AirTran unveils the "Wizarding World of Harry Potter"

717-231 (55079/5042) N925AT ex-TWA N412TW sports the new Harry Potter livery.

(Photos AirTran)

AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AAI), and Universal Orlando Resort today unveiled an exciting addition to their partnership, a one-of-a-kind “Wizarding World of Harry Potter” themed aircraft. This distinctive aircraft is the latest expansion of a partnership that includes exclusive travel packages and special offers to people traveling on AirTran Airways to the Universal Orlando Resort.

The Boeing 717 features an illustration on the aircraft depicting a wizarding hand, complete with wand, stretching from the back of the plane to the front. The tip of the wand is pointing towards The Wizarding World of Harry Potter logo across the side of the fuselage. The wand and hand sit just above the Universal Orlando Resort emblem.

“What better way to celebrate the opening of this exciting experience than to give these students and other passengers the opportunity to begin their journey to Universal Orlando Resort aboard this uniquely designed aircraft,” said Tad Hutcheson, AirTran Airways’ vice president of marketing and sales. “We believe the aircraft will be a huge hit with our customers and with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter fans. We look forward to passengers from across the U.S. enjoying this specially designed aircraft during their flights to and from Orlando.”

The newly designed plane officially launched today by flying winners from the NBC Today Show’s “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort” contest. Students from San Antonio were among the first to ride on the aircraft to the Orlando International Airport.

To commemorate the launch of this special aircraft, AirTran Airways and Universal Orlando Resort are also giving away a three night trip for four to the park, including a three night stay at the Hard Rock Hotel. For complete rules and to enter, please visit: www.airtran.com/Universal
The aircraft, featuring the The Wizarding World of Harry Potter image, is an element of a larger partnership between Orlando’s hometown airline and Universal Orlando Resort. This partnership includes joint promotions, exclusive offers and special getaways to the park. AirTran Airways serves more cities to Orlando than any other airline.

The aircraft is the latest in a series of industry leading designs, including AirTranica (commemorating Danica Patrick’s historic Indy car win), Elton 1 (featuring Elton John to celebrate the airline’s installation of complementary XM Satellite Radio) and several professional sports team themed planes, including: Brewers 1, Falcons 1, Ravens 1, Colts 1 and Magic 1.

(AirTran Press Release)