November 8, 2024
High winds: ‘Fuerteventura’ takes off to become the flying ambassador for the Canary Islands' watersports paradise
Aviation
Fuerteventura, the most popular winter destination for German TUI guests, is getting its own flying ambassador. A new TUI fly Boeing 737-8 was named ‘Fuerteventura’ at a ceremony held yesterday at the airport south of the capital Puerto del Rosario. The aircraft with the registration D-AMAH landed at 15:45 with the flight number X3 2148 and was given a warm welcome.
The Counselor for Tourism and Employment of the Canary Islands Government, Jéssica de León, was the godmother of the naming ceremony. She was accompanied by Dolores Alicia García Martínez, President of the Cabildo of Fuerteventura, Marlene Figueroa Martín, Island Counselor for Tourism, Economic Development, Ecological Transition, Environmental Sustainability and Security, María Jesús de la Cruz Montserrat, Island Director of the General State Administration in Fuerteventura, David de Vera, Mayor de Puerto del Rosario, Luis López Chapí, AENA Director of the Canary Islands Airport Group and Luis Saez Avilés, Airport Director of Fuerteventura. TUI was represented by Sebastian Ebel, Chairman of the Executive Board, Thomas Ellerbeck, Group Director Corporate & External Affairs, Marco Ciomperlik, Chief Executive Officer of TUI Airline, and Michael Garvens, Managing Director of TUI fly.
Jéssica de León stated that "we are happy that the name of Fuerteventura is travelling the world with a company that started operations on the island more than 50 years ago.” "This event is another example of the international tourism group's commitment to Fuerteventura and the archipelago, which will strengthen the promotion of the destination mainly in Germany, our second most important market," she added.
“Fuerteventura symbolises our guests' desire for sun, beach and unique nature – and not just in summer. In winter it is even the most popular destination for our German guests, who want to spend their holidays on the Canary Islands more than ever this year”, said Sebastian Ebel, CEO of the TUI Group. “We are delighted to be able to name our aircraft 'Fuerteventura' and thus express our long-standing and close ties with this island and the Canary Islands. With us, every second TUI guest on the medium-haul route travels to the Canary Islands in winter. While the Canary Islands are our biggest destination in winter with around 500 return-flights a week, we fly around three million holidaymakers from all our markets to the seven islands in the Atlantic throughout the year", said Ebel.
“The TUI-Boeing 737-8 Fuerteventura is one of the most modern and CO₂ efficient jets in the sky. With targeted investments in state-of-the-art aircraft, more sustainable fuels and optimised flight routes, we are consistently pursuing our goal of being the most climate-efficient airline in Europe”, added Marco Ciomperlik, Chief Executive Officer of TUI Airline. “Incidentally, we are currently celebrating a very special anniversary: in 1974, a Hapag-Lloyd Boeing 727 flew from Hamburg to Fuerteventura for the first time.”
TUI Airline operates a fleet of more than 130 modern jets – from Embraer E195-E2 to Boeing 737-800 and 737-8 to Boeing 787-9. More than 8,000 employees work for the five airlines in the UK, the Nordic countries, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.
Fuerteventura is famous for its long, golden, sandy beaches, perfect for relaxing and swimming. The beaches in the south (such as Costa Calma and Jandía) and in the north (such as Corralejo beach) are particularly stunning. The second largest of the Canary Islands is a paradise for surfers, kite surfers and windsurfers. The constant strong wind ('fuerte viento' and hence Fuerteventura) and the many different beaches offer ideal conditions for all levels. The beaches of El Cotillo and Corralejo are particularly popular.
For more than 50 years, Robinson Jandia Playa has been a guarantee for sporty and relaxing holidays. The new Torre, 40 metres high and spread over ten floors, offers 114 modern double rooms and 26 spacious suites. A highlight is the rooftop bar with an infinity pool, chill-out area and unforgettable views of the vast Atlantic.
Other guest favorites on Fuerteventura include the Robinson Esquinzo Playa and TUI Magic Life Fuerteventura, both on Playa de Esquinzo in the south, and the popular RIU hotels: TUI Blue Riu Calypso, TUI Kids Club Riu Oliva Beach and the premium hotels Riu Palace Tres Islas and Riu Palace Jandia.
