NEWS: AirTran Promoted to Major

Kneel AirTran while I bestow upon thee the title of Major Airline with all the rank and privilege that comes with this storied title. Well maybe it didn't go quite like that but the DOT has elevated AirTran to major airline status based on the fact that its revenues now exceed $1 billion dollars. Its a reflection of AirTran's success in expanding their operation growth especially in the east. Really the only blemish is being outbid by Southwest for ATA's Chicago-Midway gates. Nicely done AirTran.

In case you have forgotten AirTran is the airline formerly known as ValuJet. Many folks, experts and mere mortals alike, had written this airline off after their horrible tragedy in Florida. But they have managed to rebuild themselves steadily over the years to become a formidable low fare competitor and a thorn in more than one legacy carrier's side (ahem Delta...US Airways). AirTran's growth is not lost on the likes of JetBlue and Southwest either.