The latest 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft to join the Thomson Airways’ fleet has touched down at Manchester Airport at 02:00 today.

The plane was flown by the airline’s managing director, John Murphy.

Murphy travelled 4,626 miles across the Atlantic to collect the aircraft from the Boeing Factory in Seattle before it begins transporting customers to some of the most desirable long haul destination across the world this month.

In preparation for Thomson’s rebrand to TUI later this year, the aircraft arrived in the new TUI livery and is the second 787-9 aircraft to join the airline as part of its commitment to expanding its long haul fleet and improving the overall holiday experience.

This brings the total number of Dreamliners to 11 following delivery of the first aircraft in June 2016.

The airline will be taking delivery of an additional four 787-9 Dreamliners before June 2020, increasing the number of Dreamliners in the fleet to eight Boeing 787-8s and six Boeing 787-9s.

Larger than its 787-8 sister aircraft, the 787-9 is six metres longer and includes 45 more seats and will carry a total of 345 customers to far flung destinations such as Dominican Republic, Mexico and Florida.

The aircraft’s first scheduled customer flight will operate from London Gatwick to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic on May 21st.

John Murphy, managing director, Thomson Airways, said: “We are delighted to welcome the latest 787-9 Dreamliner in to our expanding fleet today.

“We believe the holiday starts for our customers when they begin their journey overseas with us, which is why we’re committed to providing the best possible on board experience and our investment in these revolutionary aircraft.”