Southwest, AirTran celebrate deal signing
By A.B. Snedeker

To mark the finalization of Southwest Airlines’ acquisition of AirTran Airways, Southwest executives arrived at Hartsfield-Jackson to celebrate with AirTran employees May 2.

A water-cannon salute, confetti and more than 500 guests greeted the chartered AirTran 737 emblazoned with a special logo marking the occasion. Southwest CEO Gary Kelly and AirTran CEO Bob Fornaro were among passengers aboard the aircraft as it was towed into the AirTran hangar at Hartsfield-Jackson amid cheers and fanfare.

“Today is monumental for Southwest Airlines, and it is for AirTran, too,” Kelly said. “We’re celebrating our people and all the hard work it’s taken to get to this point. And, we’re going to celebrate in style!”

According to officials, the process of converting AirTran’s fleet to the Southwest livery should start next year.

To see footage of the plane’s arrival, watch the video below.

Crew members leave the plane amid cheers and fanfare. The plane bore a special logo to commemorate the finalization of Southwest Airlines’ acquisition of AirTran Airways.

Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly (right) addresses the crowd, accompanied by AirTran Airways CEO Bob Fornaro (back left) and Tad Hutcheson, AirTran vice president of marketing and sales.