AirTran Airways was an American low-cost airline originally headquartered in Orlando, Florida, which ceased operations after the acquisition of Southwest Airlines. AirTran Airways was founded in 1993 as Conquest Sun Airlines under the management of two small airlines, Destination Sun Airways and Conquest Airlines. They operated mainly Boeing 717s and 737s. It shuttled flyers around the US Midwest as well as the East Coast and stayed in business for 21 years.
Why does it not operate anymore? What happened to AirTran?
AirTran: A Brief Look Back
Conquest Airlines’ co-founder Victor Rivas was one of the founders of Conquest Sun. Who bought AirTran? AirTran Corporation in 1994 purchased the airline and renamed it AirTran Airways. It later exited from AirTran Corporation’s new holding company, Airways Corporation.
The holding company of ValuJet acquired the airline, and the holding company of Airways Corporation in 1997, which owned the struggling ValuJet Airlines. ValuJet’s holding company became AirTran Holdings and merged with ValuJet Airlines’ AirTran Airways. ValuJet Airlines, in turn, became “AirTran Airlines” before merging with AirTran Airways.
Southwest Airlines acquired AirTran Airways and parent company AirTran Holdings on May 2, 2011. It gradually integrated them with AirTran’s last revenue flight on December 28, 2014.
It operates nearly 700 flights per day, primarily in the eastern and midwestern United States, with its main hub at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport serving nearly 200 daily departures. AirTran’s fleet consisted of Boeing 717-200 aircraft, of which it was the largest operator in the world, and Boeing 737-700 aircraft.
AirTran History
Image Source: community.southwest.com
This was founded in 1993 as Conquest Sun Airlines and began operations as an original Boeing 737-200 that flew to and from Orlando.
AirTran Airways was founded by the management of both Destination Sun Airways and regional carrier Conquest Airlines. The founding of Destination Sun Airways is unclear. Which claims Destination Sun was founded in 1991 by former Northeastern International Airways CEO Guy Lindley and that the airline was formerly known as SunExpress and was based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Another source claimed that Destination Sun was founded in 1990 by a group of pilots, presumably former Eastern Air Lines pilots, as AirTran management later claimed that it was founded by former Eastern Air Lines employees. Rafael Rivas and Victor Rivas founded Conquest Airlines in April 1988 in Texas. Victor Rivas, one of the founders of Conquest Airlines, was also closely involved in the founding of Conquest Sun Airlines.
In 1994, AirTran Corporation, the holding company of Minneapolis-based Mesaba Airlines, acquired Northwest Airlink from Northwest Airlines, with hubs in Minneapolis and Detroit. After the purchase, the airline changed from Conquest Sun Airlines to AirTran Airways to match the name of the holding company. The airline moved its headquarters to Orlando and grew to 11 Boeing 737s serving 24 cities in the eastern as well as midwestern United States, offering low-cost vacations to Orlando.
In 1995, AirTran Corporation established a new subsidiary called Airways Corporation and placed it under the new subsidiary; AirTran Corporation then separated from the new Airways Corporation, becoming an independent holding that also owns AirTran Airways. After the separation, AirTran Corporation became Mesaba Holdings after its subsidiary Mesaba Airlines separated from AirTran Airways. AirTran Corporation/Mesaba Holdings then became MAIR Holdings, which liquidated in July 2012.
Latest Developments
On September 27, 2010, Southwest Airlines announced the acquisition of AirTran Airways and parent company AirTran Holdings for a total of $1.4 billion. The deal gave Southwest a significant presence in many AirTran hubs, including Atlanta (at the time the largest US city without Southwest service) and Milwaukee, as well as expanded service to Baltimore and Orlando. With the acquisition, Southwest added international service to several leisure destinations such as CancÚn, Montego Bay, and Aruba.
Southwest integrated AirTran’s Boeing 737-700 series fleet with the Southwest Airlines brand and design, after which the Boeing 717 fleet leased out to Delta Air Lines beginning in mid-2013. The airlines planned to complete as well as close the deal within two years, with the two airlines operating as separate carriers in the interim. The deal closed on 2 May 2011, and the airline won a license on 1 March 2012. The full integration of all employee groups between the two airlines ended in 2015.
On February 14, 2013, Southwest Airlines announced that it had entered into a codeshare agreement with AirTran. They took the first step on January 25, 2013, launching joint routes in five markets. As of February 25, 2013, Southwest continued to launch joint routes with 39 other markets. By April 2013, joint routes were to be available in all Southwest and AirTran cities (both domestic and international).
Southwest announced that the integration would end on December 28, 2014, when AirTran Airways Flight 1 will be the airline’s last Boeing 717-200 (N717JL) departure from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) to Tampa International Airport ( TPA). The flight used the call sign “Critter” as a nod to ValuJet. This route and flight number was Valujet’s first flight.
AirTran has had quite a journey in all these years, and so did its passengers. Here are some of the reviews from people after their flight with AirTrans.
1st Review
“I was given business class, which I was quite thrilled about. The seats are much bigger in this area and I felt comfortable the entire time. The arm rests were actually big enough for me to use as well. I was given a drink and a snack as soon as I boarded the plane – I did not have to wait like the people in coach. I was also offered more drinks and snacks throughout the flight. It is a small perk, but it is nice. It was also nice to be the first off the plane. I did not have to wait for everyone to debark first.”
– SharonSaver
2nd Review
“I loved it! The employees were great and they even offered several snacks while in the air. It was my very first time riding on a plane, so I was kind of nervous. The Flight Attendant made me feel so relaxed and offered to sit with me if I needed it, then. Although I declined the offer, it was nice to know that an airline would go the extra mile for their customers. Every time I travel, I go with AirTran because they know how to treat you.”
– mrsyoung1983
3rd Review
“I fly to Orlando and LAX several times a year and the only company I’ll fly with is Airtrain! They are one of the few airlines that offer convenient non-stop flights from my local airport. And their flights are always more than $100 cheaper than the other airlines. Their flights are ALWAYS on time. Knock on wood here, but I’ve never had a delayed Airtran flight. In fact, most of my flights arrive at their destinations a few minutes early. The staff is outstanding!”
– jenniandtonyx1
Wrapping Up
AirTran Airways was a beloved low-cost airline that operated for 21 years. It offered affordable flights across the US Midwest as well as the East Coast. The airline’s history overlaps with that of several other airlines, including Conquest Airlines, ValuJet Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. They ultimately acquired AirTran Airways and its parent company, AirTran Holdings. AirTran Airways is no longer in operation. But its legacy lives on in the hearts of many who fondly remember their journeys on this iconic airline.
If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask, then please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you!
Abdul Aziz Mondol is a professional blogger who is having a colossal interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, he loves to share content related to business, finance, technology, and the gaming niche.
Review #1
I paid cash for my $100 incidental payment. And stayed there for one night from October 13 to October 14. I never write reviews like this, but what the black women with big bodies who worked on 10/14/22 did was basically theft. I told the night lady that my room smelled like smoke, and she told me that most rooms smell like smoke and it's fine. When I checked out, the morning clerk told me she wouldn't return my cash deposit because the room smelled like smoke. I told her I don't smoke and what the night lady said, but she was rude and didn't care about what I had to say. Heard that if you pay cash as a deposit, they will make up reasons to keep it and share it with the people who clean the room.
They did not make me sign anything saying they were keeping my $100. I'll talk to corporate about this because I've been traveling for work for 9 years and never had a problem like this. The woman at the front desk basically stole my deposit, and I might have to go to court over this. I'll do just that. Check out the people who pay cash for a deposit. Heard that the black woman who worked at the front desk on 10/14/22 had been accused of the same thing many times before. When you make $10 to $14 an hour, I'm sure that stealing that $100 deposit helps you pay your bills.
Review #2
The folks at the Motel 6 down the street gave me a recommendation to park at Quality since they said it was the safest overnight option in town because to the plenty of lighting and frequent police patrols.
The check-in process was lengthy due to the slowness of the desk staff. Another visitor convinced me to call in for the lowest rate, but I was stuck listening to a vacation package sales pitch from an extremely persistent agent for what felt like 30 minutes. In the end, I decided that the points weren't worth the discomfort, but I did it for the experience. It left me pretty irritated by the end, and it still does to this day. Not even after all that effort did I get a better rate!
After I checked in, I noticed how well-kept the room was (kudos to Natasha at reception for her attention to detail). The cleanliness of the tub was unparalleled; it appeared to be brand new. However, the bottle's stopper was missing, rendering it useless. In addition, the room was unexpectedly roomy. It seemed like the only negative aspect was an old chair sitting at the desk.
When I showed up early for a free breakfast, I was told that it was grab-and-go only and that they didn't actually start serving breakfast until Friday. The convenient snack pack included a blueberry muffin, a yogurt cup, and a croissant sandwich made with sausage, eggs, and cheese that had previously been frozen.
Although one of the treadmills in the exercise room was broken, the facility was otherwise adequate.
Unfortunately, once I had settled into my room, I read some quite unsettling comments about the hotel online. Except for a slightly off-putting hallway odor and some dubious carpet stains, I couldn't find any physical manifestations of the issues highlighted in the previous complaints. The reports of bedbugs were the most alarming. Thankfully, my thorough search turned up no evidence of such odors, but hearing about them from other guests tainted my overall impression of the hotel.
Additional:
Which Is The Largest Freshwater Lake In India?
Indiaâs New Airline, Akasa Airs, Is Set To Pets In Cabin And Cargo
Best Places For Highest Bungee Jumping In India â Adventure Guide
East Africa comprises 8 countries: Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, the DRC, South Sudan, and Somalia.
Each country has its unique safari activities. However, we are going to take a look at the amazing things in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
Here are the things to do during the East African safari tour.
What Are The Things To Do In The East African Safari Tour?
The East African safari tour is not just about spotting wildlife.
While spotting the gorillas, lions, and elephants remains the main attraction, this safari tour is also about a rich cultural experience.
For example, when you visit the Maasai villages, you learn about their livelihood and how they share a close bond with nature and wildlife.
Moreover, if you thought the safaris were the only adventure, you probably have not tried a hot air balloon ride here.
The sunrise view at Mara or Serengeti during a hot air balloon ride is something that gives you an adrenaline rush, and the feelings are transcendental.
Nevertheless, here are the best things to do on an East African safari.
1. Gorilla Trekking In Uganda
A trip to East Africa is incomplete without experiencing gorilla trekking. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park offers the best Gorilla trekking Uganda safari packagesof a lifetime.Â
This is the only national park that has the largest number of mountain gorillas in the world.
Bwindi also offers Uganda birding experiences in the Buhoma and Nkuringo sectors.
2. Wildebeest Migration Safari In The Masai Mara Game Reserve In Kenya
This is one of the most booked African safari tours in the world. The Masai Mara game reserve is a breathtaking destination.
This place has a massive number of wildebeest migrating, the migration that starts in early July and ends in October.
Another adventure that adds personal value to your safari to the Masai Mara game reserve is a cultural tour of a Masai Village.
3. Game Drive And Boat Safari In Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is located in northwestern Uganda. It is the largest national park in Uganda, followed by Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Murchison has animals such as lions, Giraffes, buffalo, Uganda Kobs, Elephants, warthogs, and hyenas, to name a few.
Not only are game drives done here, but Murchison Falls National Park also offers an amazing boat safari to the bottom of the waterfalls and scenic views of the top of the waterfalls.
4. Game Drives And Boat Safaris In Queen Elizabeth National Park
This is the second-largest national park in Uganda, after Murchison Falls National Park, and the second most visited.
This park is located near the majestic Rwenzori Mountains and sits in the Kasese, Kamwenge, Bushenyi, and Kukungiri districts, covering an area of 1,978 km2.
Almost all popular Uganda safari packages feature Queen Elizabeth National Park, as it offers a range of activities.
This includes game drives to spot the Big Five, boat safaris, lion tracking, and chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge.
5. Wildebeest Migration In Serengeti National Park In Tanzania
Tanzania is an East African country within the Great Lakes region. The Republic of Tanzania is known for its abundance of wildlife.
The country borders Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, DR Congo, Burundi, Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique.
Serengeti National Park, a World Heritage Site in northern Tanzania, is known for its annual wildebeest migration and zebras.
These animals move north from the South Plains in search of pastures. Serengeti has over 2 million ungulates, 1000 leopards, 4000 lions, and 500 species of birds.
This park is the best wildlife reserve in Tanzania, covering 15,000 km2. Migration season starts from 01st July to 31st October every year.
What Is The Best Time For An East African Safari Tour?
There are two spans in the year when you can plan an East African safari. June to October is an ideal span for the safari.
On the other hand, January and February are the most delightful months because, along with the highest congregation of wildlife near the water bodies, you also enjoy pleasant weather conditions.
The table below summarizes the best season for an East African safari and the season-wise top activities.
Best Seasons And Top Activities
Best Season for An East African Safari Reasons to Visit June to October (Dry Season)Sunny WeatherMaximum Outdoor ActivitiesEasy TravelHigh Congregation of Wildlife July to October Great for Safaris in the Masai Mara.Ideal for Watching the herds. Animals Cross the Rivers in Large Numbers. January to February (Calving Season)Ideal for Viewing Wildlife in the Southern Serengeti.Fewer Tourists Make it Ideal for Wildlife Spotting. April to May (Green Season)Lush GreeneryLow PriceFewer Crowds
The Best Time For An East African Safari Tour Can Change Based On The Region
Furthermore, remember that the best time for an East African Safari also depends on the region you want to focus on.
Temperature and weather shifts happen with the change of the region.
For example, Tanzania and Kenya are the best for exploring in January and February, as it is the calving season or June to October as it is the dry season.
On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a safari in Uganda or Rwanda and try gorilla trekking, June to September and December to February are the best times.
Dry weather conditions make these months ideal for trekking and trying other outdoor activities.
Also, if you want to experience the lush greenery of Eastern Africa, November to early December is the best time.
It is a shoulder season, and nature looks fresh after the spells of short rains.
And The East African Safari Tour Does Not End HereâĶ
Several other African countries offer amazing safari experiences, such as South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia.
However, you can see all of that in Kenya, Botswana, and Namibia by combining Uganda safari tours with South Africa and Tanzania safaris.
Depending on your availability and budget, one month is enough to cover the 3 mentioned African countries mentioned.
Most national parks favor family travelers with kids, except Bwindi and Kibale, which have an age limit of 15 years and above.
Every year, Thailand attracts millions of business travellers. While it faces competition from Singapore for the title of Southeast Asia's business hub, its superior size and geographic diversity make it many people's go-to destination for meetings, incentives, conferences, and events (MICE).
It's also one of the region's most open economies and an important trading partner for many countries, attracting visitors who are looking to do business with the country as well as in it.
Nonetheless, it is a country with its own cultural quirks and unique ways of doing things, and it pays to be prepared if you want your trip to go smoothly.
So, whether you're hosting a meeting in Chonburi or attending a conference in Bangkok, here are five important things to make sure you prepare in advance for your business travel in Thailand.
Things To Prepare In Advance For Business Travel In Thailand
The International Trade Administration has a detailed guideline on business travel in Thailand. There are specific directives on visa requirements, telecommunications, currency exchange, and transportation.
However, here, we will talk about the preparations you need to make well in advance.
1. Take Care Of Travel Documents, Copies, And Connectivity
Thailand receives many tourists each year due to its relaxed visa requirements for short-stay visitors. However, these generally only apply to visitors who are coming exclusively to sightsee and vacation.
If you're planning to do any kind of work, even if it's just a meeting, you'll need to apply for a non-immigrant visa at your local embassy or consulate. This should be done well in advance of your arrival in the kingdom.
Make sure:
Your Passport has at least 6 months of validity
Make copies of your passport and visa
Keep copies of your hotel booking and travel documents handy
Lastly, make sure you've brought roaming data for your phone to stay in touch with people back home.
2. Ensure That You Have Access To Adequate Meeting Facilities
It's important to remember that if you're travelling for business, you'll likely need access to a meeting room. Find out what you can in advance about your hotel's facilities, if that's what you plan on using.
Space
Equipment
Support
These are the three most crucial factors.
If you need to book a meeting venue last-minute, or your hotel doesn't offer the facilities you need, translate your search, like "book meeting room in Chonburi" into Thai (āļāļāļāļŦāđāļāļāļāļĢāļ°āļāļļāļĄāļāļĨāļāļļāļĢāļĩ). You'll see the Thai results too, sometimes with lower rates. But once you click on the websites, there's usually a button to switch the language back to English.
3. Plan Your Recreational Activities
Recreational activities are benefits that will carry over into work hours, both on your trip and back home. Thailand offers plenty of choices.
Areas like Bangkok and Pattaya are, of course, known for their nightlife, but many modern visitors prefer to book into wellness retreats and spas.
Chonburi, which is growing in popularity as a business destination, has a vibrant sports scene. It's home to the Chonburi Bluewave Futsal Club and the Supreme Chonburi Volleyball Club, which are both very popular across the country.
4. Have Access To Finances And Legal Advice
As it's a business trip, we're sure you've got your budget covered. However, that means little if you can't access your money when you need it.
Make sure that you've informed your company's credit card provider of your travel plans so that they don't block it by mistake. It's also advisable to carry some cash at all times. Card payments are rarely used for everyday transactions, with the locals preferring cash or mobile app payments.
Thailand has strict laws around foreign ownership of properties and businesses. You may also have local taxes and labour regulations to consider if you are setting up or investing in a Thai business.
It's also sensible to have any contracts reviewed by an expert who understands Thai law. So, get a legal advisor.
Moreover, Thailand has recently revised its visa policy. So, the duration of a visa-free stay for foreign tourists is now just 30 days instead of 60 days. This will impact visitors from around 93 countries across the world.
This new revision is aimed at controlling illegal business developments, such as unlawful condominium developments, in Thailand.
However, when you are traveling with a business Visa, or the Non-Immigrant "B" Visa, you can stay in the country for 90 days.
Do you have to suddenly extend your stay for business purposes? You can get in touch with the Immigration Bureau to get approval. Here also, provide the detailed documents and establish your requirements to get the approval.
So, irrespective of the country you are from, you need a constant consultation with an immigration expert and a lawyer.
5. Stay Aware About Local Culture And Etiquette
The Western approach to business and personal interaction is a lot more direct than the Thai way of doing things.
In order to get along well with any Thais you meet and to ensure that your meetings go smoothly, you should honour the local customs. The most important concept to keep in mind is that of "saving face." This is the avoidance of direct or public confrontation with others to save them from embarrassment.
Furthermore, you must always address the mistakes in private. Also, you must greet with a traditional gesture, âWaiâ, before a handshake. Moreover, respect the hierarchy.
Stay Prepared To Make Your Business Travel In Thailand A Success
From Chonburi to Chiang Mai, Thailand has many MICE cities that are well-equipped for the needs of business travellers.Â
However, keeping your documents handy and knowing the visa policies are very crucial if you are planning a business travel in Thailand. Also, if your business trip means that you have to work in Thailand, you will need a Thai Work Permit.
Moreover, the visa requirements can change in Thailand. Documentation can also get stricter. So,
Read the visa policies
Know the documents required
Consult with an immigration expert
Talk to your business counterpart in Thailand
Seek legal help regarding documentation if needed
All these will ensure a seamless visa application and approval for your next business trip in Thailand.
Read Also:
5 Must-Visit Places In Thailand: Should I Go To Phuket Or Krabi?
3 Reasons Why Thailand Is The Ultimate Wellness Destination
Thailand Travel Guide: This Is The Best Time To Visit Thailand!
Related
