AN airline’s second aircraft has arrived in Bournemouth as it doubles its summer programme from the airport.

Tui’s second aircraft, a Boeing 737-800, arrived at Bournemouth Airport on May 23 ahead of the summer.

The plane will increase Tui’s offering from the south coast, increasing the frequency of flights to Lanzarote, Heraklion, Ibiza, Menorca, Paphos, Palma de Mallorca and Tenerife.

The airline will run 27 flights per week to 14 destinations, with the additional flights now allowing bookings of 10- or 11-night holidays as well as seven and 14 nights.

There will be more than 70,000 seats available on Tui flights to Balearics, more than 60,000 to Greece, more than 40,000 to the Canaries and 25,000 seats to Turkey.

Bournemouth Echo:

Commercial director Phill Iveson said: “Tui’s been flying out of Bournemouth for 19 years and during that time demand for Mediterranean holidays has soared in the region.

“With the addition of this new aircraft we’re helping meet that demand and with exclusive routes to Kefalonia and Paphos and more flexible durations we are making sure our customers can travel from their local airport to their ideal holiday destination”.

Crew relations manager Nicola Bendall has 24 years of experience with Tui, and said the additional capacity from the second aircraft couldn’t be more welcome.

“This second aircraft is a massive vote of confidence for the future of Bournemouth,” Nicola said.

“Our passengers have been asking for this additional capacity for a long time, and it’s created a real energy amongst the crew.

“We are also very excited to be welcoming 30 new cabin crew for the summer season to ensure flawless service for our customers.”

Bournemouth Airport managing director Steve Gill added: “We have a long and proud partnership with Tui and are delighted to be welcoming their second aircraft which provides passengers with even more choice and flexibility from their local airport.

“We expect to handle more than one million passengers this year and Tui’s commitment to Bournemouth is a big part of that continued growth.”

For more information, visit the Tui and Bournemouth Airport websites.