New Airtran city?

[Citrusflyer]

Charleston

Not official yet....

http://www.abcnews4.com/news/stories/0207/399436.html

 

[STL717]

I guess Delta will be adding seats and matching fares

Historic Charleston, S.C. Is AirTran Airways' Newest Destination- Airline Chooses City as Its Next Stop After an Overwhelming Response to Traveler Survey -

ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- 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."

 

[Citrus531]

I remember when we were told late last year that we'd be adding a small # of cities for '07....so far-> PHX, DAB, SAN, SWF, CHS, STL