A new 787 Dreamliner aircraft flew out of East Midlands Airport for the first time yesterday morning.
The Thomson-operated aircraft is being used for two new long-haul holiday routes from the airport.
Tracey and Andrew Green, both 43, along with their two children Elliott, 14, and Caitlin, nine, were among passengers on the flight to Sanford Airport, in Orlando, Florida.
Before leaving, Tracey, of Syston, said: "I'm really excited, I can't wait. I've always been a big kid."
She said their children were also looking forward to it.
"My daughter was up at 6.15am, all ready to go."
The flight – TOM586 – marked the first long-haul Thomson Airways flight from the airport. A new service to Cancun, in Mexico, will also be launched.
A total of 291 customers were on board the plane.
East Midlands is now one of only four UK airports to operate the revolutionary aircraft – along with London Gatwick, Manchester and Glasgow airports.
Parent company Manchester Airports Group is investing £12 million improving the security and departures areas at East Midlands Airport.
