Thomson Airways has said all its long-haul flights will be scheduled exclusively on the 787 for the rest of the summer.

As the first UK airline to only fly long-haul on the 787, Thomson Airways will give thousands of customers from across the UK the chance to experience the revolutionary new aircraft en-route to destinations like Mexico and Mauritius.

Thomson was the first UK airline to operate the 787 Dreamliner a year ago.

Its fleet of 787’s has since completed 2,500 flights, carrying over 670,000 customers operating from Manchester, Glasgow, Gatwick and East Midlands airports to all of Thomson’s long haul destinations including Jamaica, Phuket in Thailand and, new from this May, Mexico’s Pacific Coast and the stunning Indian Ocean island of Mauritius.

The new aircraft have now been up in the sky for a total of over 858 days, during which time nearly 1.7 million hot meals, 3.3 million teas and coffees, 3.5 million drinks using 12 million ice cubes have been served.

The arrival of the Dreamliner has revolutionised air travel, leaving holidaymakers more relaxed and refreshed than ever before, with comfort and wellbeing features on-board reducing the effects of jet-lag.

It can also fly much further distances than similar-sized aircraft, allowing it to reach far flung destinations such as Thailand and Mexico’s Pacific Coast without the need to refuel as it uses 20 per cent less fuel.

The Thomson 787 Dreamliner last week expanded its UK 787 operations with flights from Newcastle, Birmingham and Edinburgh meaning the airline now operates the aircraft from all seven of its long haul bases.

John Murphy, managing director of Thomson Airways, commented: “The Dreamliner has certainly lived up to its promise to revolutionise long haul travel and is a major milestone in our journey of modernising the holiday experience.

“Feedback from both customer and crew has been extremely positive and we are delighted to be further expanding the fleet so all of our long haul customers can enjoy the Thomson 787 Dreamliner experience this summer.”

Thomson will take delivery of a further two aircraft next summer, bringing the fleet to eight.

From this winter, the long haul flying experience will improve further as the in-flight entertainment will be upgraded with an even wider choice of films, updated monthly and, the icing on the cake, a complimentary drinks service will be provided in Economy Club on all long haul flights.