TUI fly Netherlands
An academic exploration of a key Dutch charter airline, detailing its history, operations, fleet, and destinations within the global TUI Group network.
Explore History 📜 View Destinations 🌍Overview
Airline Identity
TUI fly Netherlands, legally incorporated as TUI Airlines Netherlands, is a Dutch charter airline. Formerly branded as Arkefly and Arke, it serves as the dedicated charter carrier for the Dutch arm of the prominent German travel conglomerate, TUI Group.
Operational Hub
Headquartered in Schiphol-Rijk, within the municipality of Haarlemmermeer, Netherlands, the airline's primary operational base is situated at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. This strategic location facilitates its extensive network of leisure travel routes.
Corporate Affiliation
As an integral part of the TUI Group, TUI fly Netherlands contributes significantly to the group's comprehensive travel offerings. It operates under the umbrella of one of the world's leading tourism companies, aligning its services with the group's broader strategic objectives.
Historical Trajectory
Genesis and Evolution
The airline's lineage traces back to Air Holland, established in 1981. Following financial difficulties, it was acquired by the Exel Aviation Group and relaunched as HollandExel in January 2004. After the Exel Aviation Group's bankruptcy in May 2005, the German TUI Group assumed control of the airline's operations, rebranding it as Arkefly.
International Expansion and Rebranding
Operations extended to Curaçao on July 15, 2004, as DutchCaribbeanExel, which was also integrated into the TUI Group and renamed ArkeFly Curaçao. The airline introduced weekly flights to St. Maarten from Amsterdam in December 2007, though this service was later discontinued. In 2011, routes to Orlando, Miami, Puerto Vallarta, and Israel were launched. By October 2013, Arkefly adopted the marketing name "Arke" to align with its travel agency partnership. A significant rebranding occurred on October 1, 2015, when Arke was renamed TUI, marking the transition to the current TUI fly Netherlands identity.
Fleet Modernization
TUI Group has strategically invested in fleet modernization, including orders for Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. These new additions, comprising the 737 MAX 8 and MAX 10 variants, are intended to enhance efficiency and replace older aircraft. Deliveries commenced in January 2018. Notably, TUI fly Netherlands retired its last Boeing 767-300ER in November 2024, concluding its role as the final TUI Group operator of this aircraft type.
Operational Framework
Key Operating Bases
TUI fly Netherlands strategically utilizes three primary airports within the Netherlands as its operational bases:
- Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) - Serves as a major hub.
- Eindhoven Airport (EIN) - A significant base for operations.
- Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM) - Another key base, facilitating regional access.
Flight Operations
The airline conducts both scheduled and chartered flights, with a substantial portion of its charter operations dedicated to the Dutch tour operator, TUI Netherlands. Its route network is primarily focused on leisure destinations across various popular holiday regions.
Aircraft Fleet
Current Fleet Composition
As of August 2025, TUI fly Netherlands operates a modern fleet comprising advanced aircraft designed for long-haul and medium-haul leisure routes:
| Aircraft | In Service | Orders | Passenger Capacity (P/Y/Total) | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boeing 737 MAX 8 | 6 | — | 0 / 189 / 189 | ||
| Boeing 787-8 | 4 | — | 25 / 280 / 305 | ||
| Total | 10 | — | |||
Historical Fleet Overview
Over its operational history, TUI fly Netherlands has utilized a diverse range of aircraft to serve its route network. The former fleet includes:
Global Reach
Key Travel Markets
TUI fly Netherlands operates flights to a diverse range of popular leisure destinations. These routes span across the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands, the Red Sea region, parts of Africa, the Middle East, the Caribbean, and North America, catering primarily to the holiday travel market.
Comprehensive Destination List
As of September 2023, TUI fly Netherlands serves a significant number of destinations. The following table provides a detailed overview:
Organizational Context
TUI Group Integration
TUI fly Netherlands functions as a vital component of the TUI Group's extensive airline network. The group comprises multiple airline subsidiaries, including TUI Airways, TUI fly Belgium, TUI fly Deutschland, and TUI fly Nordic, all contributing to the group's global travel and tourism services.
Industry Affiliations
The airline is an active participant in key industry organizations. It is a member of Airlines for Europe (A4E), a major airline association advocating for the European aviation industry. Additionally, it is listed among the Airlines of the Netherlands, signifying its role within the national aviation landscape.
Past Collaborations
Historically, TUI fly Netherlands maintained a codeshare agreement with Surinam Airways, facilitating broader connectivity and passenger services between the Netherlands and Suriname.
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References
References
- tui.nl - Vliegbestemmingen TUI retrieved 15 March 2017
- Arklefly shortens its name to just Arke Drum, Bruce, World Airlines News. 22 October 2013, retrieved 3 November 2013
- "Arkefly." TUI Nederland. Retrieved on 28 September 2009. "ArkeFly Beech Avenue 43 1119 RA Schiphol-Rijk Postbus 75607 1118 ZR Schiphol-Triport"
- Flight International 27 March 2007
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This document has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended solely for informational and educational purposes. The content is derived from a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not reflect the most current or complete information.
This is not professional advice. The information presented herein is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding aviation operations, travel planning, or business strategy. Readers are encouraged to consult official sources and qualified professionals for specific needs.
The creators of this content are not liable for any inaccuracies, omissions, or actions taken based on the information provided.