New Star on the Black Sea: TUI Names Boeing 737-8 “Varna” at Varna Airport

The official aircraft naming ceremony at Varna Airport gave the city and Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast a new flying ambassador across Europe

Varna Airport today hosted the official naming ceremony of TUI’s new Boeing 737-8 “Varna”, turning the Bulgarian coastal city into a flying ambassador for the Black Sea region and giving Varna additional visibility across TUI’s international route network.

The aircraft was welcomed with a traditional water salute before the start of the official ceremony. The special occasion brought together senior representatives of TUI, the Ministry of Tourism, Fraport Twin Star Airport Management AD, partners and invited guests.

In keeping with Bulgarian traditions, the official guests were welcomed with bread, salt and honey. The Minister of Tourism - Dr. Ilin Dimitrov, godfather of the aircraft, then officially performed the naming ritual using traditional Bulgarian rose water, symbolically giving the aircraft the name “Varna”.

The celebration continued with an elegant cocktail reception at Varna Airport’s Gate Garden - the airport’s unique, distinctive open-air passenger and event space - where guests marked the occasion against the backdrop of the newly named aircraft.

As the namesake of a TUI aircraft, Varna will represent Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast throughout TUI’s international route network. The entire Bulgarian coastal region is well established among European holidaymakers for its long sandy beaches, seaside resorts, cultural diversity and excellent value for money.

“Bulgaria is one of the most exciting rising stars in the European holiday market. Families in particular are increasingly discovering Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast for themselves. By naming our Boeing ‘Varna’, we are making a visible commitment to the growing importance of this destination within the TUI portfolio,” said Marco Ciomperlik, Chief Operating Officer of TUI Group.

The regions around Varna and Golden Sands, as well as Burgas and Sunny Beach, are particularly popular among holidaymakers. TUI Airline also operates weekly direct flights to Varna and Burgas, while capacity to Bulgaria has been further increased this year in response to continued demand for Black Sea holidays.

“Today, Varna spreads wings. The name of our seaside capital will soar across Europe as an ambassador for Bulgaria and the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. This is a symbol of our strong partnership with TUI and a recognition of our potential as a modern and attractive destination. Our goal is to develop air connectivity and enable more and more European tourists to discover Bulgaria. We thank TUI for their trust - together, we are opening up our country even further to Europe!”,  said Dr. Ilin Dimitrov - Minister of Tourism.

For Fraport Twin Star Airport Management AD, the naming of the aircraft represents a special recognition of the Bulgarian Black Sea region, while further strengthening its visibility among international travelers.

“Today marks a special milestone for Varna Airport and our long-standing partnership with TUI. We are proud that the aircraft being named today will carry the name “Varna” - a meaningful gesture and a historic moment for the city and our airport. We are delighted that such an important partner has chosen our airport for this aircraft naming ceremony. With the new incentive scheme - a programme designed to stimulate air connectivity - recently approved by the national authorities, we will be able to offer additional opportunities for airlines and tour operators. We are confident that this will help us attract even more passengers to the Bulgarian Black Sea airports in Varna and Burgas in the years ahead”,  said Michael Reusch - CEO of Fraport Twin Star Airport Management AD.

By carrying the name “Varna” across TUI’s European network, the aircraft will serve as a visible ambassador for the city, the destination and Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, introducing their appeal to travelers across Europe.

Varna Airport looks forward to welcoming all passengers with its signature high-quality service and will continue to ensure a pleasant passenger experience.