Southwest announces plan to close AirTran deal May 2; Names new AirTran president

Categories: Industry News | News

Southwest Airlines announced today that it intends to complete its acquisition of AirTran Airways on May 2, 2011.  Following AirTran’s board approval in March, Southwest’s Chairman and CEO Gary Kelly has been looking forward to closing the deal.

“We anticipate that all necessary regulatory approvals will be obtained by that date. We look forward to that milestone day, first and foremost, so that we can begin the exciting work to integrate AirTran into Southwest, and welcome the AirTran Crew Members fully into the Southwest Family,” stated Kelly.

The transition of AirTran into the Southwest will be lead by Bob Jordan, Southwest’s current Executive Vice President of Strategy and Planning.  He will take on the role of President of AirTran while remaining in his current position at Southwest.  The full integration of AirTran into Southwest is anticipated to be complete in 2013.

For the full story, please visit the Southwest Airline press release here.