AirTran Airways Celebrates Fleet Milestone; 50 Percent of Fleet Comprised of New Boeing 717 Aircraft.

Business Editors/Travel & Leisure Writers

ORLANDO, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 20, 2001

AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:AAI), has announced that the low-fare airline took delivery of three new Boeing aircraft this month, bringing its total of Boeing 717s to 30. The fleet of 60 is now half brand new B717s, following the retirement of three DC-9s.

"This is a remarkable time for AirTran Airways," said AirTran Airways Chairman and CEO Joe Leonard. "These new aircraft have been positively received both internally and externally, validating its position as an important component in our expansion. The cost benefits of the higher than anticipated fuel efficiency have enabled us to keep growing. While others are cutting back, we continue to move forward, adding destinations such as Pensacola, Tallahassee and Baltimore in 2001."

Vice President of Flight Operations Klaus Goersch added, "As a pilot myself, I'm especially impressed with the new aircraft. Passengers enjoy the many amenities and with the modern engineering and ergonomics, it's also a pleasure to fly and service. The more we incorporate 717s into our fleet, the more we appreciate its contribution to our on-time performance and lowered costs."

The new Boeing aircraft's engines were developed by Rolls-Royce and produce significantly less noise and emissions, making it the quietest, most-environmentally friendly aircraft in its class. It seats 117 passengers - 12 in Business Class and 105 in the main cabin.

"Passengers have told me that their mood literally lightens when they realize they've stepped onto one the new planes," said Lead Flight Attendant Jan Garrison. "They love the 100 percent fresh air, larger overhead bins, smooth and quiet ride, the comfort of the Business Class cabin, and the back-lit handrails. The new planes even have baby-changing stations in the lavatories, which has generated a lot of positive comments from parents on our flights."

AirTran Airways has firm orders for 52 of the new Boeing aircraft with options for 47 more. The youngest launch customer of a new aircraft, AirTran Airways continues to build one of the youngest fleets in America.

AirTran Airways provides affordable air travel with 336 flights a day to 36 cities throughout the eastern United States. The airline's hub is at the world's busiest airport, Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport, where it is the second largest carrier operating 146 flights a day. AirTran Airways is a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:AAI).

Unlike other airlines, AirTran Airways never requires a roundtrip purchase or Saturday night stay. The airline offers a Business Class any business can afford, all-assigned seating, a generous frequent flier program, and a corporate program called A2B. For more information and reservations, visit www.airtran.com (America Online Keyword: AirTran), call your travel agent or AirTran Airways at 1-800-AIRTRAN (800-247-8726) or 770-994-8258 in Atlanta.