AirTran Airways, Inc. today reported a net profit of $78.4 million for the second quarter of 2009. This represents a $93.3 million improvement over the same quarter of 2008, reversing a net loss of $14.8 million according to a company press release.
We are proud of the continued extraordinary performance of our 8,500 dedicated Crew Members from coast to coast, and we are delighted to report significantly improved financial results as reflected by our strong quarterly net income," said Bob Fornaro, AirTran Airways' chairman, president and chief executive officer. "We remain committed to providing low fares and a superior product that our loyal passengers value."
During the second quarter, AirTran Airways continued to add service from its principal operating locations of Atlanta, Baltimore, Milwaukee, and Orlando as well as initiating new service to Allentown, Pa., Asheville, N.C., Atlantic City, N.J., Branson, Mo., Charleston, W.Va., and Knoxville, Tenn. Specifically, the Company increased capacity in Milwaukee by over 30 percent as compared to last year and is now the second largest airline serving Milwaukee and its surrounding communities, including Northern Illinois.
"We are extremely pleased with our customers' response to AirTran's expanded network services and particularly to our growth in Milwaukee," said Kevin Healy, senior vice president of marketing and planning for AirTran Airways. "It is clear that our industry-leading combination of low fares and high-quality amenities, such as new Boeing jets, Business Class, and Inflight Wi-Fi on every flight, is highly valued by our customers across our network."
