- Football Legend Archie Griffin, Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman and other Local Dignitaries Help Airline Celebrate Inaugural Flight -
ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AAI), launched service today at Port Columbus International Airport in Columbus, Ohio, with former Ohio State running back Archie Griffin, Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman and Franklin County Commission President Marilyn Brown in attendance to welcome AirTran Airways to the airport.
AirTran Airways now offers roundtrip nonstop flights between Port Columbus International Airport and the following cities: Atlanta, Ga.; Orlando, Fla.; and Ft. Myers, Fla. In addition to these nonstop flights, AirTran Airways connects to 37 destinations through its hub in Atlanta.
As part of the service launch, AirTran Airways hosted a tailgate party at the airport, where two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin ran through a ceremonial barrier to symbolize the airline’s launch in Columbus. AirTran Airways also incorporated the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Ohio into the festivities by donating flights to the organization, which grants wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions, and presented Make-A-Wish officials with an oversized boarding pass symbolizing its commitment to the foundation.
“With our first flight into Port Columbus International Airport, we invite residents of the Buckeye state to fly AirTran Airways, which ranked number one among all airlines in the 2008 Airline Quality Rating study,” said Tad Hutcheson, vice president of marketing and sales for AirTran Airways. “We offer Columbus residents high quality customer service, including assigned seating and Business Class seating on every flight in addition to low fares.”
“Cities face strong competition for air service and we sincerely appreciate AirTran Airways for selecting Columbus as its next destination,” said Elaine Roberts, President and CEO of the Columbus Regional Airport Authority. “We know local travelers will appreciate having even more options when they consider their next business or leisure trip.”
The following nonstop service between Port Columbus International Airport and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport will begin November 6, unless otherwise indicated:
Nonstop Service Between Columbus and Atlanta
From To Flight Departs Arrives Frequency
---- -- ------ ------- ------- ---------
Columbus Atlanta 516 6:15 a.m. 7:55 a.m. Daily*
Columbus Atlanta 518 4:11 p.m. 5:51 p.m. Daily
Atlanta Columbus 517 2:01 p.m. 3:36 p.m. Daily
Atlanta Columbus 519 8:40 p.m. 10:15 p.m. Daily**
*Does not operate on Nov 6 & Nov 13
**Does not operate on Nov 10 & Nov 17
The following nonstop flights between Columbus and Orlando will be available beginning November 6, unless otherwise indicated:
Nonstop Service Between Columbus and Orlando
From To Flight Departs Arrives Frequency
---- -- ------ ------- ------- ---------
Columbus Orlando 373 8:00 a.m. 10:21 a.m. Daily*
Orlando Columbus 374 11:10 a.m. 1:27 p.m. Daily**
*Does not operate on Nov 6, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 18, Nov 19
**Does not operate on Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 18, Nov 19
The following nonstop flights between Columbus and Ft. Myers will be available beginning November 6, unless otherwise indicated:
Nonstop Service Between Columbus and Ft. Myers
From To Flight Departs Arrives Frequency
---- -- ------ ------- ------- ---------
Columbus Ft. Myers 375 2:02 p.m. 4:44 p.m. Daily*
Ft. Myers Columbus 376 5:19 p.m. 8:00 p.m. Daily*
*Does not operate on Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 18, Nov 19
Following is a sample of fares AirTran Airways will offer for its new flights to/from Columbus. Fares listed are one way and are valid in either direction:
Off-Peak Travel Peak Travel
Destination Sale Fare* Sale Fare*
Atlanta $54 $74
Orlando $74 $94
Ft. Myers $67 $87
AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AAI), a Fortune 1000 company, is ranked number one in the 2008 Airline Quality Rating study. The airline offers coast-to-coast flights, North America’s newest all-Boeing fleet, friendly service and Business Class and complimentary XM Satellite Radio on every flight. To book a flight, visit http://www.airtran.com.
*All fares are one-way. All fares are non-refundable and a $75 fee per person applies to any change made after purchase, plus any applicable increase in airfare. One bag per person may be checked free of charge, and a 2nd bag may be checked for a fee of up to $25 per person. Reservations may be obtained or changed through an AirTran Airways Telephone Reservations Center for an additional $15 per person. Fourteen-day advance purchase required. Off-Peak Travel sale fares are valid for travel on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Peak Travel sale fares are valid for travel on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Seats are limited, subject to availability, and may not be available on all flights. Tickets must be purchased by November 11, 2008. Sale fares are valid for travel through February 11, 2009. Blackout dates are as follows: November 26, 29 & 30, 2008; December 1, 2008; December 20, 2008 through December 30, 2008; and January 3-4, 2009. Fares, routes, and schedules are subject to change without notice. Fares do not include per-segment tax of $3.50. A segment is defined as one takeoff and one landing. The September 11th security fee of up to $10 is not included. Airport Passenger Facility Charges of up to $18 are not included.
Media Contacts: AirTran Airways
Tad Hutcheson
Judy Graham-Weaver
Cynthia Tinsley-Douglas
678.254.7442
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