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| An AirTran Airways flight. Photo: Wikipedia |
[Avionics Today 12-29-2014] Southwest Airlines has flown the last AirTran Airways revenue flight, marking near complete integration of AirTran into the low-cost carrier. Southwest acquired AirTran in 2011 with the aim to extend its network into key markets such as Atlanta and Washington, D.C. The final flight, AirTran Airways Flight 1, departed Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Tampa Bay International Airport, retracing a route that is a nod to AirTran’s first commercial flight in October 1993.
“The work of so many people culminates in this moment as we salute the enormous accomplishments of AirTran and Southwest. For our customers and employees, we now move forward with one airline, one customer experience, one flight schedule, one rapid rewards frequent flyer program, and one award-winning brand,” said Bob Jordan, Southwest Airlines’ chief commercial officer and AirTran Airways president, who was on the flight to Tampa.