TUI Nederland starts up its own airline Arkefly
| Service |
Hanover/Amsterdam, April 14, 2005
TUI Nederland, the Dutch subsidiary of the leading European tourism group TUI, is to establish its own airline – TUI Airlines Nederland. The new airline will operate under the brand name of Arkefly and will sport the design of TUI aircraft. TUI Nederland managing director Steven van der Heijden announced this today in Amsterdam at a press conference.
TUI Nederland is taking on about 400 employees as well as the fleet of HollandExel. After going through financial difficulties the charter airline received a € 3 million credit to allow it to continue flight operations. The four Boeing aircraft of type 767-300 will be leased by TUI Nederland. TUI AG also has an option to purchase the four planes. Arkefly is to become an integral part of the TUI Airline organisation and consequently will be able to draw on the existing Group resources. This will ensure lower operating costs.
Arkefly starts up business on 21 April and will mainly fly to long-haul destinations. The airline will carry passengers for all the Dutch TUI tour operator brands as well as passengers of other travel companies. About 50 percent of TUI Nederland passengers will fly with the new airline.
TUI Nederland is a wholly owned subsidiary of TUI AG and the leading travel company in the Netherlands. The tour operator brands Arke, Holland International and KRAS among others belong to the company. Retail activities of the company comprise 218 travel agencies as well as the online platform www.lastminute.nl. TUI Nederland currently employs 2,200 employees.
For further information please contact:
Björn Beroleit, phone +49 511 566-1310
Nicola Gehrt, phone +49 511 566-1435