ORLANDO, Fla., May 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. , today launched service at Burlington International Airport in Burlington, Vt., with the help of Vermont Governor Jim Douglas, who presided over a "Best of Vermont" breakfast. The buffet featured the state's signature foods, including maple syrup and cheddar cheese, and Gov. Douglas used a bagel to take a ceremonial "bite" out of high fares.
The airline also incorporated the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Vermont, which is headquartered in Burlington, into the inaugural event. AirTran Airways donated flights and presented officials with an oversized boarding pass symbolizing its commitment to the foundation. A custom-made stuffed bear in an AirTran Airways pilot's uniform, designed by the renowned Vermont Teddy Bear Company, was also presented to a Wish child attending the event.
"AirTran Airways is proud to bring low fares to the great state of Vermont," said John Kirby, senior director of strategic planning for AirTran Airways. "Residents of the Green Mountain State and nearby Rive Sud will enjoy our nonstop flights to Baltimore/Washington, and convenient connecting service to Florida. Our low-fare, high quality service includes Business Class seating on every flight and free XM Satellite Radio at every seat."
"What a great day for Burlington passengers to have AirTran Airways, with its low prices and great customer service, come to our airport," said Brian Searles, director of aviation for Burlington International Airport. "We couldn't be happier."
"The welcome addition of AirTran Airways to the list of airlines serving Burlington International Airport brings an immediate expansion of direct service to Baltimore/Washington along with a solid vote of confidence in the economic vitality of the City, Region and State," said Mayor Bob Kiss. "I'm sure that AirTran Airways and Burlington will benefit from each other in the years ahead."
The following nonstop service between Burlington International Airport and Baltimore/Washington Thurgood Marshall International Airport will begin May 21, unless otherwise indicated:
Nonstop Service from Burlington to Baltimore/Washington
From To Flight Departs Arrives Frequency
Burlington Baltimore/Washington 878* 6:30 a.m. 8:00 a.m. Daily
Burlington Baltimore/Washington 870 1:20 p.m. 2:50 p.m. Daily
Burlington Baltimore/Washington 876 5:40 p.m. 7:10 p.m. Daily
*Effective June 27; also operates May 23, May 24, May 25 and May 27
Nonstop Service from Baltimore/Washington to Burlington
From To Flight Departs Arrives Frequency
Baltimore/Washington Burlington 953 11:20 a.m. 12:45 p.m. Daily
Baltimore/Washington Burlington 875 3:40 p.m. 5:05 p.m. Daily
Baltimore/Washington Burlington 877* 8:59 p.m. 10:24 p.m. Daily
*Effective June 26; also operates May 22, May 23 and May 26
Following is a sample of fares* AirTran Airways will offer for its new flights to/from Burlington. Fares listed are one way, available daily and are valid in either direction:
Sample 14-day Sample Business
Destination Advanced Purchase Sample Walk-up Class
Baltimore/Washington $49 $174 $274
AirTran Airways, a Fortune 1000 company ranked number one in the 2008 Airline Quality Rating study, offers more than 700 affordable, daily flights to 58 U.S. destinations. With 8,900 friendly Crew Members and America's youngest all-Boeing fleet, AirTran Airways provides XM Satellite Radio and Business Class seating on every flight. For more information and free online booking, visit http://www.airtran.com/.
* All fares are one-way. One bag per person may be checked free of charge, and a 2nd bag may be checked for a fee of up to $20 per person. Reservations may be obtained or changed through an AirTran Airways Telephone Reservations Center for an additional $10 per person. Introductory sale fares and lowest walk-up fares are non-refundable and a $75 fee per person applies to any change made after purchase, plus any applicable increase in airfare. Introductory sale fares require a ten-day advance purchase and tickets must be purchased by June 3, 2008. Introductory sale fares are valid for travel on Tuesdays and Wednesdays through November 5, 2008. Additional sale fares are valid for travel on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Seats are limited, subject to availability, and may not be available on all flights. Blackout dates are as follows: June 27, 2008 through June 28, 2008 and July 3, 7, 2008. 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
Quinnie Jenkins
678.254.7442
