Airtours' Mytravel.com, however, uses home-grown software to execute sales online, says a spokeswoman.

BBC: Online travel bucks gloomy trend

In the past few weeks, Airtours launched a website called Mytravel.com to both promote and sell its package holidays online.

BBC: Online travel bucks gloomy trend

The online arena, however, remains an important outlet, prompting established tour operators such as Airtours to continue investing in their e-commerce strategies.

BBC: Online travel bucks gloomy trend

None of the 169 passengers on board the Airtours Airbus A321, flying in from Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands, were injured in the incident.

BBC: Tyre blowout closes Manchester Airport

The plane was Airtours' last of the night destined for Manchester.

BBC: Tyre blowout closes Manchester Airport

One merger thatcould also be affected is that between British travel operators Airtours (now called My Travel) and First Choice, which the Commission vetoed in 1999.

FORBES: Magazine Article

The aircraft was operated by the Edinburgh Air Charter company and was taking the Airtours staff to Aberdeen to connect with a holiday flight to Majorca.

BBC: Crash pilot 'took wrong action'

The aircraft was operated by the Edinburgh Air Charter company and was taking staff from Lancashire-based Airtours to Aberdeen to connect with a holiday flight to Majorca.

BBC: Crash pilot 'took wrong action'

Captain John Easson, 49, from Bride, Isle of Man and his co-pilot, Bill Henderson, 54, of Lower Largo, Fife, also died, as did Airtours pilot Colin Finnie, from Irvine, Ayrshire.

BBC: Officer recalls plane crash scene

The Airtours Airbus will remain at Manchester for repairs.

BBC: Tyre blowout closes Manchester Airport