TUI Group Bids Farewell to Boeing 767 After 40 Years

TUI Group has officially retired its last Boeing 767, marking the end of an era for the airline that operated the iconic aircraft for over four decades. The final flight took place on November 3, 2024, when the aircraft, registered PH-OYJ, departed Lanzarote-Arrecife Airport (ACE) and arrived at Amsterdam-Schiphol Airport (AMS) as flight OR1605.

This Boeing 767-300ER had a storied history, having been delivered to Britannia Airways in February 2000. During its 24.8 years of service, it transitioned through various iterations of the TUI brand, including Thomsonfly and TUI Airways UK, before its final stint with TUI fly Netherlands.

The retirement of PH-OYJ signifies the conclusion of TUI Group’s operations of the Boeing 767, which began in 1984. The first 767-200ER was delivered to Britannia Airways, making it the first European carrier to operate the aircraft, which revolutionized the short-haul inclusive tour market. TUI Airways UK has operated a total of eight 767-200ERs and 18 767-300ERs, becoming the largest operator of the type in the group.

The decision to retire the Boeing 767 fleet was part of TUI’s strategy to modernize its operations, replacing the aging aircraft with next-generation Boeing twinjets. TUI Airways had already operated its final Boeing 767 flight a year prior, marking a significant shift in the UK aviation landscape.

As the last Boeing 767 leaves the skies, it will be sent to Istanbul for freighter conversion, just like its predecessor. This retirement underscores the end of an important chapter in commercial aviation, reflecting the evolution of airline fleets toward more efficient models.

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