AirTran Expands, Bypasses Atlanta

By Jim Burress

Atlanta, GA – When announcing a $107-million third quarter loss last year, AirTran C-E-O Robert Fornaro predicted the airline would likely move some of its focus away from Atlanta.

This week the airline expanded to Knoxville, Asheville, and Atlantic City. It also plans more service to Washington, DC.

But most of the new flights bypass Atlanta, instead serving Milwaukee and Orlando, where AirTran is headquartered.

Spokesman Christopher White says AirTran uses a simple model when deciding where to fly.

"We're looking at cities that are underserviced and overcharged. So we're always looking around and seeing where the best opportunities are for the company."

Overall, AirTran expects to cut capacity four-to-six percent this year, with Atlanta seeing most of those cuts.

Jim Burress, WABE News.