Issue: 1124 Date: 3/8/2012
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Southwest, AirTran get OK to operate as single carrier
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The Federal Aviation Administration has approved a "single operating certificate" for Southwest Airlines and AirTran Airways , meaning the government officially views the two merger partners as one entity.
Dallas-based Southwest (NYSE: LUV) acquired AirTran last May.
Southwest officials described the single operating certificate as a milestone, but also said it will take "several years" to complete the integration of the two airlines, including re-branding AirTran's fleet as Southwest and transitioning to a single ticketing system.
"This will enable us to continue our integration in a coordinated and thoughtful manner while our customers will continue to receive the highest level of service and safety they have come to expect from both carriers," said Mike Van de Ven, chief operating officer at Southwest Airlines.
