Airtran 1999 Annual Report Download - page 16

The Hertz Corporation
We are very pleased to be associated with The
Hertz Corporation. Through an exclusive partnership,
customers who schedule their travel arrangements
through airtran.com are eligible to receive a special
discounted rate on Hertz rental cars. The AirTran Web
site features an automatic link to the Hertz Web site,
enabling customers to quickly take advantage of the
special discounted rates. In fact, the Internet link
between our Web site and that of Hertz is one of
the most successful between any airline and car rental
company. Hertz’s special discount rates also apply
to customers who choose to utilize our Net Escapes
program to book their travel. Additionally, customers
booking travel over the phone with AirTran Airways
Reservations can be transferred directly to a Hertz
representative for the same special discounted rates
our Internet customers receive.
The Beau Rivage Resort
AirTran Airways entered into a joint marketing
partnership with the Beau Rivage Resort, a world-
class destination resort developed by Mirage Resorts,
Incorporated, to provide daily nonstop jet service
between Gulfport/Biloxi Regional Airport and several
Southeastern cities. The new service began on March 15,
1999, to coincide with the opening of Beau Rivage.
This new air service increased daily flights in and out
of Gulfport/Biloxi Regional Airport from 42 to 58 flights,
and nearly doubled incoming seat availability from
1,224 to 2,050 per day.
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ADDS AIRTRAN AIRWAYS
TO AUTHORIZED CARRIER LIST
This year we earned the seal of approval from the
U.S. government as an authorized air carrier for federal
government employees. The Department of Defense
is extremely selective about which airlines receive
its approval, yet AirTran Airways won three out of every
four contracts on which we bid. We can all be proud of
this recognition, because it reinforces AirTran Airways’
reputation as a safe and reliable airline. In addition
to the federal government’s travel business, we were
awarded various state government contracts. This
is not only an honor, but also a profitable new source
of revenue.
A.S.A.P. SMALL PACKAGE SERVICE
In 1999, AirTran Airways implemented A.S.A.P. Small
Package Service, a new, same-day service that offers a
timely and convenient alternative for shipping packages.
Since first being offered, the program has been a suc-
cess and continues to grow. Ted G. Shown Associates,
Inc. (TGSA), was selected to be the provider for the new
cargo management service for AirTran Airways, as well
as for our air freight service and U.S. Mail service.
MARILYN ROGERS NAMED ONE OF THE “MOST
POWERFUL WOMEN” BY TRAVEL AGENT MAGAZINE
Congratulations to Marilyn Rogers, senior vice president,
customer service, who was named one of the “Most
Powerful Women” in the airline travel industry by Travel
Agent magazine for the significant contributions she
has made to the industry. She oversees our special
task force that focuses on Caring Customer Service.
EMPLOYEE-DRIVEN SUCCESS
Our 4,000-strong staff of employees was the driving
force behind AirTran Airways’ turnaround throughout
1999. Our people define our success and have lifted
AirTran Airways to levels of achievement that some
industry insiders didn’t think possible. We’re carrying
that momentum into 2000 with continued training
workshops, a focus on Caring Customer Service and
a continuing commitment to recognize and reward
each and every individual who gives day-in and day-out
to our company.
CONSUMER SURVEY TOUTS BENEFITS OF
LOW-FARE AIRLINES
We are extremely proud that a national consumer
magazine’s annual survey revealed that AirTran Airways
ranked second in overall value — placing us ahead of
the three biggest airlines. Additional findings reported
levels of customer service comparable to American
and Delta for a fraction of the cost. One impressive and
notable difference, however, was that AirTran Airways
provides better flight attendant service than the majors.