First Choice (UK)

The company (originally named Owners Abroad) was founded in 1973 by Neil Scott, a former London taxi driver, ice cream truck operator and movie extra, operating as a travel agent.

In 1987, the group launched Air2000 and in 1990 it acquired Redwing, under the guidance of Howard Klein who had replaced Scott as CEO.

[4] In March 2007, the merger of the travel division of TUI AG with First Choice Group plc was announced.

[5] The European Commission approved the merger on 4 June 2007, on the condition that the merged company sell Budget Travel in Ireland.

The merger was completed and TUI Travel was de-listed from the London Stock Exchange on 17 December 2014.