Airport News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2004

 

AKRON-CANTON AIRPORT, AIRTRAN AIRWAYS AND CSU CONVOCATION

CENTER CELEBRATE NEW AIRTRAN AIRWAYS BUSINESS CLASS SECTION IN

ARENA





(Cleveland, OH): Akron-Canton Airport and AirTran Airways will celebrate the grand opening of the Business Class section at the Convocation Center located at Cleveland State University (CSU) during the American Idol concert this Thursday, July 29, 2004. The newly created section is the cornerstone of a joint sponsorship agreement entered into by the airline, airport and the Convo.



 



The Business Class section features a fully staffed 10-seat section with luxury seating, and food and beverage services. Guests to CSU University athletic games or other Convocation Center concerts and events can purchase tickets within the section or perhaps win a free "business class upgrade" during the game. "This is a fantastic way to promote AirTran Airways' business class aircraft seating," says Judy Graham-Weaver, AirTran Airways public relations manager. "We are the only affordable fare carrier serving Northeast Ohio who offers both advanced seat assignments and very affordable upgrades at the ticket counter to business travelers. It's our way of offering business class seating that any business can afford."



 



In addition to the Business Class section, the sponsorship agreement includes airport and airline signage within the Convo, rotating video segments inside and outside the Convocation Center, email and direct mail promotions to faculty, students and alumni, and recognition and advertising during CSU sporting events. Kristie Van Auken, airport marketing/ communications director comments, "We are delighted with our Convocation Center partnership. AirTran offers great fares to great destinations aboard brand new Boeing 717s and the airport offers a great experience. Clearly air service is a regional issue and we want to extend our support of great events and entertainment venues throughout Northeast Ohio."



 



The Convocation Center is a primary event venue in Cleveland. "We are very excited to be a part of what has become a true partnership in every sense of the word. We look forward to being a key part of the success of the Akron-Canton Airport and AirTran Airways in Northeast Ohio." said Joe Mazur, General Manager of the Convocation Center.

About the Cleveland State University Convocation Center





The Convocation Center is a 14,500 multipurpose entertainment facility that was recently named to Pollstar's list of top arena venues in the world in 2003. The Convo which is managed by SMG, the world leader in public facility management, has consistently drawn more than 700,000 people annually since 2001. With over 140 arena events and 200 Conference Center events, the Convocation Center entertains a wide variety of people throughout the year.

About the Akron-Canton Airport





The Boyd Group, Evergreen Colorado, recently ranked the Akron-Canton Airport the fastest



growing airport in the United States. To support its growth, CAK is building a new $24 million gate concourse and a new Shuffel Road interchange. Additional airport information is available at www.akroncantonairport.com.

About AirTran Airways





AirTran Airways is one of America's largest low-fare airlines – employing more than 5,800 friendly, professional Crew Members and operating over 500 flights a day to 45 destinations. The airline's hub is at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world's busiest airport by passenger volume, where it is the second largest carrier. AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings (NYSE: AAI), is the world's largest operator of the Boeing 717 and has America's youngest all-Boeing fleet. The airline recently added the Boeing 737-700 aircraft, one of the most fuel efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft flying today, to its fleet. For reservations or more information, visit airtran.com (America Online Keyword: AirTran).