He will be replaced by director of operations for Tui’s northern region airlines, Dawn Wilson.

Murphy joined the business in 1993 as a pilot and has held a number of senior management roles since 2000 and became managing director for Tui Airways in 2014.

He had as continued to fly throughout his time in the business, with one of his most notable flights bringing the first 787-8 Dreamliner to the UK in May 2013.

Tui said he had decided to step down in preparation for his retirement and “will return to his first love and true passion - flying".

As well as Tui Airways, Wilson, who takes up the role on January 1, will be responsible for Tui fly Nordic.

She will report into chief executive of Tui Aviation Kenton Jarvis.

Wilson joined the business in 1989 as cabin crew for Britannia Airways and has spent time as general manager of cabin crew and director of ground operations.

Andrew Flintham, managing director for Tui UK and Ireland said: “I’d like to thank John for all he’s done throughout his time in the business, his passion for aviation is huge and I am delighted that he will still be a captain on our long-haul services.

“I’d also like to congratulate Dawn on her new appointment; I’m confident under her leadership Tui Airways will go from strength to strength.”