Airtran -

The most fascinating part of AirTran’s history is its origin as , which launched in 1993.

In 2010, announced it would acquire AirTran for $1.4 billion to gain access to key markets like Atlanta and international routes to Mexico and the Caribbean.

AirTran:the business model for the Majors? - Aviation Strategy airtran

: After the tragic crash of Flight 592 in the Everglades in 1996, the ValuJet brand became synonymous with safety concerns.

: On December 28, 2014, AirTran’s Flight 1 took off from Atlanta to Tampa—the same route as ValuJet’s first-ever commercial flight—marking the official end of the airline. The most fascinating part of AirTran’s history is

: They were famous for their business class , which often cost just a small upgrade fee.

Airlines of YesterYear: ValuJet and AirTran - Yester Year Retro - Aviation Strategy : After the tragic crash

Unlike typical "no-frills" budget airlines, AirTran carved out a niche by offering premium perks at low prices.