ORLANDO, Fla., June 11 -- AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AAI), today launched nonstop flights between Asheville Regional Airport in Asheville, N.C., and Orlando International Airport in Orlando, Fla., with an event at the airport to celebrate the first flight landing in Asheville.

The airline will offer three nonstop flights to Orlando each week.

"AirTran Airways recognized the need for a low fare carrier in Asheville, and we are happy to step in and provide a cost-effective airline option for residents," said Roger Morenc, director of revenue management for AirTran Airways. "Travelers in Asheville can now fly nonstop to Orlando, one of the prime vacation destinations in the country, while enjoying XM Satellite Radio and Gogo(R) Inflight Internet service."

Asheville Regional Airport Director David N. Edwards, Jr., A.A.E. said, "We are thrilled that AirTran Airways has chosen to serve Western North Carolina. This new route to the Sunshine State demonstrates the economic vitality of our vibrant community and gives passengers the low-fare carrier they have been seeking."

To demonstrate its support for the community, AirTran Airways donated flights to The Health Adventure, a local museum dedicated to educating children about science and technology, and officials were on hand at the inaugural to receive that donation.

The following nonstop flights between Asheville and Orlando will be available beginning June 11, 2009:

AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AAI) and a Fortune 1000 company, has been ranked the number one low cost carrier in the Airline Quality Rating study for the past two years. The airline offers coast-to-coast flights on North America's newest all-Boeing fleet with Business Class and complimentary XM Satellite Radio on every flight. To book a flight, visit http://www.airtran.com.