AIRTRAN AIRWAYS ANNOUNCES SERVICE TO LOS ANGELES THIS SUMMER
(Los Angeles, California -- March 5, 2003) - Los Angeles World Airports and AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc., today announced that starting this summer the airline will serve three Western cities including Los Angeles. The low-fare airline will offer two daily flights from its Atlanta hub to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
LAWA Deputy Executive Director Philip Depoian said, "Los Angeles is pleased that AirTran selected Los Angeles as part of its western service expansion. We see it as a demonstration by the industry that additional service is justified to one of the world's foremost travel destinations. Its service will provide travelers with additional flights at convenient times."
The service to Los Angeles will be operated initially by AirTran Airways' marketing partner, Ryan International Airlines, using Airbus A-320 aircraft with 12 business class and 150 coach seats.
"This is a big day for AirTran Airways," stated Joe Leonard, chairman and chief executive officer. "We have been looking forward to announcing service to the West Coast, as these are among the biggest cities to which we currently don't fly, and are the most requested by our customers. This is an important expansion of our Atlanta hub network, and we expect to stimulate tremendous demand throughout the Southeast to these top Western U.S. destinations."
The new daily nonstop flights to Los Angeles effective June 4, 2003 arrive at 11:30 a.m. and 10:20 p.m. Los Angeles to Atlanta flights depart at 12:30 p.m. and 11:45 p.m.
To celebrate the new service, AirTran Airways is offering special introductory fares as low as $99 one-way between Atlanta and Los Angeles. All introductory fare tickets must be purchased by May 6, 2003, and travel must be completed by July 16, 2003.