AirTran Airways introduces “Dophin 1″ today in Atlanta

March 31, 2011 — AirTran Airways

AirTran Airways (Orlando) may be heading towards its sunset as it awaits approval of its pending merger and takeover by Southwest Airlines, however the company is not slowing down on introducing logojets. Today (March 31) AirTran Airways and Georgia Aquarium unveiled a custom designed aircraft celebrating their long partnership. The Boeing 737-7BD registered N354AT (msn 36725), named “Dolphin 1″, is uniquely adorned with dolphins and an aquatic theme to celebrate the airline’s partnership with the world’s largest aquarium while highlighting the facility’s newest attraction, the AT&T Dolphin Tales gallery and theater.

The one-of-a-kind aircraft was introduced to the AirTran fleet with a water cannon salute from the Atlanta Fire Department and festive music from the Tri-Cities High School Marching Band. Executives from AirTran Airways and the Georgia Aquarium gathered with AirTran Airways Crew Members and other guests to commemorate the launch. “Dolphin 1″ will serve AirTran’s growing national and international network of more than 70 cities and will be seen by millions of travelers.

The unveil is part of the community’s celebration of Georgia Aquarium’s $110 million dolphin exhibit, which features a 1.8 million gallon habitat featuring bottlenose dolphins. The gallery includes a lobby featuring an expansive underwater viewing window, and an 1,800-seat theater featuring a live production with dolphins, human actors and singers, and special effects and lighting. To help underscore Georgia Aquarium’s commitment to marine mammal conservation and research, in 2008 the Aquarium donated $1.5 million to build a new marine animal rescue, care and research facility, the Dolphin Conservation Field Station at Marineland, Florida.

Copyright Photo: PR Newswire. N354AT poses for the camera at Atlanta at the unveiling.

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