AirTran: A Nostalgic Journey Through Time And Sky

Nov 22, 2023

Last Updated on: Sep 19, 2024

Travel Blog

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

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

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.

Read More: Top 10 Airports In The USA: Navigating Excellence In Air Travel

Reviews From AirTran Flyers

Reviews From AirTran Flyers
Image Source: chestertravels.com

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!

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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.

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BY  Sibashree Apr 10, 2023

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Unique Things To Do In Gaylord, MI: Exploring Michigan In Style

BY  Sibashree May 13, 2025

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Playing Golf At Bavarian Falls Park: Things To Do In Gaylord, MI In The Afternoon View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gaylord Michigan (@gaylordmichigan) Location: 850 S Wisconsin Ave, Gaylord Hours Open: 10 AM to 10 PM You can spend the afternoon trying your luck at the turf. The golf course at Bavarian Falls Park is a favorite of young couples, and the scenic view here is relaxing.  7. Watching Sunsets At Otsego Lake State Park Location: 7136 Old Hwy 27 S, Gaylord Hours Open: 8 AM to 10 PM Kissing by Lake Otsego was the biggest “IT” moment for my partner and me in Gaylord. It’s a place to relax away from the noise of city life.  Also, the Sun setting behind the trees offers transcendental views. 8. Exploring The North Blueberry Farm View this post on Instagram A post shared by Up North Blueberry Farm (@upnorthblueberryfarm) Location: 3964 Hallenius Rd, Gaylord Want to have the best blueberries in the region? 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Collecting Fresh Produce At Gaylord Farmer's Market View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gaylord Michigan (@gaylordmichigan) Location: 829 W Main St, Gaylord Hours Open: Saturday, 10 AM to 2 PM All of us who talk about sustainable tourism must pay a visit to Gaylord Farmer's Market. Michigan has always been one of the biggest promoters of the farm-to-table culture.  At Gaylord Farmer's Market, I got to see how things happen. Local farmers and vendors gather here with their fresh produce.  Moreover, you see so much energy and emotion when you buy something from them or just have short and meaningful conversations.  It’s the best way to know about the local community.  12. Shopping At Old Spud Warehouse View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Old Spud Warehouse (@theoldspudwarehouse) Location: 314 S Otsego Ave, Gaylord, MI Hours Open: Monday-Saturday, 10 AM to 6 PM, Sunday: 12 PM to 4 PM The old world charm of the Old Spud Warehouse building spoke to me at first glance. Along with the clothes and accessories, what I loved the most there were the vintage items.  I collected all the gifts for my friends from there. Where To Eat In Gaylord? Know The Restaurants In Gaylord MI You must have heard of Detroit-style pizza. Also, the pasties in the Upper Peninsula Region are a sheer gastronomic delight.  Further, if you have a sweet tooth, all roads in Michigan lead to Mackinac Island, home to the famous Mackinac Island fudge.  Along with these signature dishes, the local fresh ingredients and flavors such as thimbleberries, cudighi, and white fish, cherries, apples, maple syrup, and artisan cheese make Michigan an ideal place for culinary tourism.  Nevertheless, these are our favorite restaurants in Gaylord, MI. Bennethum's Northern Inn at 27 Old US Hwy Mi Vallarta at 1006 W Main St The Iron Pig Smokehouse at 143 W Main St Things To Do in Gaylord, MI: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about things to do in Gaylord, MI. Why Does Gaylord, Michigan Get So Much Snow? Gaylord, the highest city in the Lower Peninsula region, gets copious snowfall due to its high altitude (411 meters), the northern and northwestern winds blowing into the city, and the lake-effect.  The two Great Lakes, Superior Lake and Michigan Lake, are the two most prominent elements contributing to the heavy rainfall in the city.  But how? Jim Keysor, the warning coordination meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Gaylord, says, “The process of lake-effect snowfall, and rainfall, is the process of cold air moving across an unfrozen body of water … and we normally have a wind direction that blows from north and northwest that brings the air across the Lakes into our area.” What Is The Snowiest City In Michigan? Munising, Houghton, and Marquette are the snowiest cities in Michigan. However, this year (2024-25 Winter), Gaylord has become the center of attraction due to a heavy snowfall of 204.6 inches.  However, it is still behind Munising, which had a record snowfall of 238 inches in the 1996-97 winter, and in the 2024-25 winter season, it recorded a snowfall of more than 218.1 inches.  What Is Gaylord Famous For? With heavy snowfall and a mild summer, Gaylord is the ultimate “Alpine Village” you want to visit. No wonder that it is often referred to by this nickname.  Its skiing and golf resorts attract a lot of enthusiasts every year, and it is the ultimate land of outdoor adventure with diverse terrains and activities such as biking, hiking, elk spotting, etc.  With a Swiss heritage and a sister city to Pontresina in Switzerland, Gaylord also celebrates the Alpine connection through festivals and other cultural activities.  Alpenfest is the biggest celebration in this regard. In 2025, Alpenfest in Gaylord will take place from 8 to 12 July 2025. It is the 60th year of the festival. Moreover, don’t miss the Alpine-themed architecture when you are in Gaylord.  What Should I Wear To Gaylord Ice? You should wear long pants, a hat, gloves, and a Gaylord Rockies parka to Gaylord Ice.  Gaylord is one of the coldest cities in Michigan, and snowfall reached a record high in the 2024-25 winter season. What Is America's Snowiest City? Valdez, in Alaska, is the snowiest city in the United States.  Thanks to the Aleutian low-pressure system, frequent and lasting snowstorms, and mountain drainage, Valdez experiences around 325.3 inches of snowfall in a year.  What Is The Coldest City In Michigan? In the Upper Peninsula, Stambaugh is the coldest city in Michigan, with the temperature going down to -30 degrees Celsius on 20th January, 2025, and -28 degrees Celsius on 21st January 2025.  In winter 2024-25, the Upper Peninsula and some parts of the Lower Peninsula experienced frigid cold.  Further, the temperature in various parts of the Upper Peninsula decreased to -25 degrees Celsius.  Nevertheless, here is a list of the temperature records of the cities in the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan during the winter of 2024- 25. Name of the CityTemperature (Degree Celsius)Stambaugh-28Ironwood-27Herman-25Marquette Area-19Bergland-17Munising-14Manistique-13Sault Ste Marie-13Engadine-13Houghton/Hancock:-12West Branch-12Atlanta-9Kalkaska-6Battle Creek-5Grand Rapids-5Vanderbilt-4Lansing-4Gaylord-4 What Month Does Michigan Get The Most Snow? December to February are the snowiest months in Michigan. However, snowfall in Michigan starts in November and continues till April.  In the 2024-25 winter season, the Upper Peninsula Region of Michigan had a snowfall of over 320 inches (National Weather Service). It was the highest of the season.  Further, Gaylord had a snowfall of 204.6 inches in the 2024-2025 winter season1, achieving a 138% high of the usual average of 148 inches.  Also, during the same months, Traverse City received 152.2 inches of snow, and Detroit received 28.7 inches. Up Next.. A Guide To National Parks In Michigan Is The Bahamas Part Of The US Or Canada? 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