ORLANDO, Fla. (February 22, 2007) — AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of
AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AAI), today announced plans to begin service to
Charleston, S.C. Effective May 24, 2007, the fast-growing low-fare carrier will
offer two round-trip nonstop flights between Charleston International Airport
and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, with the addition of two
more round-trip flights on June 7, 2007. With these new flights, AirTran Airways
will bring much-needed low fare service to one of the highest-fare markets in
the country. The route will be served by AirTran Airways' popular Boeing 717-200
aircraft, which seats 117 passengers (12 Business Class and 105 in coach).
The airline decided to add new service to Charleston after an overwhelming
response to its recent online survey asking consumers, "Where do you want
low fares next?" A few months ago, AirTran Airways dedicated a portion of
its Web site to the survey, where consumers could log on and vote for the
airline's next destination. While the airline announced Phoenix, Ariz., as the
number one pick from that survey, Charleston was clearly among the top cities in
the race to be the next stop on the low-cost carrier's route map. Charleston is
AirTran Airways' 55th destination.
"AirTran Airways is committed to offering quality service based on the
feedback of our customers," said Tad Hutcheson, vice president of marketing
and sales for AirTran Airways. "When we saw an overwhelming request for
service to Charleston, we felt it was a pretty easy decision to make it one of
our next new destinations. We are excited to bring AirTran Airways' service to
travelers here in Charleston, offering them access to low fares and high-value
amenities including Business Class on every flight and free XM Satellite Radio
at every seat, as well as the youngest all-Boeing fleet in America."
"We are pleased that AirTran Airways has seen the tremendous opportunity
of adding Charleston, S.C., to the growing network of communities that it
serves," said Bobby Harrell, R-S.C., speaker of the house. "AirTran
Airways will be a vital component of the region's future tourism and economic
development programs."
David Jennings, Chairman of the Charleston County Aviation Authority added,
"Charleston is a first class community, and AirTran is a first class
airline. We are delighted to be working together."
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