Why is Airtran call sign "Citrus"?

[flint4xx]

I was just asked by a non pilot, and I couldn't answer. Anybody?

 

[Daveman]

I was just asked by a non pilot, and I couldn't answer. Anybody?

I'm guessing the Orlando, FL. base. Used to be all orange groves when I was a kid. I like the Citrus thing. The Critters would know best.

 

[gear_guy]

made lemonade out of lemons

 

[b747dogg]

I was there in 1998 when they had a contest for the new call sign. Before "citrus" there was "manatee" as a call sign for the original AirTran and "critter" was the call sign for Value Jet. My submission for a call sign was "Beaver", oh well.

Citrus the airline with a peal.

 

[Tripower455]

Citrus? I thought it was Clitrus!

 

[BD King]

Citrus? I thought it was Clitrus!

By cracky, I think you are right!

 

[FN FAL]

You guys are hilarious! I can see my work here is done!

 

[jschroed]

I'd agree, it has something to do with the airline's base. Airtran being based in orlando, Florida being known for oranges. Another example is America West's call sign is Cactus, based in Arozona.

 

[PHX767]

Cactus is based in...

Phoenix, ARIZONA

 

[jschroed]

Precisely!