A third Airbus A330-200 is being ordered by Thomas Cook Airlines to boost its UK fleet.The aircraft, representing an investment of £67million over five years, will be delivered in October 2006 and go into service on November 1. It will create 16 more jobs for pilots and around 70 for cabin crew.

The new A330, the largest member of the Airbus twinjet family and renowned for its quiet operation, is currently being manufactured at the Airbus headquarters in Toulouse.

Like its other two A330s, Thomas Cook will lease the aircraft from CIT Aerospace International. It will be used on long haul routes - mainly to the Caribbean - which are currently being sub-contracted to other operators.

Glen Chipp, Managing Director of Thomas Cook Airlines said: “This third A330 is a significant investment in our long haul market and will enable us to have full control over this increasingly important part of our operation.”

The 354-seat aircraft will have high specification seat back entertainment and 45 premium seats providing additional legroom. It will be powered by Rolls Royce Trent 700 engines, in common with the airline’s other A330s, and will bring the fleet total to 25.
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