AirTran Airways Takes Flight With the Marquette Golden Eagles

Airline Signs Multi-Year Deal As Presenting Sponsor of Marquette University Athletics

MILWAUKEE, Nov. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AAI), today announced a multi-year deal to be the Presenting Sponsor of Marquette University Athletics and a Premier Corporate Partner of Marquette University.

"As AirTran Airways has grown in Milwaukee, we've been impressed by the strong bond Marquette University has built with the community over nearly 130 years," said Kevin Healy, senior vice president of marketing and planning, AirTran Airways. "This equity is what really drove the partnership. It is an honor to be part of the tradition of Marquette athletics, from the legendary Al McGuire to its ongoing success as a member of the Big East Conference."

This new partnership will align two well-respected brands through a traditional mix of marketing considerations plus unique elements that will be unveiled over the life of the partnership. AirTran Airways will also be introduced to Marquette's distinguished alumni, current students, corporate partners and faculty as the University's preferred travel partner. Nelligan Sports Marketing brokered the deal.

"We are very pleased to welcome AirTran Airways as a premier corporate partner," said Steve Cottingham, Athletic Director, Marquette University. "As it has grown its presence in Milwaukee, AirTran Airways, like Marquette, has demonstrated a real dedication to the improvement of this community. Together as partners, Marquette Athletics and AirTran Airways are poised for continued growth and success."

The Marquette sponsorship is the latest example of AirTran Airways' investment in Milwaukee. This year alone, the airline has sponsored the Milwaukee Brewers, The Great Circus Parade, the Wisconsin State Fair, the Hunger Task Force, the Milwaukee Film Festival, the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee and more, while having Wisconsin sports heroes Ryan Braun and Donald Driver as endorsers.

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. AirTran is the only major airline with Wi-Fi on every flight and offers coast-to-coast service on North America's newest all-Boeing fleet. Its low-cost, high-quality product also includes assigned seating, Business Class and complimentary XM Satellite Radio on every flight. To book a flight, visit www.airtran.com.

The Marquette University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is a member of the BIG EAST Conference, competing at the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I level in 14 sports. The Golden Eagles strive to excel on the field and in the classroom in seven men's sports (basketball, soccer, cross country, indoor/outdoor track & field, tennis and golf) and seven women's sports (basketball, soccer, cross country, indoor/outdoor track & field, tennis and volleyball). Marquette is a Catholic, Jesuit University dedicated to serving God by serving our students and contributing to the advancement of knowledge. The mission of the athletics department works in concert with that of the University, which focuses on the principles of Excellence, Faith, Leadership and Service.

SOURCE AirTran Airways