Thomson Airways – which is set to become the first UK airline to fly the 787 Dreamliner from May 2013 – has welcomed the new aircraft into the UK.

The exhibition formed part of the Dream Tour, organised by manufacturer Boeing, and unveiled the planned interior and new livery of its 787 aircraft. 

Thomson Airways will fly the state-of-the-art aircraft from London Gatwick, Manchester, East Midlands and Glasgow airports, starting with long haul routes to Sanford, Florida and Cancun, Mexico.

The Thomson 787 Dreamliner will carry 291 passengers.

Premium Club will seat 47 in a 2-3-2 configuration, each with a 38” pitch, and Economy Club will seat 244 in a 3-3-3 configuration, each with an industry leading 33” or 34” pitch. 

A new cutting-edge in-flight entertainment system will give customers a choice of 35 movies and 40 hours of TV programmes including a selection of box sets to enjoy on the latest technology LCD touchscreen, providing customers with a clearer and crisper image than on any other UK airline.

It will also allow them to use a USB file sharing application to share photos between seats – giving them the perfect opportunity to view their holiday snaps.

Customers will also be able to connect their iPods/iPhones and iPads, allowing them to watch their own movie selection on the seatback screen.

A free jukebox facility allowing the creation of up to three playlists, selecting tracks from 100 CDs will also be available on board the Thomson 787 Dreamliner.

The new livery will be showcased on the Thomson 787 Dreamliner and all future Thomson Airways aircraft. 

Thomson Airways will take delivery of eight Dreamliners over the next three years with a total of 13 across TUI Travel PLC and purchasing rights for a further 13.

Chris Browne, managing director of Thomson Airways commented: “As the UK’s third largest airline, it is a major coup for Thomson Airways to be the first UK airline to fly the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

“They will be joining our fleet from May next year from four UK airports – giving holiday makers from across the country the chance to experience this new generation of aircraft first.”