A new era of convenient and affordable air travel began today as AirTran Airways flight 1002 pushed back from gate B2 just after noon with more than 100 passengers bound for Orlando, Florida.
AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AAI), launched service today at Harrisburg International Airport in Harrisburg, Pa., with former Penn State and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Ham and Eric Madden, deputy secretary of transportation for Pennsylvania, in attendance to welcome AirTran Airways to the airport.
The airline offers daily nonstop roundtrip flights between Harrisburg International Airport and Orlando International Airport. The flights will be operated with the airline’s quiet and fuel-efficient Boeing 717 aircraft.
As part of the service launch, AirTran Airways hosted a celebratory event at the airport, featuring Ham running through a ceremonial barrier to symbolize the end to high fares in the Harrisburg area. AirTran Airways also incorporated the Make-A-Wish Foundation into the festivities by donating flights to the organization, which grants wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions, and presenting Make-A-Wish officials with an oversized boarding pass to demonstrate its commitment to the foundation.
“AirTran Airways will help bring fares down in Harrisburg and give vacationers a direct route to Orlando, one of the most popular leisure destinations in the country,” said Matthew Klein, director of pricing and distribution planning for AirTran Airways and a native of Lancaster.
“We are thrilled that AirTran Airways now provides convenient, high-quality and affordable daily nonstop service between Harrisburg International Airport and Orlando,” said Tim Edwards, executive director for Harrisburg International Airport. “Orlando is central Pennsylvania’s top destination for fun and excitement and is very popular for business travelers as well. Thanks to AirTran, driving hours out of your way for daily nonstop service to Orlando has become a thing of the past. With the region’s strong support, we look forward to earning more AirTran service in the future.”
The following nonstop service between Harrisburg International Airport and Orlando International Airport will begin November 20, unless otherwise indicated:
| From | To | Flight | Departs | Arrives | Frequency |
| Harrisburg | Orlando | 1002 | 12:22 p.m. | 2:55 p.m. | Daily |
| Orlando | Harrisburg | 1001 | 9:20 a.m. | 11:46 a.m. | Daily |
AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AAI), a Fortune 1000 company,
is ranked number one in the 2008 Airline Quality Rating study. The airline offers coast-to-coast flights, North America’s newest all-Boeing fleet, friendly service and Business Class and complimentary XM Satellite Radio on every flight. To book a flight, visit www.airtran.com.Read more about this story online at www.flyhia.com/airtran!
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My wife an I took the inaugural flight out. It was a smooth flight and the service was great. We went to Disney and had a great time. I think the flight times are just fine, but I know others have said they would prefer to leave first thing in the morning and arrive late at night. I hope the region supports this service so ATL could be added down the road. The flight back was nice, and I think the on-time status will be good, I noticed on the flight back while waiting at the gate, that the 717 is overnighted at MCO, and is not relying on coming in from some where else in the morning. One thing I would say was a problem was leaving the long term parking lot. It could use a refreshing at the booths, duct tape and cardboard signs are not very professional looking,and is also confusing. Not to mention the automatic lane the machine didn't work and we were stuck waiting over 15 minutes in line to get out. When you have 100+plus people coming in on a flight and only one lane working at the gate, the line gets rather long. The terminal is beautiful but the long term parking needs addressed.
ReplyDeleteI would like to look into this further. Would you mind putting this in writing to me in the form of an email? Please send to info@saraa.org (forwards into my inbox). Thanks!
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