Q: If SkyWest will fly routes we currently operate with B-717s. How does that help us? Does that mean a reduction in flying for us?

This agreement will not reduce AirTran flying,flying; in fact it’s quite the opposite. SkyWest CRJ-200s will free up our 717s to operate to other markets with better profit potential. In the next two months, AirTran will operate nearly 2,000 more departures than we did last November/December, an almost 5 percent increase. Our stage length and block hours (hours flying) will increase at a greater rate – our block hours will increase by more than 8 percent over the next two months versus last year. As I mentioned before, because of this partnership, we will be able to add new and exciting destinations in the near future.

Q: Does this growth create more opportunities at AirTran?

Absolutely, due to the growth we just discussed, we will be sending recall letters today for a number of pilots who, for various reasons, chose to or had to pass on the last recall, in order to fill a January training class. It is likely we will be adding crew members in other areas as well to support this new partnership.