off to Turkey with Tui in July from BHX up until 8 weeks ago both flights were shown as being with Tui in both directions on a 738, We then got notification that the outbound flight was being changed to airline TBC the flights are on Saturday Dep BHX 20:50 Arr DLM 02:50 inbound Dep DLM arr BHX 19:50 so I assume this be an airline based in Turkey. As you can the see the outbound time is pretty awful as losing full day and night in resort as wont be at hotel until 5-6am


I have spoken to Tui a number of times and they claim that they still do not know who the carrier is going to be which I dont get as someone must have applied for the slots to operate this, It appears this flight runs every week from 28/05 through to 24/09 so its only 8 weeks until the first departure, Can anyone give me any further insight about whom we will be flying with

[USERNAME_]

I am after some help if possible please, I am off to Turkey with Tui in July from BHX up until 8 weeks ago both flights were shown as being with Tui in both directions on a 738, We then got notification that the outbound flight was being changed to airline TBC the flights are on Saturday Dep BHX 20:50 Arr DLM 02:50 inbound Dep DLM arr BHX 19:50 so I assume this be an airline based in Turkey. As you can the see the outbound time is pretty awful as losing full day and night in resort as wont be at hotel until 5-6am


I have spoken to Tui a number of times and they claim that they still do not know who the carrier is going to be which I dont get as someone must have applied for the slots to operate this, It appears this flight runs every week from 28/05 through to 24/09 so its only 8 weeks until the first departure, Can anyone give me any further insight about whom we will be flying with

I would assume it’s Freebird, they’ve operated for TUI in the past.

[airhumberside]

TUI Summer Timetable attached, based on the month of August, which is sorted by flight number order.

I'm not 100% certain on which flights the 788 & 789 are planned to do at Gatwick and Manchester, i'm presuming the 789 will only be long haul, the 788, a mix of short and long haul.

Again, subject to any last minute changes/cancellations.
There is also BY3213 PMI-HUY and BY3212 HUY-PMI on a Tuesday - not sure what base will operate these flights

[Matt995]

There is also BY3213 PMI-HUY and BY3212 HUY-PMI on a Tuesday - not sure what base will operate these flights

Looks like the Tuesday Gatwick flights are being rescheduled!

TOM 4230/1 Palma 06:15 - 20:35 times have changed, & now looks to be the aircraft to operate the Humberside flights, possibly the A320
TOM 4254/5 Palma 07:30 - 20:50 times have changed, & now appears to operate to Teesside, possibly a 738?

interestingly the A320s and A321's aircraft types at Gatwick, seem to have been removed from some booking engines, wonder if they are trying to lease in different aircraft types now?

[rog747]

Not quite accurate.

Air 2000 were the first to announce and introduce a Premium economy product (Classic Premium) on their first new build 767s, G-OOAL/M, to be delivered in 1999 and 2000. Total seats 312, W38Y274. These were ordered before the Leisure merger.
This caused both Airtours and Monarch to do an about-face with their newly ordered A330s, both planned an all Y380 seat layout but changed to include a Premium cabin by delivery.
The ex-Leisure pair 767 G-OOAN/O gained premium cabins the winter 1999/2000 season.
The Leisure order was only for 2 PW powered A330-200s, originally due to be delivered in 2000. Order cancelled shortly after the takeover.

G-OOAO left the fleet in 2001, G-OOAM in 2003. Leaving just the other pair to soldier on.

In late 2003 the company decided to go long-haul in a big way, and start to expand and roll over the whole long-haul fleet. The ex-Vietnam Airlines 767s were the interim lift, arriving from late 2004, pending delivery of the 787s which First Choice were the European launch customer for in early 2004. In fact it was still the 7E7 when the order was placed. The refurbishment of these aircraft was reportedly part of the 7E7 deal with Boeing. The Vietnam Airlines aircraft weren’t early build, being less than 10 years old at the time. Configuration was 258, W63Y195.
G-OOAL left the fleet in 2005, which left just G-OOAN which was reconfigured to W62Y196, note slightly different config to the others.
The EVA Air pair were acquired in 2006/7, which were slightly older but from the same era as the rest of the fleet (1992 build) while around the same time the 787 order was increased accordingly from 6 to 8.

By the time of the Thomson merger, First Choice had 12 787-8 orders due to the success of the new long haul programme, and all the refurbished 767s including G-OOAN became part of the Thomson fleet.

For 2006, which was the last full year of independence for First Choice.

Many thanks indeed for the corrections and filling in the gaps - cheers, all a long time ago.
I recall the older EVA or the Vietnam 767's (or was it both) could not, due to the floor weights take a high density load - was that correct>?
Also I always wondered as to why they let go 2 of the newer 767's AM & AO>?

Had Thomson (by the time of the merger) ordered any new Long Haul a/c in their own right or were the first Thomson 787's purely part of the original FCA order>?
Thanks.

[rog747]

Thanks Matt9955 for all the summer TUI info and Plog.

I gather apart from the LBA and HUY W's there is MME and also INV to Palma as well>?

[737James]

I would assume it’s Freebird, they’ve operated for TUI in the past.
Thank You was just a little worried with not being able to get any info out of Tui that this may have been a reserve flight that they will use only if they hot certain capacity sold, I just do not want them to contact me in June to say sorry we are no longer operating a flight on Saturday please book again for Monday which is currently £800 more expensive. Hopefully Tui will confirm exactly who is operating the flights soon as first dep is 28/05.

I have noticed Corendon are basing an aircraft at DLM for summer and they are doing their own DLM-BHX flights on Saturdays but is an early morning flight but would be back to the evening charter for Tui possibly

[LBAflyer22]

Thanks Matt9955 for all the summer TUI info and Plog.

I gather apart from the LBA and HUY W's there is MME and also INV to Palma as well>?

Maybe I'm barking up the wrong tree here but surely, given the strategic importance of Palma to TUI, and the amount of W patterns aircrafts/TUI do re: PMI/UK wouldn't it be worth it basing a unit out in Palma instead? They would a) increase the amount of flights that they can offer to all passengers including to places like LBA, HUY, MME, INV, b) increase the amount of flights that they can further add to the busier stations @ MAN BRS BHX LGW utilising the airports in their "quieter" periods, whilst also c) increasing the sectors for the UK based aircraft able to return for lunch time or early evening and be back out to Canaries, Turkey, Greece afternoon/night flight.

[CabinCrewe]

How long will Melbourne Orlando last? Barring cruise pax, too far out and not sure punters will realise that?
Is this the third Orlando airport BY/TOM have tried?

[Yeehaw22]

How long will Melbourne Orlando last? Barring cruise pax, too far out and not sure punters will realise that?
Is this the third Orlando airport BY/TOM have tried?

Its only 5 or so miles further than SFB to kissimmee and by all accounts a much better drive in. Time will tell I guess.

[P330]

TOM1710 seems to be flying unusually low today; heading down to TFS and is not getting above 25,000 for some reason. Tracking error or likely a problem?

[sdbelgium]

TOM1710 seems to be flying unusually low today; heading down to TFS and is not getting above 25,000 for some reason. Tracking error or likely a problem?
Most likely a pack related MEL item, it limits 737s to FL250 in cruise when dispatching with one air conditioning pack inop.

[CMM]

G-FDZD suffering from the same issue for the second time this week. Perhaps a problem with getting parts?

[P330]

I wonder what the cost impact would be for an airline doing a 10 hour round trip at this lower altitude....

[ROC10]

G-FDZD suffering from the same issue for the second time this week. Perhaps a problem with getting parts?

They’re using G-FDZD on MAN-PFO-MAN which seems odd but perhaps so it only operates two sectors rather than four. It resulted in the outbound taking 6h10m…

G-TUMO doesn’t seem to have suffered the same delays. It’s been flying NCL-TFS-NCL at 24,000 feet but is running ahead of schedule.

[Yeehaw22]

I wonder what the cost impact would be for an airline doing a 10 hour round trip at this lower altitude....

Not as expensive as 2 lots of eu261 claims i suspect.

[CMM]

G-FDZD did a Madeira run on Friday and flew back at FL240, spent a couple of days on the ground, and then managed to go to Paphos at FL350 but again returned at FL240. Only TUMO has done a round trip at approx FL240/250.

[Nats2202]

It looks like the Air tanker may be operating the flight to Tenerife from Manchester on the 06/09/22 by the seating plan shown when booking.

My flight 5th June to HER was supposed to be 787 however recently changed. 242 config until the back of the plane which ends with 232 42 rows so doesn't look to be the 767. Waiting for TUI to confirm as says aircraft type N/A in app. Could this be a leased aircraft?

[GBYAJ]

G-FDZD did a Madeira run on Friday and flew back at FL240, spent a couple of days on the ground, and then managed to go to Paphos at FL350 but again returned at FL240. Only TUMO has done a round trip at approx FL240/250.

following this tread and noticed that TUMO did NCL/LPA/NCL at this level again. If it a new part is required how would this be done - would the aircraft swap down route and return to bigger base for maintenance work or could it be done at NCL?

[CW247]

CH Aviation has just announced TUI UK to wet lease 4 A320 family aircraft. Anyone know where they will be based and who is providing?

[NickBarnes]

CH Aviation has just announced TUI UK to wet lease 4 A320 family aircraft. Anyone know where they will be based and who is providing?

​​​​​​To be based at Dublin, Doncaster and Gatwick according to Jethros for summer 22

[LiamNCL]

following this tread and noticed that TUMO did NCL/LPA/NCL at this level again. If it a new part is required how would this be done - would the aircraft swap down route and return to bigger base for maintenance work or could it be done at NCL?

Can be done at NCL it has been done in the past.

[Yeehaw22]

following this tread and noticed that TUMO did NCL/LPA/NCL at this level again. If it a new part is required how would this be done - would the aircraft swap down route and return to bigger base for maintenance work or could it be done at NCL?

Ncl has the same qualified engineers as the likes of MAN or LGW. It may only be a valve or a simple component change required so no real need to swap out. Unless it's something major that may require hangar input but If it's flying round with an Mel restriction then it's doubtful that's the case.

[SWBKCB]

Ncl has the same qualified engineers as the likes of MAN or LGW. It may only be a valve or a simple component change required so no real need to swap out. Unless it's something major that may require hangar input but If it's flying round with an Mel restriction then it's doubtful that's the case.

G-TUMO currently at 37,000ft on its way to TFS - so whatever it was is now sorted

[SJL26779]

My flight 5th June to HER was supposed to be 787 however recently changed. 242 config until the back of the plane which ends with 232 42 rows so doesn't look to be the 767. Waiting for TUI to confirm as says aircraft type N/A in app. Could this be a leased aircraft?

It looks to be the same Air Tanker aircraft that Condor leased back in 2019. The seat map is identical.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1144x170/csm_airtanker_2288x340_d8582201da_e77d84bb217e248b59dc777115 8e481326a6cc0b.png
Air Tanker A330
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/399x913/tui_a330_3d1ced5de4c492da4f563e320d59df921bce4d2f.jpg
TUI A330 Leased
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/357x354/tui_a330_2_82bf40e29a22c5cb3b9811e672800c04bac84d8f.jpg

[dmouse88]

TUI Summer Timetable attached, based on the month of August, which is sorted by flight number order.

I'm not 100% certain on which flights the 788 & 789 are planned to do at Gatwick and Manchester, i'm presuming the 789 will only be long haul, the 788, a mix of short and long haul.

Again, subject to any last minute changes/cancellations.
Being an avid fan of 788/9 TUI flights I have noted a couple of a/c clashes. A/c 12 flt 146/7 is man / cun / man dep 10.00 ret 07.40 but a/f is due to leave man as flt 2620 at 06.05 before 147 lands. Also a/c 13 flt 103 from MLB is due to arrive 5 minutes before departure as 2336 and on a/c 14 flt 123 from MLB is arriving at 06.45 30 minutes after it should have left as 2428. I may be overlooking the fact that times used are current and not for any amendments that may occur in heavy traffic periods like july and August.

[Flightrider]

Three based long-haul 787-9s at MAN by summer and three long-haul departures by day:

Mon: VRA, CUN, PUJ
Tue: MBJ, CUN, MLB
Wed: PVR, CUN, MLB
Thu: CUN, VRA, PUJ
Fri: CUN. MBJ, PUJ
Sat: MBJ, CUN, MLB
Sun: CUN, PUJ, MLB

No overlaps between L/H and S/H 787 operations.

[dmouse88]

Resolves my earlier query regarding clashes by allocating SH to 788 a/f's and LH to 789.

[Marty82]

Does anyone know if the ABZ based aircraft has changed type and from what to what? Had seats selected but then had to reselect them as they disappeared. Customer service said this was due to an aircraft type change. Thanks.

[ROC10]

Does anyone know if the ABZ based aircraft has changed type and from what to what? Had seats selected but then had to reselect them as they disappeared. Customer service said this was due to an aircraft type change. Thanks.

Did you not see a revised seat map when reselecting?

[SJL26779]

Does anyone know if the ABZ based aircraft has changed type and from what to what? Had seats selected but then had to reselect them as they disappeared. Customer service said this was due to an aircraft type change. Thanks.
Just checked ABZ-DLM and it's still down as a 737-800 seat map

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/635x934/tui_abz_dlm_c1c4b949ab18983c2b9ff18a44e9a04df8ec8a15.jpg

[Matt995]

TUI have dropped Varna from their summer 2022 timetable, affecting 2 flights from Gatwick (Mon/Fri) and one from Manchester (Fri).

Also a Wednesday afternoon flight from Newcastle to Larnaca appears to have been removed as well.

[LiamNCL]

TUI have dropped Varna from their summer 2022 timetable, affecting 2 flights from Gatwick (Mon/Fri) and one from Manchester (Fri).

Also a Wednesday afternoon flight from Newcastle to Larnaca appears to have been removed as well.

AYT seems to have replaced the LCA on Wednesday at NCL with PM departures showing as

KGS
PFO
AYT
TFS

[SALENO]

​​​​​​To be based at Dublin, Doncaster and Gatwick according to Jethros for summer 22
Just had our return flight Chania to Man on 3 Jun changed again. Was B737, then 767 now leased A321. Not sure of the airline though. Any ideas please?

[Vokes55]

Just had our return flight Chania to Man on 3 Jun changed again. Was B737, then 767 now leased A321. Not sure of the airline though. Any ideas please?

Smartlynx.

Tip for some of the above queries, if you do a dummy booking and click forward two pages and scroll down to all the small print, if it’s an ACMI it’ll let you know which one in there.

[SALENO]

Smartlynx.

Tip for some of the above queries, if you do a dummy booking and click forward two pages and scroll down to all the small print, if it’s an ACMI it’ll let you know which one in there.
Thank you very much for the prompt reply and excellent tip....................always good to read the small print and sure many others will benefit :)

[azz767]

Smartlynx.

Tip for some of the above queries, if you do a dummy booking and click forward two pages and scroll down to all the small print, if it’s an ACMI it’ll let you know which one in there.

Is this an extra leased aircraft? I didn’t think TUI had any A321’s at MAN this summer

[SALENO]

Is this an extra leased aircraft? I didn’t think TUI had any A321’s at MAN this summer
Me neither hence my surprise when I saw that our aircraft had changed again to a non TUI aircraft so looks like a late addition maybe as they juggle with the planning capacity?

[Vokes55]

Is this an extra leased aircraft? I didn’t think TUI had any A321’s at MAN this summer

I think it's replacing the AirTanker A330, which was planned as cover for the delayed delivery of G-TUIP. Apparently the AirTanker aircraft is now required by the RAF.

Obviously 787/A330 to A321 is quite a capacity drop, so I assume they've been juggling the schedule of the remaining three short haul widebodies at MAN to match demand.

[SJL26779]

Smartlynx.

Tip for some of the above queries, if you do a dummy booking and click forward two pages and scroll down to all the small print, if it’s an ACMI it’ll let you know which one in there.
can you explain this further please?
it's OK I've found what you mean. Thank you.

[MANFAN]

Flying to Malaga on 18th May and according to the app it’s a 767 out and 787-8 back on 25th.
I know aircraft types can change and sometimes last minute, but I’m more than looking forward to flying on a 767 after nearly 20 years since my last flight on the classic! My last one probably too!

[Matt995]

Smartlynx..

Interesting that you say a SmartLynx A321 will be based at Manchester for TUI this summer. I believe SmartLynx only have 4 passenger A321's in their fleet & 5 freighters, and these 4 passenger aircraft will be flying for Jet2 out of Birmingham this summer, so unless they plan to buy or lease in another A321 very quickly, I can't see how this is going to happen? unless they are planning to converted YL-LDA back to passenger configuration?

[Matt995]

Looks like the following ACMI aircraft being operated for the Summer:-

1 A320 - SmartLynx - Doncaster
1 A320 - SmartLynx - Manchester (or is it an A321?)
2 A320's - Titan Airways - Gatwick (operating out of the South Terminal)
2 A321's - Avion Express Malta - Gatwick (operating out of the South Terminal)

2 A320's Dublin based, operator unknown, possible SmartLynx?

[Vokes55]

Interesting that you say a SmartLynx A321 will be based at Manchester for TUI this summer. I believe SmartLynx only have 4 passenger A321's in their fleet & 5 freighters, and these 4 passenger aircraft will be flying for Jet2 out of Birmingham this summer, so unless they plan to buy or lease in another A321 very quickly, I can't see how this is going to happen? unless they are planning to converted YL-LDA back to passenger configuration?

Unfortunately I have no idea, SALENO says his flight is showing as an A321 and TUI says his flight is operated by Smartlynx so that’s what I’m going with.

[SJL26779]

It looks to be the same Air Tanker aircraft that Condor leased back in 2019. The seat map is identical.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1144x170/csm_airtanker_2288x340_d8582201da_e77d84bb217e248b59dc777115 8e481326a6cc0b.png
Air Tanker A330
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/399x913/tui_a330_3d1ced5de4c492da4f563e320d59df921bce4d2f.jpg
TUI A330 Leased
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/357x354/tui_a330_2_82bf40e29a22c5cb3b9811e672800c04bac84d8f.jpg

TOM2242 Tuesday MAN - HER is showing 3-3-3 configuration unti row 40 when it is 2-3-2 but there is no mention of any ACMI info on a dummy booking. Anyone any ideas?

[SALENO]

Unfortunately I have no idea, SALENO says his flight is showing as an A321 and TUI says his flight is operated by Smartlynx so that’s what I’m going with.
Interesting one and defo says A321 and seating plan looks like at least one of Smartlynx from their own website. Only appeared end of last week and surprised me somewhat, but this is the 3rd aircraft type we have been allocated so far with still 6 weeks to go! My brother is also flying from LGW at the same time and they have just had their return changed from B787 to Titan A321.

[MANFAN]

How do you add the advanced passenger info on the TUI app?
When I click the button it just takes me to the flight details page which then gives me no option of adding the info…?

[LiamNCL]

What sort of works being done in St Athan ? seen a few 737s and 767s pass through recently.

[daz211]

How are people seeing aircraft type for these flights.
is there a way to see what aircraft are operating flights.
I find it very frustrating as most airlines show aircraft type while booking and on the likes of flight scanner.

[pamann]

How are people seeing aircraft type for these flights.
is there a way to see what aircraft are operating flights.
I find it very frustrating as most airlines show aircraft type while booking and on the likes of flight scanner.


You need to select to pre book seats to see the seat plan. Tui used to proudly display which flights operate with the Dreamliner, but not other aircraft types unfortunately.

In the good old days of the Thomson/SkyTours/Horizon/Portland brochures, they used to display in the back pages the flight schedules. If I remember right they used to show BY for Britannia 737 and BY* for Britannia 767 flights.

Gone are those days sadly.

[VickersVicount]

i used to encourage our family holiday booking around that *
Even once got a 762 when not expecting it!
Gone indeed. Wonder if you can find old copies of those 80’s brochures?

[GBYAJ]

i used to encourage our family holiday booking around that *
Even once got a 762 when not expecting it!
Gone indeed. Wonder if you can find old copies of those 80’s brochures?


ha ha, I would have too but Newcastle rarely got a * in the 80’s (except in 88 when there were 3 767 weekly w flights) so it was always a 737! When I grew up and stopped looking got 767-
200’s and 300’s no problem!

[OltonPete]

How are people seeing aircraft type for these flights.
is there a way to see what aircraft are operating flights.
I find it very frustrating as most airlines show aircraft type while booking and on the likes of flight scanner.

A well known flight only booking site beginning with a G shows TUI aircraft types even to the point if it is a MAX or a B73H (can't vouch for the accuracy). It does not distinguish between the 788 or 789 though.

Pete

[SJL26779]

How are people seeing aircraft type for these flights.
is there a way to see what aircraft are operating flights.
I find it very frustrating as most airlines show aircraft type while booking and on the likes of flight scanner.

Do a dummy holiday booking. It will come up saying there is still time to book your seats. It now shows the aircraft map prior to booking:

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1089x796/tui_search_0dcd1b92bd674cdae85520f7daebb319907cff06.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1056x928/tui_map_04bd795d5a46f32d1e4880d1d9bb3752cb4bc64d.jpg

[Matt995]

A well known flight only booking site beginning with a G shows TUI aircraft types even to the point if it is a MAX or a B73H (can't vouch for the accuracy). It does not distinguish between the 788 or 789 though.

Pete

Unfortunately Pete, the booking site you are talking about is not accurate re aircraft types, I think it was updated earlier in the year, with the correct aircraft types, but hasn't been updated recently, even though the flight times are all correct. the leased in Smartlynx A321 at Manchester for example is showing as a 787 or 767 or 738 on some of the flights still!!! I would say it's the Manchester & Gatwick flights that arn't 100% accurate.

[MANFAN]

Trying to enter passport details in advance of travel is proving a nightmare! There is a group of us (12 people) travelling and whilst entering all the passport details, the website keeps informing me it's timing out due to inactivity...how are you meant to enter the details, it takes time with a group booking!!

[davidjohnson6]

MANFAN - try having all the pieces of information ready in a spreadsheet - i.e. all the data already typed into a computer. Not only will this save manually having to open up passports for each person, but it also means you can use copy-paste to transcribe the data onto the TUI web page

[daz211]

It’s strange because I done a dummy booking and it always says you can choose your seat shortly after confirming the booking and that’s only if I select extra legroom seat all other seats are open to book I think 50 or 90 days before departure.

[MANFAN]

MANFAN - try having all the pieces of information ready in a spreadsheet - i.e. all the data already typed into a computer. Not only will this save manually having to open up passports for each person, but it also means you can use copy-paste to transcribe the data onto the TUI web page

Thanks for the reply.
I did think of this...but had another go anyway, got to the last passport and time out!! :( this was after 15 mins (I think).
Will now revert to excel!

Thanks again :)

[MANFAN]

Thanks for the reply.
I did think of this...but had another go anyway, got to the last passport and time out!! :( this was after 15 mins (I think).
Will now revert to excel!

Thanks again :)

After creating the spreadsheet for all 12 people in the group with their passport details, when I try to copy and paste the information i.e. passport number from excel it won't copy...I really don't know what the problem is but TUI will be getting a phone call today!!

[Hipennine]

Are the cells formatted as "general", "number" or "text"? It may be that the TUI website reqiuires a particular format.

[MANFAN]

Are the cells formatted as "general", "number" or "text"? It may be that the TUI website reqiuires a particular format.

I think general…but I managed to do them earlier without the website timing out so all done now…after 4 attempts!

[ZenAutomaton]

TOM7548/7549 - 20MAY22 TFS-BHX
Just to add to the potential 767/A330 confusion. I booked the above flight a while ago (including seat selection). Outbound is a 788 but the inbound WAS a 789, changed to a B763 a couple of weeks ago. Seats I selected for return leg are definitely a TUI 763.
Seems awfully strange to have it on a BHX rotation. Any ideas? I love the TUI 76s and would love to fly on one for the first time in 20 odd years before they retire them, but this seems too good to be true...
I'm not allowed to post a screenshot as I don't have 10 posts, but it says Aircraft Type: B767-328.

[Matt995]

TOM7548/7549 - 20MAY22 TFS-BHX
Just to add to the potential 767/A330 confusion. I booked the above flight a while ago (including seat selection). Outbound is a 788 but the inbound WAS a 789, changed to a B763 a couple of weeks ago. Seats I selected for return leg are definitely a TUI 763.
Seems awfully strange to have it on a BHX rotation. Any ideas? I love the TUI 76s and would love to fly on one for the first time in 20 odd years before they retire them, but this seems too good to be true...
I'm not allowed to post a screenshot as I don't have 10 posts, but it says Aircraft Type: B767-328.

Yep, its appears to be a one off flight from BHX on the 20 May, outbound TOM7548 & inbound TOM7549 is showing as a B763. The Manchester Friday timetable shows 2 B763 are not need until May 27th, so for some reason they have decided to put the 763 on this flight, maybe due to passenger demand or 788 maintenance?? Early May flights will often see different aircraft types/flight times, whilst they get the whole fleet back in service or wait for the leased in aircraft to arrive!

[P330]

I see the 787s routinely heading down to Cape Verde now and not specific 787s, rather any, including ones that would have done long haul the day before.

Do TUI still take out the premium seats before flights to the Canaries and Cape Verde? If so, is this a big job?

[ROC10]

I see the 787s routinely heading down to Cape Verde now and not specific 787s, rather any, including ones that would have done long haul the day before.

Do TUI still take out the premium seats before flights to the Canaries and Cape Verde? If so, is this a big job?

It certainly wouldn’t appear so. I don’t think they’ve done this for quite a few years.

[pamann]

It certainly wouldn’t appear so. I don’t think they’ve done this for quite a few years.

I believe that they just sell the Premium cabin seats as ‘Extra Legroom’. Standard short/mid haul inflight service. Exit seats are sold as ‘Extra Space’.

[P330]

That’s good news then if you happen to book front row seats then.

Another observation, do TUI have a TFS based aircraft? Seems to be an aircraft doing early starts out of TFS to the likes of Aberdeen and Norwich. How would a TFS aircraft be crewed? Crew down there for a week at a time and then back home?

[The Flying Stool]

Thats what Jet2 do and Thomas Cook also based an aircraft in the Canaries over the winter in particular. This is also largely to mitigate delays so the airline is not liable for EU261 claims.

In the case of Jet2 and TCX, crews are positioned there from other bases and spend several days there before other crews replace them.

[Downwind_Left]

That’s good news then if you happen to book front row seats then.

Another observation, do TUI have a TFS based aircraft? Seems to be an aircraft doing early starts out of TFS to the likes of Aberdeen and Norwich. How would a TFS aircraft be crewed? Crew down there for a week at a time and then back home?

Only in the winter, and not so much based as night stooping. Crews are UK based. Avoids a lot of positioning of aircraft and crews to serve the regional destinations in winter. Has been happening for many years.

[Downwind_Left]

Thats what Jet2 do and Thomas Cook also based an aircraft in the Canaries over the winter in particular. This is also largely to mitigate delays so the airline is not liable for EU261 claims.

In the case of Jet2 and TCX, crews are positioned there from other bases and spend several days there before other crews replave them.

I’d be surprised if the crews position out, or back generally… would be an expensive option… needs double the number of hotel rooms when the aircraft lands in TFS. And double the number on the last day of duty position home as 2 crews overlap, plus you lose the revenue seats to sell on 2 flights, as well as having 2 crews massively overlap duty. Far more efficient to swap crews at a convenient point when the aircraft is on the ground in the UK. Inbound crew gets off… fresh crew gets on for the flight south.

[LBAflyer22]

I’d be surprised if the crews position out, or back generally… would be an expensive option… needs double the number of hotel rooms when the aircraft lands in TFS. And double the number on the last day of duty position home as 2 crews overlap, plus you lose the revenue seats to sell on 2 flights, as well as having 2 crews massively overlap duty. Far more efficient to swap crews at a convenient point when the aircraft is on the ground in the UK. Inbound crew gets off… fresh crew gets on for the flight south.

Alas your wrong. Crew position both ways. I don't get your math regards number of hotel rooms - simple put the crew go on one flight out, stay let's say 5 nights, on the 6th day they fly back after their standby duty. The new crew fly out on the 6th day ready for duty on the 7th day with another 5 day stay. I'm not sure how Jet2 work it I'm sure someone in the know will know.

TUI do have an aircraft in TFS which operates revenue flights for them. Surely having 2 aircraft, 1 standby to cover Canaries and Cape Verde, will be better for everyone. I don't think TUI do standby aircraft do they?

[Danny G]

I see the 787s routinely heading down to Cape Verde now and not specific 787s, rather any, including ones that would have done long haul the day before.

Do TUI still take out the premium seats before flights to the Canaries and Cape Verde? If so, is this a big job?

There used to be 2 787s fitted out in economy configuration for the summer season then back to long haul for summer. It always seemed to be TUIC and TUID. At the moment both are still on long haul maybe that will change soon.

[Downwind_Left]

Alas your wrong. Crew position both ways. I don't get your math regards number of hotel rooms - simple put the crew go on one flight out, stay let's say 5 nights, on the 6th day they fly back after their standby duty. The new crew fly out on the 6th day ready for duty on the 7th day with another 5 day stay. I'm not sure how Jet2 work it I'm sure someone in the know will know.

TUI do have an aircraft in TFS which operates revenue flights for them. Surely having 2 aircraft, 1 standby to cover Canaries and Cape Verde, will be better for everyone. I don't think TUI do standby aircraft do they?

In your example on the 6th day the crew flying home can't operate a TFS-UK-TFS duty, and then position home, it's a 4 hour flight back after a 10 hour plus duty... would be an insanely long day. The company would run up against duty of care issues and BALPA would never allow it. In my company crews operating any duty over 14 hours are entitled to a hotel at base after landing, as there are safety (and company liability) concerns about driving home after being at work for that long. On the same day the crew flying down to TFS wouldn't have duty to operate much after a 4 hour positioning flight, for the same reason.

So in that example the aircraft is effectively grounded every week on the day the crews swap over. If that's how TUI do it, then it works for them. Or to fly the aircraft every day with positioning crew, on the changeover day you need 2 sets of hotel rooms, 2 sets of crew, and 2 seats of seats that can't be sold every time a crew positions out/back.

But I'd assumed they'd want to utilize the aircraft every day, hence why I thought the company would have taken the operationally simpler approach of just swapping out crew at a UK airport. No FDP issues... single sector for each crew plus ground transport, no seats left unsold for crew, no crossover of hotel rooms, full coverage to fly aircraft every day.

[manchesterflyer2]

I am crew for TUI, the TFS slips are crewed mainly using crew from the regional bases and mostly work with the crew swapping at UK bases.
Crew generally do 1 night at a time in TFS. Occasionally may be a 2 night trip eg UK - TFS (night stop) TFS - UK - TFS (night stop) TFS - UK but this is uncommon.

[davidjpowell]

Impressed with Tui.

due to a giant cock up with covid paperwork my wife was left behind on Sunday while I and my daughter flew to Florida. We knew about the issue on Saturday but there was no way to resolve it over the weekend. Tui agreed to not count her as a no-show and not cancel the return ticket.

We resolved the paperwork issue this morning (Monday) and Tui have got her on Tuesdays flight for a very reasonable £155.

I don’t think think many scheduled carriers would be so accommodating.

[TimmyW]

Impressed with Tui.

due to a giant cock up with covid paperwork my wife was left behind on Sunday while I and my daughter flew to Florida. We knew about the issue on Saturday but there was no way to resolve it over the weekend. Tui agreed to not count her as a no-show and not cancel the return ticket.

We resolved the paperwork issue this morning (Monday) and Tui have got her on Tuesdays flight for a very reasonable £155.

I don’t think think many scheduled carriers would be so accommodating.

That's refreshing to hear these days.

[sjh1984]

Long time lurker, first time poster… :)

Travelling on BY5434 LGW-FAO on 05/05/22, which had already been swapped from a TUI 737 to one of the leased Titan A320 planes, but just got another email this morning to say it’s been swapped again to a Avion Express Malta bird, presumably another A320 (already checked in so can’t see the seat map any more).

Seems to be some hot-potato action going on with the assigned metal.. :)

[NickBarnes]

Hi guys, sorry if this is in the wrong area of the forum, does anyone know when the 4 Sunwing aircraft are heading over to their 4 respective bases for the summer season? I am assuming possibly Saturday the 30th?

Thanks and again apologies if its wrongly posted

[azz767]

Hi guys, sorry if this is in the wrong area of the forum, does anyone know when the 4 Sunwing aircraft are heading over to their 4 respective bases for the summer season? I am assuming possibly Saturday the 30th?

Thanks and again apologies if its wrongly posted


https://jethroseu.co.uk/fleets/fleet_listings/tui_airways.htm all listed here

[SALENO]

Interesting one and defo says A321 and seating plan looks like at least one of Smartlynx from their own website. Only appeared end of last week and surprised me somewhat, but this is the 3rd aircraft type we have been allocated so far with still 6 weeks to go! My brother is also flying from LGW at the same time and they have just had their return changed from B787 to Titan A321.
Only just received today formal notification of change of aircraft for our inbound to Smartlynx A321. Fortunately pickled it up several weeks ago and was able to sort seats out again. Email stated will be operated with TUI cabin crew.

[NickBarnes]

https://jethroseu.co.uk/fleets/fleet_listings/tui_airways.htm all listed here

Perfect much appreciated

​​​​​​
​​​​

[ZenAutomaton]

Yep, its appears to be a one off flight from BHX on the 20 May, outbound TOM7548 & inbound TOM7549 is showing as a B763. The Manchester Friday timetable shows 2 B763 are not need until May 27th, so for some reason they have decided to put the 763 on this flight, maybe due to passenger demand or 788 maintenance?? Early May flights will often see different aircraft types/flight times, whilst they get the whole fleet back in service or wait for the leased in aircraft to arrive!
Wow lucky me. Dropped on there then. Looking forward to an otherwise pretty unlikely trip on the 763. This is surely their last summer.

[P330]

I read somewhere, maybe here, that the 767s will go in 2024. I can see them in the schedules until at least Easter next year.

[JKKne]

I’ve got quite a few flights out to see family in Mallorca from NCL through tui and they are all flyAlbastar versus TUI. Not sure if it’s a lease or just covering capacity out of ncl.

Was fairly common to see spanair, future and aireuropa cover Palma flights in a past life in the days of Portland Holidays, Thomson et al

[rog747]

Albastar are flying for an increasing number of TUI Airways Palma flights this summer - BOH EXT INV EMA MME and NCL as you mention.
They fly 737-800's.

Air Europa are also doing some Palma's for TUI - I think from Scottish airports.

[NickBarnes]

Albastar are flying for an increasing number of TUI Airways Palma flights this summer - BOH EXT INV EMA MME and NCL as you mention.
They fly 737-800's.

Air Europa are also doing some Palma's for TUI - I think from Scottish airports.

And NWI on Fridays too

[VickersVicount]

I’ve got quite a few flights out to see family in Mallorca from NCL through tui and they are all flyAlbastar versus TUI. Not sure if it’s a lease or just covering capacity out of ncl.

Was fairly common to see spanair, future and aireuropa cover Palma flights in a past life in the days of Portland Holidays, Thomson et al
The heady days. Sometimes there were 3 AE, and 3 Viva air Fri Night flights from GLA alone.

[LiamNCL]

The NCL PMI Albastar flight is the Thursday flight its a W pattern it used to be the Aberdeen Sunwing aircraft.

[Matt995]

a few aircraft movements for TUI getting ready for the summer schedule:-

G-TUMM 44654/8243 B737-8 Max due to be delivered to LGW tomorrow

G-TUMN 44655/8216 B737-8 Max delivered to LGW yesterday

G-TUKP 37250/4345 B737-8K5 delivered to LGW yesterday, ex Sunwing C-FYAU

C-FYJD 41807/5420 B737-8Q8 delivered to ABZ yesterday, on lease from Sunwing

C-GFEH 41608/5346 B737-8GS delivered to NWI today, on lease from Sunwing

ES-SAM 1896 A320-232 due to be delivered to DSA tomorrow, on lease from Smartlynx

[LiamNCL]

a few aircraft movements for TUI getting ready for the summer schedule:-

G-TUMM 44654/8243 B737-8 Max due to be delivered to LGW tomorrow

G-TUMN 44655/8216 B737-8 Max delivered to LGW yesterday

G-TUKP 37250/4345 B737-8K5 delivered to LGW yesterday, ex Sunwing C-FYAU

C-FYJD 41807/5420 B737-8Q8 delivered to ABZ yesterday, on lease from Sunwing

C-GFEH 41608/5346 B737-8GS delivered to NWI today, on lease from Sunwing

ES-SAM 1896 A320-232 due to be delivered to DSA tomorrow, on lease from Smartlynx

D-ATYB at St Athan too transferring back to G-TAWP

[ROC10]

a few aircraft movements for TUI getting ready for the summer schedule:-

G-TUMM 44654/8243 B737-8 Max due to be delivered to LGW tomorrow

G-TUMN 44655/8216 B737-8 Max delivered to LGW yesterday

G-TUKP 37250/4345 B737-8K5 delivered to LGW yesterday, ex Sunwing C-FYAU

C-FYJD 41807/5420 B737-8Q8 delivered to ABZ yesterday, on lease from Sunwing

C-GFEH 41608/5346 B737-8GS delivered to NWI today, on lease from Sunwing

ES-SAM 1896 A320-232 due to be delivered to DSA tomorrow, on lease from Smartlynx

Looks like G-TUKP is a transfer from TUI Fly Belgium.

[davidjpowell]

Return flight to Melbourne, Florida. Having experienced its well worth the drive from Orlando. Clearly, they see Tui as a big fish, and as a passenger, they have focused on our experience just as much as the deal for Tui,

On arrival, the terminal is clearly being extended (I'm told since doubling in size). While signage is not up, there was staff everywhere pointing the way and greeting passengers. Luggage is collected before immigration. The officials were marginally less officious than normal. The airport had a little gift bag ready with water and snacks, which was a nice touch.

Some car hire services are temporarily in an air-conditioned marquee, with additional air-conditioned temporary toilets also.

Coming back, similar reception. No queue at check-in, even at peak arrival time. No queue at security with friendly and helpful officials (take not UK Staff!). All the employees from the chatty cleaner to the Police officer working to reunite a phone to its owner were helpful, motivated, and actually seemed to take pride in their work and the airport. Again for passengers we were given a voucher for free food and water.##

On the way back we drove down from Cape Canaveral to the airport. Tremendous beach.

I would have no hesitation in flying there again - in fact, I would choose it over Orlando, and stay a night locally before traveling up to the City.

I think Tui will do well with this location.

[AviationFan2021]

Does anyone know why TOM658 BRS CUN & TOM44 LGW MBJ are going via SNN today?

[Danny G]

SE-RFZ 787-900 now flying out of Manchester. Is this to cover for the late delivery of IP? Its the old G-TUIK that was transferred last year.

[chaps1954]

ES-SAM and SAY were both in Manchester Saturday evening along with SE-RFZ B789 and today C-FYJD

[chaps1954]

C-FYSV is also inbound Manchester due just after 19.00

[jethro15]

C-FYSV is also inbound Manchester due just after 19.00
G-TAWV returning after winter lease to Sunwing

[P330]

OO-TUP (TUI Belgium) running out of Birmingham today too.

[ROC10]

Neos (I-NEOW) have also been operating for TOM out of LGW.

[BHD2BFS]

Does anyone know what will be based in BFS for summer? Will it be TUI aircraft or Sunwing once again?

[irishlad06]

Does anyone know why TOM658 BRS CUN & TOM44 LGW MBJ are going via SNN today?

BRS CUN will be because of weight. Aircraft is very limited on a full load - especially if the runway is wet in anyway shape or form

[Marty82]

Are TUI having problems with their leased Sunwing planes?

Looking at ABZ based C-FYJD and NWI based C-GFEH which only started operating for TUI on 1 May the former has had 7 out of 12 flights late and the latter 6 out of nine flights late (excluding UK positioning flights). Is this down to new and inexperienced crews, handling agents not used to holiday flights because of COVID or technical problems?

I know delays can happen to all airlines on any routes but the record so far in just three days of operation is poor and this is before the proper summer holiday flight rush at airports.

https://www.flightradar24.com/data/aircraft/c-fyjd

https://www.flightradar24.com/data/aircraft/c-gfeh

[loopylee]

[QUOTE=AviationFan2021;11224107]Does anyone know why TOM658 BRS CUN & TOM44 LGW MBJ are going via SNN today?[/QUOTE

LGW - MBJ was due to sick Pax

[ROC10]

Are TUI having problems with their leased Sunwing planes?

Looking at ABZ based C-FYJD and NWI based C-GFEH which only started operating for TUI on 1 May the former has had 7 out of 12 flights late and the latter 6 out of nine flights late (excluding UK positioning flights). Is this down to new and inexperienced crews, handling agents not used to holiday flights because of COVID or technical problems?

I know delays can happen to all airlines on any routes but the record so far in just three days of operation is poor and this is before the proper summer holiday flight rush at airports.

https://www.flightradar24.com/data/aircraft/c-fyjd

https://www.flightradar24.com/data/aircraft/c-gfeh

I don’t think it’s just a Sunwing thing. I haven’t done any form of detailed checking but I’ve seen countless delays since the summer season started on Sunday, some of which have been pretty significant (3/4+ hours).

[MANFAN]

Is anyone aware of a known issue with seat assignments on boarding passes when receiving them via what’s app?
12 of us are booked on a trip with the same booking reference so the person who booked the trip has checked us in via the app. She has then sent us via a what’s app group our boarding passes but upon checking the seat assignments in our boarding passes, we noticed they are completely different to the boarding passes in the app…I don’t know if this is a TUI issue or something else I can’t explain…

[Marty82]

I don’t think it’s just a Sunwing thing. I haven’t done any form of detailed checking but I’ve seen countless delays since the summer season started on Sunday, some of which have been pretty significant (3/4+ hours).
Seems really poor from smaller and quieter airports which aren't experiencing security delays like Manchester and Birmingham.

Our plane today came in early, had a 1.5 hour turnaround and still pushed back late on our flight. Really don't understand what TUI are playing at so early in the season. Good luck to them at the height of the season!

[MARKEYD]

Sorry but I think till your armed with all the facts your making an “ arm chair “ response that you actually don’t know anything about
I thought this forum was a bit more mature, but as late , some very poor posts on here re TUI and other airlines/ airports and in fact anything airline related

We have just come out of the biggest single catastrophe and trying to get aviation / airports back up and flying and everything that goes along with it seems to be up for criticism

[Yeehaw22]

Seems really poor from smaller and quieter airports which aren't experiencing security delays like Manchester and Birmingham.

Our plane today came in early, had a 1.5 hour turnaround and still pushed back late on our flight. Really don't understand what TUI are playing at so early in the season. Good luck to them at the height of the season!

Smaller airports are not immune from the industry wide shortages. Yes they may not make the news like the bigger airports but they are still suffering.

You really need to understand the issues. Crews of 1 or 2 cleaners turning up to clean an aircraft on a turn where there used to be a squad of 6 or 8. Same with caterers, fuellers, security staff the list goes on and on. Yes some issues could be blamed directly at the airline, but a good chunk cannot.

The industry went into complete hibernation losing thousands of experienced staff in the process. You can't get new ones in and up to the same level overnight. Things are going to get better but it will take time.

[NickBarnes]

Plus some people will have found more stable careers and won't want to come back to an industry that is rather volatile, so will take time to attract new people to bring it back to the same levels as before

[VLCfkight]

And with BREXIT, many valued and experienced staff will have gone home and are very unlikely to return with the hostile environment that seems to be the current government's main obsession.

[SWBKCB]

TUI has issued a warning to passengers about its food service over the coming days. In a statement, the holiday firm said there will be 'no hot and cold meals or sandwiches' available on board its short and mid-haul flights.

"We can confirm that unfortunately due to staff shortages with our catering supplier, there will be no hot and cold meals or sandwiches, and a limited offering of snacks and drinks, available onboard TUI Airways short- and mid-haul flights over the coming days. This will impact flights from the following airports: Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Doncaster Sheffield, Dublin, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Exeter, Glasgow, Humberside, Leeds Bradford, Luton, Norwich and Teesside.

The full article from the MEN says Manchester is affected, but then MAN isn't in the list above, nor is LGW, STN, NCL.

https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/uk-news/tui-issue-warning-food-service-23881515

[VickersVicount]

poor old TUI punters…. queues at UK, queues at EU borders and now no sandwiches onboard! whatever next. Maybe just don’t bother.
One wonders how other carriers inflight catering seems unaffected?

[Kakpipe Cosmonaut]

poor old TUI punters…. queues at UK, queues at EU borders and now no sandwiches onboard! whatever next. Maybe just don’t bother.
One wonders how other carriers inflight catering seems unaffected?

They’re not. Just ask Easyjet for starters

[OzzyOzBorn]

And with BREXIT, many valued and experienced staff will have gone home and are very unlikely to return with the hostile environment that seems to be the current government's main obsession.

The UK approved right to remain for over six million EU citizens under the registration scheme which followed Brexit. This was more than twice the number anticipated. There was no hostile environment towards them; they were and are valued members of our society.

What you’re conveniently overlooking (in order to place all blame on Brexit) is the unfortunate reality of Covid-19 which effectively shut down the majority of our airports business for two years. UK and EU workers alike faced redundancy, though alternative employment opportunities did arise in a number of other sectors. Sectors offering more stability and often more sociable hours than aviation. Why would they ditch those new jobs and return to 3am starts in the volatile world of commercial aviation at close to minimum wage? This is the real problem, but some prefer to blame Brexit for every challenge which arises.

[jethro15]

OzzyOzBourne - Very well put. Respect

[ZULUBOY]

The UK approved right to remain for over six million EU citizens under the registration scheme which followed Brexit. This was more than twice the number anticipated. There was no hostile environment towards them; they were and are valued members of our society.

What you’re conveniently overlooking (in order to place all blame on Brexit) is the unfortunate reality of Covid-19 which effectively shut down the majority of our airports business for two years. UK and EU workers alike faced redundancy, though alternative employment opportunities did arise in a number of other sectors. Sectors offering more stability and often more sociable hours than aviation. Why would they ditch those new jobs and return to 3am starts in the volatile world of commercial aviation at close to minimum wage? This is the real problem, but some prefer to blame Brexit for every challenge which arises.

Has TUI issued the same warnings at the EU airports it operates from which would also have been affected by Covid and workers moving to more sociable jobs?

[OzzyOzBorn]

Has TUI issued the same warnings at the EU airports it operates from which would also have been affected by Covid and workers moving to more sociable jobs?

Continental airports and airlines are enduring the full range of issues arising from C-19, though many did enjoy government financial support far beyond what was made available in the UK. As for what travel advice TUI has issued in other countries … no idea. Though EasyJet did advise me to get to Copenhagen and Berlin Airports three hours in advance of my flights last week.

[xanda_man]

Are TUI / 6Y having a bit of trouble with the ACMI cover up in DSA? Seems that ES-SAM is consistently late off the blocks. Sometimes it's marginal but there are song long delays in there for pax. Or is this issues at DSA and the start of the season?

[wanna]

Has TUI issued the same warnings at the EU airports it operates from which would also have been affected by Covid and workers moving to more sociable jobs?

The labour crisis is certainly European wide if not further and not just restricted to aviation but does seem to follow the footsteps of low paid and demanding work. The hospitality industry is notable in the U.K. The French are struggling with HGV drivers (as was the U.K). The Dutch struggling with airport works the same as the U.K. BREXIT will have contributed to being able to access a large talent pool but certainly isn't the main reason. It almost as if people have just vanished... after a pandemic.

[SJL26779]

Are TUI / 6Y having a bit of trouble with the ACMI cover up in DSA? Seems that ES-SAM is consistently late off the blocks. Sometimes it's marginal but there are song long delays in there for pax. Or is this issues at DSA and the start of the season?

The DUB based aircraft has been having similar delays I believe (ES-SAZ)

Smartlynx have had a few delays in previous years when Thomas Cook used to lease them.

[ZenAutomaton]

Looks like my 788 BHX-TFS on Friday morning is now an AirTanker A330.

[davidjpowell]

Any ideas about what happened to the Man-Melbourne flight yesterday? The airframe they eventually used flew from Birmingham to Newcastle, before positioning again to Manchester... Left about 8 hours late.

[LiamNCL]

Any ideas about what happened to the Man-Melbourne flight yesterday? The airframe they eventually used flew from Birmingham to Newcastle, before positioning again to Manchester... Left about 8 hours late.

Flew to NCL to pick up luggage left behind on the NCL MLB Monday flight due to TUI not stocking enough containers so some peoples luggage was left behind.

[davidjpowell]

Flew to NCL to pick up luggage left behind on the NCL MLB Monday flight due to TUI not stocking enough containers so some peoples luggage was left behind.

Ouch. That is an expensive mistake!

[OltonPete]

Looks like my 788 BHX-TFS on Friday morning is now an AirTanker A330.

Should be as FR24 is already showing this tonight. Landed tonight from Brize and rumoured to be operating for a couple of weeks mainly at BHX.

Pete

[SJL26779]

Looks like my 788 BHX-TFS on Friday morning is now an AirTanker A330.

It definitely is. TUI shows this ACMI information when checking a dummy flight: Flight operated by Air Tanker on behalf of Tui Airways with Air Tanker cabin crew and TUI liaison crew.

[Jersey32D]

A Euro Atlantic 767 positioned to BRS last night to operate the BRS - PFO this afternoon.... Approximately 24hrs delayed!

[WHBM]

poor old TUI punters…. queues at UK, queues at EU borders and now no sandwiches onboard! whatever next. Maybe just don’t bother.
One wonders how other carriers inflight catering seems unaffected?
One wonders also what was to stop TUI local management raiding the local M&S etc for trayfulls of sandwiches, to hand out on the flight.

Before anyone laughs, this was exactly what happened on a US carrier, actually out of Gatwick, when there was a sudden caterers' strike some years ago. Apologies at check-in, but loads of interesting things loaded on board. Something tells me that "budgets" has got in the way of being proactive.

And I can't see Jet2 just standing idly by while their contracted caterers let them down. Can you ?

[LTNman]

Luton hasn’t even got a company based at the airport offering airline meals anymore. The business model collapsed when the LLC took over.

[LiamNCL]

A Euro Atlantic 767 positioned to BRS last night to operate the BRS - PFO this afternoon.... Approximately 24hrs delayed!

NCL-AYT will be a 24 hour delay by half 5 this evening.

[Yeehaw22]

Crewing is creaking less than 2 weeks in to summer season. :rolleyes:

[ROC10]

NCL-AYT will be a 24 hour delay by half 5 this evening.

There have been quite a few of those from GLA over the last couple or weeks too with several ACMI charters brought in the following day. Yesterday’s GLA-AYT hasn’t operated yet either and today’s LPA has been cancelled to make way for it. TUI seem to be seriously struggling for aircraft (amongst other things) at the moment with several either still with Sunwing or sitting on the ground after returning.

[chinapattern]

A few Dreamliners don’t seem to have moved in a while - are they receiving maintenance?

[Danny G]

A few Dreamliners don’t seem to have moved in a while - are they receiving maintenance?
SE-RFZ that has been doing the MAN-CUN route for the last couple of weeks departed to Amman yesterday I am assuming for a maint check (correct me if I am wrong please) so that leaves one 900 series light as TUIP has not been delivered yet.

[SJL26779]

TUI is also being hammered with delays using Smartlynx from DSA and DUB too. Anyone know what time the Newcastle to Antalya is due to leave? and what's happening with the Glasgow Las Palmas?

[SJL26779]

NCL-AYT will be a 24 hour delay by half 5 this evening.
G-TUII is en route to Newcastle now and looks to be operating the Antalya to Newcastle sector first so my guess is that it will then do the Newcastle to Antalya leg. Serious delay that.

[jethro15]

SE-RFZ that has been doing the MAN-CUN route for the last couple of weeks departed to Amman yesterday I am assuming for a maint check (correct me if I am wrong please)
You are correct.

[ROC10]

SE-RFZ that has been doing the MAN-CUN route for the last couple of weeks departed to Amman yesterday I am assuming for a maint check (correct me if I am wrong please) so that leaves one 900 series light as TUIP has not been delivered yet.

TUIE is on its way back from Amman (although is a -8).

[ROC10]

G-TUII is en route to Newcastle now and looks to be operating the Antalya to Newcastle sector first so my guess is that it will then do the Newcastle to Antalya leg. Serious delay that.
It’s possible the outbound passengers were bussed to MAN.

[MARK 101]

understood A320s ES-SAA and ES-SAX were for TUI use ,yet both seem to be just sitting outside STS at BHX doing nothing,while TUI are using NEOS and Euro Atlantic. Not sure if the A320s are still with STS for work ,but both have been here for some time

[Danny G]

You are correct.

Cheers Jethro, any ideas how long it will be away for and if it is coming back

[Jaf4fa]

With so many aircraft running delayed and people claiming up to £500 per seat under eu261, how on earth are they going to make any money?

[Vokes55]

With so many aircraft running delayed and people claiming up to £500 per seat under eu261, how on earth are they going to make any money?

From the 99+% of flights that are running on time, or at least less than three hours late.

[jethro15]

Cheers Jethro, any ideas how long it will be away for and if it is coming back
Sorry, unable to advise. All I know is that G-TUIE was in Amman a little over three weeks. However, SE-RFZ may not be subject to the same maintenance. Time will tell.

[Danny G]

Sorry, unable to advise. All I know is that G-TUIE was in Amman a little over three weeks. However, SE-RFZ may not be subject to the same maintenance. Time will tell.
No worries thanks for the information :ok:

[WHBM]

With so many aircraft running delayed and people claiming up to £500 per seat under eu261, how on earth are they going to make any money?
A bit like the comparable UK railway scheme for train delays - hardly anybody affected does claim (or have it accepted).

[ZenAutomaton]

Well my Airtanker A330 was 3 hrs 5 minutes late on the BHX-TFS yesterday and despite me pre booking a window-aisle pair for the return trip planned on a B763, those seats have been magically changed to separate me and the Mrs to separate rows and seats (A&K) on whatever appears to be taking us back on Friday 20th. Aside from ridiculous check in queues, ridiculous security queues, 3hrs 5 min late arrival with no IFE in my seat, no normal catering on board and waiting for the bus to take us to resort as we were so late, the actual HOLIDAY has been fantastic. Believe you me I'll be talking TUI to the cleaners.

[ATNotts]

Well my Airtanker A330 was 3 hrs 5 minutes late on the BHX-TFS yesterday and despite me pre booking a window-aisle pair for the return trip planned on a B763, those seats have been magically changed to separate me and the Mrs to separate rows and seats (A&K) on whatever appears to be taking us back on Friday 20th. Aside from ridiculous check in queues, ridiculous security queues, 3hrs 5 min late arrival with no IFE in my seat, no normal catering on board and waiting for the bus to take us to resort as we were so late, the actual HOLIDAY has been fantastic. Believe you me I'll be talking TUI to the cleaners.
Please don't be so precious! No IFE? So what! If you paid to book specific seats then ask for a refund of the fee but the T&Cs will not allow any compensation for aircraft type or carrier changes.

I am sure that during your stay you will find some more faults that may give an avenue for a compensation claim, but do remember that the end result of compensation claims is higher prices for everyone.

[A330ETOPS]

Well my Airtanker A330 was 3 hrs 5 minutes late on the BHX-TFS yesterday and despite me pre booking a window-aisle pair for the return trip planned on a B763, those seats have been magically changed to separate me and the Mrs to separate rows and seats (A&K) on whatever appears to be taking us back on Friday 20th. Aside from ridiculous check in queues, ridiculous security queues, 3hrs 5 min late arrival with no IFE in my seat, no normal catering on board and waiting for the bus to take us to resort as we were so late, the actual HOLIDAY has been fantastic. Believe you me I'll be talking TUI to the cleaners.

You should be happy that they got you there. AirTanker was draughted in as an Ad-Hoc to operate the flight which is a different type / seating config to the original equipment, which has no IFE installed anyway!

[MARKEYD]

Well my Airtanker A330 was 3 hrs 5 minutes late on the BHX-TFS yesterday and despite me pre booking a window-aisle pair for the return trip planned on a B763, those seats have been magically changed to separate me and the Mrs to separate rows and seats (A&K) on whatever appears to be taking us back on Friday 20th. Aside from ridiculous check in queues, ridiculous security queues, 3hrs 5 min late arrival with no IFE in my seat, no normal catering on board and waiting for the bus to take us to resort as we were so late, the actual HOLIDAY has been fantastic. Believe you me I'll be talking TUI to the cleaners.

Have you seriously heard yourself , get a life
” taking TUI to the cleaners “ … blah blah …
no room for you on this forum I am afraid

[Yeehaw22]

Well my Airtanker A330 was 3 hrs 5 minutes late on the BHX-TFS yesterday and despite me pre booking a window-aisle pair for the return trip planned on a B763, those seats have been magically changed to separate me and the Mrs to separate rows and seats (A&K) on whatever appears to be taking us back on Friday 20th. Aside from ridiculous check in queues, ridiculous security queues, 3hrs 5 min late arrival with no IFE in my seat, no normal catering on board and waiting for the bus to take us to resort as we were so late, the actual HOLIDAY has been fantastic. Believe you me I'll be talking TUI to the cleaners.

You do realise that the 3hr threshold for compensation is arrival time and not departure time?

[double-oscar]

Well my Airtanker A330 was 3 hrs 5 minutes late on the BHX-TFS yesterday and despite me pre booking a window-aisle pair for the return trip planned on a B763, those seats have been magically changed to separate me and the Mrs to separate rows and seats (A&K) on whatever appears to be taking us back on Friday 20th. Aside from ridiculous check in queues, ridiculous security queues, 3hrs 5 min late arrival with no IFE in my seat, no normal catering on board and waiting for the bus to take us to resort as we were so late, the actual HOLIDAY has been fantastic. Believe you me I'll be talking TUI to the cleaners.

If your flight arrived 3:05 hours late you will be entitled to claim your EU261 delayed flight compensation and also anything else you paid for but didn’t get. However, as to taking TUI to the cleaners, you say the holiday was fantastic so trying to pursue them for anything else could be risky as some companies monitor social media to guard against such claims. Sometimes in aviation delays happen, aircraft break, crew go sick, passengers check in with baggage and mysteriously disappear. Without knowing the facts for the delay to your flight it is difficult to know how well the situation was handled. However, you did get to your destination so a lot of people would have been working incredibly hard to make that happen.

[Matt995]

Well my Airtanker A330 was 3 hrs 5 minutes late on the BHX-TFS yesterday and despite me pre booking a window-aisle pair for the return trip planned on a B763, those seats have been magically changed to separate me and the Mrs to separate rows and seats (A&K) on whatever appears to be taking us back on Friday 20th. Aside from ridiculous check in queues, ridiculous security queues, 3hrs 5 min late arrival with no IFE in my seat, no normal catering on board and waiting for the bus to take us to resort as we were so late, the actual HOLIDAY has been fantastic. Believe you me I'll be talking TUI to the cleaners.


TOM7548 BHX-TFS, on the 13th shows an arrival time of 11:00 in TFS, and it landed TFS at 13:55, so less than 3hours late, so no EU261 delay is applicable. You return TOM7549 TFS-BHX on the 20th, is again showing an Air Tanker A330 flight, due to TUI 788 G-TUIH being at LTN on maintenance, so they are currently a B788 down in their fleet, hence the short term lease of the Air Tanker A330

[caaardiff]

Well my Airtanker A330 was 3 hrs 5 minutes late on the BHX-TFS yesterday and despite me pre booking a window-aisle pair for the return trip planned on a B763, those seats have been magically changed to separate me and the Mrs to separate rows and seats (A&K) on whatever appears to be taking us back on Friday 20th. Aside from ridiculous check in queues, ridiculous security queues, 3hrs 5 min late arrival with no IFE in my seat, no normal catering on board and waiting for the bus to take us to resort as we were so late, the actual HOLIDAY has been fantastic. Believe you me I'll be talking TUI to the cleaners.

There's bigger things going on in the world than worrying about being a few hours late to your holiday and having no IFE to watch for 4 hours. You may notice that all around the UK and even part of Europe, there's a huge shortage of airport staff affecting many Airlines, Ground Handlers and Airport/security staffing levels. You are not unique, stop being so precious.

TOM7548 BHX-TFS, on the 13th shows an arrival time of 11:00 in TFS, and it landed TFS at 13:55, so less than 3hours late, so no EU261 delay is applicable. You return TOM7549 TFS-BHX on the 20th, is again showing an Air Tanker A330 flight, due to TUI 788 G-TUIH being at LTN on maintenance, so they are currently a B788 down in their fleet, hence the short term lease of the Air Tanker A330

That A330 wouldn't have been cheap to lease, so well done to TUI to keeping your delay minimal. Also as it seems your arrival delay was less than 3 hours, it seems you may only get to give TUI a light dusting rather than "taking them to the cleaners"

[WHBM]

There's bigger things going on in the world than worrying about being a few hours late to your holiday and having no IFE to watch for 4 hours. You may notice that all around the UK and even part of Europe, there's a huge shortage of airport staff affecting many Airlines, Ground Handlers and Airport/security staffing levels. You are not unique, stop being so precious.
Funny then how Jet2, operating in exactly the same environment, manages these things better currently, isn't it ...

Nobody is forcing carriers to schedule beyond their available resources.

[Matt995]

Funny then how Jet2, operating in exactly the same environment, manages these things better currently, isn't it ...

Nobody is forcing carriers to schedule beyond their available resources.

You do have question TUIs planning since the summer season kicked off from the start of May:-

B789 SE-RFZ operated 01/05/22 - 11/05/22, now in Amman for maintenance
B788 G-TUIH at Luton on maintenance (10/05/22)

B738 G-FDZZ returned from Sunwing lease 07/05/22, at St Athan, not yet re-entered service
B738 G-TAWD returned from Sunwing lease 14/05/22, at Gatwick, not yet re-entered service
B738 G-TAWM returned from Sunwing lease 24/04/22, at St Athan, not yet re-entered service
B738 G-TAWN returned from Sunwing lease 12/05/22, at Birmingham, not yet re-entered service
B738 G-TAWO returned from Sunwing lease 05/05/22, at Brussels, not yet re-entered service
B738 G-TAWP returned from TUI Fly Germany lease 28/04/22, at St Athan, not yet re-entered service
B738 G-TUKP returned from Sunwing lease 26/04/22, at Gatwick, not yet re-entered service

You have to question why the 787 maintenance couldn't have been done in April, and why its taking so long to get the 738s above back in service?

also the leased Sunwing B738 C-FWGH at Cardiff, has now gone tech after only operating one flight, and thus the Paphos flight has been delayed by a day at least!

the joys of running an airline!

[pabely]

I thought TUI Belgium were taking the lead on 787 maintenance and Luton was 737s yet regular 787s position to Luton for work, sometimes parking remotely until they can access the Luton facilities perhaps the bottleneck is at the Belgium facilities?

[Dannyboy39]

You’re assuming there’s availability to fix these aircraft on the network or externally. MRO capacity has never been more challenging.

[Albert Hall]

Availability of CAA surveyors for aircraft import is also a major constraint, I’m told. Not sure if this is a factor here but a process which used to take a day or two now takes up to two weeks in our lovely new non-EASA world.

[Yeehaw22]

It's also quite a lot of maintenance work to bring the Canadian reg aircraft back into UK spec and yes the surveys have been challenging. But yes they've left things too tight for the start of the summer with no slack in the schedule. Although even if theyd have had full fleet availability I'm not sure they'd have been able to crew them anyway.

With regards the maintenance schedules. You can't just rock up they have to be planned. If the mro can't do it til may then so be it. TUIH Is only a short check and re-config to SH layout. LTN is space constrained. A 787-9 takes up 2 bays hence the 3rd party.

As far as I know BRU hasn't done any 787 major inputs. Just casualty stuff engine changes etc.

[Matt995]

TUIH Is only a short check and re-config to SH layout.

Do we know how many B788s are going to be configured into the short layout? Is it just 2, 1 at LGW, 1 at MAN? Which other aircraft will be configured for short haul?

The BRS, BHX, GLA based aircraft all do short haul and long haul, the aircraft that operates from NCL/DSA/BHX is also long haul, and 1 each at LGW & MAN are long haul too.

[ZenAutomaton]

Have you seriously heard yourself , get a life
” taking TUI to the cleaners “ … blah blah …
no room for you on this forum I am afraid
Don't get me wrong, BHX are at fault for literally everything before departure but TUI'll be charging that departure station for the delay. I completely understand that and will discuss it with them if feeling the need to when returned. (Admittedly posting half-cut probably wasn't the best idea,).
That said, they're clearly operating outside their capabilities this early season and a lot of customers are pissed off. It ain't a good look for them. I can take a 3hr delay to the face I know it happens as I was a dispatcher in a past life, but then Comms and the messing around bokings has been rubbish and way below their usual decent standard.

[crewmeal]

Instead of trying to take TUI to the cleaners as you put it why not turn your attention to Birmingham Airport and take them to the cleaners :ugh:

Seriously TUI are a top class airline wanting to provide a top class service. They couldn't provide the usual catering because the caterers around the UK haven't the staff to cope with summer demands. Try taking them to the cleaners as well.

I wish you luck in your pursuits but I feel like others on here you won't get very far and you may be taken to the cleaners instead.

[GBYAJ]

Been keeping an eye on the TUI NCL movements on FR24 and if I was still standing on the airport roof - and getting regs for a log book (1980’s esque ) would love the variety of aircraft visiting and swapping. In other years TUI have usually based 3 737’s and swapped them every few months at most. Bearing in mind the comments above is there a specific reason for all these swaps this year. Is it more engineers available at NCL than elsewhere, or less engineers available so aircraft can’t stay long or any other reasons (some insight would be interesting pleae).

[LBAflyer22]

Been keeping an eye on the TUI NCL movements on FR24 and if I was still standing on the airport roof - and getting regs for a log book (1980’s esque ) would love the variety of aircraft visiting and swapping. In other years TUI have usually based 3 737’s and swapped them every few months at most. Bearing in mind the comments above is there a specific reason for all these swaps this year. Is it more engineers available at NCL than elsewhere, or less engineers available so aircraft can’t stay long or any other reasons (some insight would be interesting pleae).

Sometimes it's more to do with hours that an aircraft is flying, swapping it out of NCL to say LGW means it could over a week save 10 hours on flights over the course of 7 days and 2 sectors each - given the much shorter flight times from LGW than NCL.

Other times it's required a hanger input/visit (basically like your car service) which NCL doesn't have or requires a service check which again NCL engineers don't have the facility to do.

Some of the time the aircraft is flying around with a defect (Or ADD) and is flying in accordance to the MEL (minimum equipment list) which is all find and dandy. However they do have limits (hours/cycles) and some airlines will push these defects up until the limit of these limits before fixing the defect providing they can not be done in base. Sometimes a defect can be cleared in base such as NCL but engineers may request it to be somewhere they have heavy MX facilities incase the problem could result in further investigations/problems arising and therefore the aircraft been effectively grounded. Better to do that where you have heavy MX facilities than do it where you don't.

[SWBKCB]

Doubt its NCL related - TUI Ops just seem to be trying to keep the plates spinning at the moment...

[GBYAJ]

Thanks for the above comments.

just one further “out of interest” query, how does it work for the crews? There may be aircraft changes scheduled in advance but for others how far in advance do crews get notice? So for example if a NCL and MAN based 738 need to swap for a maintenance issue would the crews change aircraft at the outstation so that they end up back at their base but on a different aircraft or could the crew on the aircraft just be told they are going back to MAN rather than NCL. Always wondered!

[Smudge's Lot]

There is never a "based aircraft", it won't stay in one base for the whole summer, or even a month!

They can be exchanged downroute where the crews will swop onto the other one, or they are just ferried (empty) where they might be needed.

There are various reasons why they keep changing, but the concept of a 1 airframe being based at any TUI airport has never been the truth and never will be.

[LBAflyer22]

Thanks for the above comments.

just one further “out of interest” query, how does it work for the crews? There may be aircraft changes scheduled in advance but for others how far in advance do crews get notice? So for example if a NCL and MAN based 738 need to swap for a maintenance issue would the crews change aircraft at the outstation so that they end up back at their base but on a different aircraft or could the crew on the aircraft just be told they are going back to MAN rather than NCL. Always wondered!

It depends on what sort of swapping they are doing. Ideally, operationally and from a money perspective, they would want to swap it "down route" whereby the crews from NCL/MAN in your scenario arrive and depart at the same time. They arrive, swap over, and aircraft go back to new bases crew back to their own bases. Makes it cheaper/easier for crews too. Passengers will notice not a blind bit of difference.

Sometimes you may look and go what the hell is going on when they do a three way swap. This could be that the NCL/MAN flying programmes are not aligned. So they may swap an AC that is CWL based first then CWL/MAN swap later in the week. It all depends how aligned the programmes/flying is aligned with other bases. I would say only last resort do airlines position something. Certainly where I work it's not frowned upon but we are encouraged to do our very best to just straight swap things about.