Paula Martin, who has been with the business for more than 25 years, will lead the charge following her promotion from head of key accounts to head of sales. She will be supported by Amanda Basnett-Jones, who joins as sales executive from Booking.com and is also tasked with supporting First Class’s agent partners.

Elsewhere, Darren McCormick joins as head of reservations, bringing experience from spells with Travel Counsellors, Gold Medal and Etihad.

"I’m delighted to have joined such a strong, established brand within the long-haul travel sector and I am excited to use my previous experience to improve the way we support agents," said McCormick.

Other new appointments include marketing recruit Maria Garcia, after-sales executive Jade Rourke, and travel consultant Michelle Mittens. “We are extremely lucky to have recruited some very talented staff," said First Class managing director Dan Gathercole.

"I am also pleased for Paula as she been in the business over 25 years and is so well respected both with our staff and with our agents," Gathercole continued. "Amanda also came highly recommended and will help improve trade communications. We are still looking for new staff though as demand increases ahead of peaks.”