AIRTRAN ACCELERATES FLEET MODERNIZATION

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Carrier launches new service to Bangkok, upgrades Sydney and Tokyo routes with 787s, expands Honolulu hub with new West Coast MAX 8 flights and a new 787 order, and announces comprehensive revitalization and Hushkit program for its iconic MD-83 fleet.
ATLANTA, GA — AirTran Airways today announced a series of major milestones in its ongoing fleet modernization and global expansion strategy. The airline has officially taken delivery of three new Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners and its first two Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. Furthermore, fueled by strong demand and operational success, the carrier has exercised its right to add seven additional Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to its growing order book, and officially ordered a fourth Boeing 787-800, ushering in a new era of efficiency and passenger comfort for its international, domestic, and Hawaiian networks.
Expanding the Pacific Hub with Boeing 787s
To support its rapidly growing trans-Pacific network, AirTran has integrated three Boeing 787-8 aircraft into its widebody fleet, officially replacing two older Boeing 767-200s. The advanced Dreamliners are now flying the airline's premier routes from its Honolulu hub to Sydney, Australia (SYD) and Tokyo Narita (NRT), offering passengers significantly upgraded cabin experiences and reduced travel fatigue.
Driven by the immediate success of this widebody upgrade, AirTran Airways is excited to announce it has also placed a firm order for a fourth Boeing 787-800. This additional aircraft will be dedicated exclusively to the Honolulu hub, providing the necessary capacity for further expansion deep into the Asia-Pacific market.
Furthermore, leveraging the superior range and efficiency of its growing Dreamliner fleet, AirTran Airways is thrilled to announce the launch of brand-new, direct service to Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi {VTBS} in Thailand. Tickets for this new Southeast Asian gateway are on sale now.
The Boeing 737 MAX 8 Enters Domestic Service and Hawaii Fleet Grows
Simultaneously, AirTran Airways is proud to announce that the first two of its originally ordered 20 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft have officially entered domestic service. These next-generation narrowbody jets have seamlessly taken over active routes previously operated by two of the airline's McDonnell Douglas MD-83s, providing immediate improvements in fuel efficiency, operational reliability, and cabin quietness.
Signaling immense confidence in the aircraft, AirTran has exercised options to order seven additional Boeing 737 MAX 8s. Crucially, two of these newly ordered MAX 8s will be strategically assigned to the airline's Honolulu hub. Utilizing the aircraft's extended-range capabilities over water, these two planes will inaugurate brand-new routes connecting Hawaii directly to the US mainland West Coast, providing travelers with more flexible, low-fare options between the islands and the mainland.
Preserving the Legacy: MD-83 Revitalization and Chapter 4 Hushkits
While the 737 MAX 8 will become the new backbone of the domestic fleet, AirTran remains deeply committed to the aircraft that built the airline. The two MD-83s relieved by the new MAX 8s have not been retired. Instead, they have been routed into a major heavy maintenance program.
During this overhaul, these aircraft will be restored to "like-new" mechanical condition. Crucially, they are also being retrofitted with advanced Chapter 4 Hushkits, bringing them into compliance with the latest, most stringent noise reduction standards. Following the mechanical upgrades and a complete interior cabin refresh, these revitalized MD-83s will be placed back into active service sporting a fresh new look, ensuring the flying legacy of the "Mad Dog" continues for years to come.
"Today is a landmark day for AirTran Airways as we take delivery of both our first 737 MAX 8s and our new 787 Dreamliners," said the Chief Executive Officer of AirTran Airways. "We are dramatically enhancing our Pacific network with flights to Sydney, Tokyo, and now Bangkok, and reinforcing that commitment by ordering a fourth 787-800 for our Honolulu hub. At the same time, we are modernizing our domestic footprint and expanding our Hawaiian operations with our new order for seven additional MAX 8s, two of which will connect Honolulu to the West Coast. But perhaps most uniquely, we are investing heavily in our beloved MD-83 fleet. By adding Chapter 4 Hushkits and giving them a bumper-to-bumper overhaul, we are proving that you can embrace the future of aviation while proudly preserving the heritage of the past."
Passengers can book flights on the new Boeing 787 and 737 MAX 8 aircraft, including the new routes to Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi {VTBS} and the upcoming West Coast connections, by visiting the AirTran Airways website or contacting their authorized travel agent.
About AirTran Airways
Headquartered at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, AirTran Airways is a rapidly expanding commercial airline dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and high-value passenger air transportation. Operating a diverse fleet that includes the Airbus A380, Boeing 787, Boeing 737 MAX 8, and a revitalized McDonnell Douglas MD-83 fleet, AirTran connects travelers to major domestic business centers, premier vacation destinations, and critical global gateways across Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.