• Flamenco, sherry and horses: Andalusia is coming into sharper international focus

• Spain remains TUI’s most important growth market

• Expanded: 140,000 TUI flight seats to Jerez this summer

Ahead of the summer travel season, TUI has named a new Boeing 737-8 “Jerez de la Frontera”, turning the Andalusian city into a flying ambassador for the region. Known worldwide for flamenco, sherry, horse breeding and its proximity to the Costa de la Luz, Jerez will now bring the spirit of Andalusia across TUI’s international network.

The Boeing 737-8 landed at the airport today as flight X3 2274 at 09:05 am, where it was given a ceremonial welcome. This was followed by an official naming ceremony attended by guests from the tourism, political and hospitality sectors, as well as from the region of Andalusia. The aircraft was officially named by Beatriz Vergara Domecq, Director of Wine Tourism at González Byass.

The aircraft naming highlights Andalusia’s growing importance as a tourism destination and in particular the Costa de la Luz. “Jerez de la Frontera captures the essence of Andalusia through its culture, gastronomy and authentic experiences,” said Benjamin Jacobi, CEO of TUI Germany. “With this naming, we are deliberately bringing Jerez and the region into the spotlight for our guests. The beaches in Novo Sancti Petri are ideal for families. The gently sloping, golden sandy beach of Playa de la Barrosa and the sheltered Sancti Petri beach offer crystal-clear water, plenty of space for building sandcastles, and the best conditions for a safe day at the beach with young children”, Jacobi added. Spain remains TUI’s most important growth market, with around 6.5 million guests visiting annually, of whom approximately 1.3 million go to mainland Spain.

Iván Rodríguez Hernández, Director of Jerez Airport, emphasised the airport's long-standing partnership with TUI fly. For nearly three decades, the airline has maintained a consistent air link between the province of Cádiz and Germany, establishing itself as the most significant international carrier at Jerez Airport. Furthermore, the TUI Group is strengthening the province’s international standing by offering connections from other European markets, including the UK, Poland, and Belgium. Naming the aircraft “Jerez de la Frontera” is a special honour that will further increase the destination’s visibility worldwide.

María José García-Pelayo, Mayor of Jerez de la Frontera, also described the naming as an important signal for the city's and the province of Cádiz's international perception. The fact that TUI has named an aircraft after Jerez demonstrates confidence in the destination and its tourism development. The German market plays a central role in the region, and TUI has contributed significantly over many years to the sustainable expansion of this connection.

The importance of Andalusia within the TUI portfolio is also reflected in its ongoing expansion. The portfolio now includes over 300 hotels in Andalusia. New additions include the Grupotel Conil Playa and the adults-only Amare Beach Sancti Petri hotel. Several properties have also been extensively renovated and reopened, including the TUI Blue Yaramar and the Riu Palace Nautilus.

The flight schedule to Jerez de la Frontera will be expanded further in summer 2026, with TUI fly operating eight weekly flights between the region and Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hanover, Munich and Stuttgart. In total, TUI Airlines will offer around 140,000 seats to Jerez this summer.

This offering is complemented by around 2,800 TUI Musement tours and activities in Spain's key beach and city destinations. There is particular demand for authentic experiences that bring Andalusian culture to life around Jerez, including city tours, culinary experiences and sherry tastings.

The new Boeing 737-8 is one of the most modern and efficient aircraft in its class. By expanding its fleet, TUI fly is investing in a more modern and sustainable fleet, as well as expanding the number of popular holiday destinations.