Caribbean expansion, Ravens’ logo jet add to AirTran’s BWI growth

October 31, 6:22 PMDC Airlines/Airport ExaminerIan Fitzpatrick

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AirTran Boeing 717 (Courtesy AirTran Airways)

New nonstops to Jamaica and the Bahamas, Baltimore Ravens’ partnership add to AirTran’s growing profile at BWI-Marshall

The latest Bureau of Transportation Statistics show AirTran Airways is the number two carrier in market share at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI).  Orlando-based AirTran is making moves to be number one in the hearts and minds of air travelers in the competitive Washington/Baltimore air travel market.

The latest data from the US Department of Transportation show AirTran holds a market share of nearly 16 percent at BWI-Marshall, placing it right behind Dallas-based Southwest Airlines, which carries nearly 53 percent of passengers into and out of BWI.  The rivalry between the two carriers should intensify, thanks to new moves by AirTran.

Beginning December 17, AirTran launches the first phase of its Caribbean expansion at BWI, with new nonstop service to the Bahamas to Nassau’s Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS).  AirTran will fly the BWI-NAS route four times per week, with Boeing 717 aircraft.  Flights to Nassau will leave BWI at 9:50am and arrive at 12:22 on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday.  Return flights from Nassau to BWI will leave NAS at 1:02pm and arrive at 3:34 on the same days.

On February 11, 2010, AirTran will add Jamaica’s Montego Bay Sangster International Airport (MBJ) to its list of destinations from BWI.  AirTran will fly its signature Boeing 737s daily on the BWI-MBJ route.  Flights will leave BWI at 8:55am and arrive at MBJ at 12:19pm.  The return flight will leave MBJ at 3:30pm and land at BWI at 6:58pm.  Currently, Air Jamaica flies the BWI-MBJ route.

The Montego Bay and Nassau flights are subject to final government approval.

Separately, in a move that puts AirTran squarely into the football rivalry between Washington and Baltimore, AirTran unveiled its latest logo jet, Ravens 1.  The custom-painted purple and black Boeing 717 jet joins Falcons 1 as the newest additions to the AirTran fleet, reflecting the carrier’s partnerships with several National Football League teams.  AirTran will unveil Colts 1 later this year.  Washington fans have to wonder if owner Dan Snyder will seek a marketing deal of his own to bring the Redskins’ to the skies.  

Catch Ian on the Travel’n On Radio Show every Tuesday at 4pm and 6pm ET for the latest travel news and information.