HOLIDAYMAKERS will soon be able to fly direct from Bristol Airport to exotic locations as far away as Hawaii and Thailand.

The arrival of a new generation of aeroplanes will open up far-flung destinations to Bristol Airport, according to the boss of Thomson Airways.

This week the brand-new Boeing Dreamliner arrived in the UK for the first time. Tour operator Thomson Holidays has already ordered eight of the new planes and says it will fly some of them out of Bristol.

The aeroplane, which was on display at the Farnborough Airshow, is built out of lightweight composite materials, meaning it can travel further on less fuel but is still able to take off from Bristol – even though the airport has a shorter runway than other airports.

Thomson's managing director Chris Browne revealed that her company is planning to fly direct from Bristol to destinations including Phuket in Thailand and Honolulu in Hawaii. Costa Rica, Brazil and South Africa are all destinations being considered by the airline.

Mrs Browne said her company is planning to operate its new Dreamliners from Bristol as well as Manchester, Birmingham, East Midlands and Glasgow airports.

She said: "We believe the 787 will increase demand for shorter duration long-haul holidays. Our research shows 43 per cent of people would consider a long-haul holiday for just a week if jet-lag was reduced."

The Dreamliner's 8,500-mile range will allow the company to offer direct flights to destinations such as Hawaii, as well as the hugely popular Thai resort of Phuket, which Thomson has so far been unable to offer.

The advanced design of the plane is designed to increase passenger comfort and reduce jet-lag, meaning passengers will be able to fly further afield on seven-day long package holidays.

The aircraft's air supply is more humid so will leave passengers less dehydrated, and lighting copies the sunset and sunrise times of destinations.

The first 250-seat aircraft is due for delivery in January 2012, following a two-year delay, and Thomson will be the first airline in Europe to take delivery of one.

Bristol's £150-million expansion plans are based around the idea that the next generation of planes will open up more destinations and increase passenger numbers.

Aviation director Shaun Browne said: "We see the Dreamliner playing a central role in providing long-haul services from Bristol Airport in the future.

"The aircraft's improved fuel efficiency will bring south-east Asia and the west coast of the USA and beyond within reach, without the need to make major changes to airport infrastructure.

"It is the perfect example of new technology changing the game."

Meanwhile, the airport is gearing up for the start of the summer holidays, with passenger numbers expected to rise steeply when the term ends for local schools on Friday.

More than one million people are expected to pass through the airport during the next six weeks – with traffic returning to close to the levels last seen at the airport in 2008.

Flights to Skiathos in Greece and Pula in Croatia are new this summer, while Mexico, Florida, Turkey, Greece and Egypt remain popular.

Extra staff have been taken on to work in the car parks and customer services.

Mr Browne said: "The summer holidays will be very busy, but plans are in place to make the airport experience for passengers as convenient and comfortable as possible.

"However, check-in, security search and boarding can take time – particularly for families and large groups.

"By arriving at least two hours ahead of their scheduled departure time, passengers can help us keep queues to a minimum."