Southwest, AirTran get FAA clearance for combination

Southwest Airlines and AirTran Airways have the official go-ahead from the federal government to combine their operations.

The two carriers received approval for a single operating certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration on Thursday, a major milestone in their combination. Dallas-based Southwest last year closed its deal to acquire Orlando-based AirTran, the second-largest carrier at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

The certificate from the FAA, which oversees airline safety, allows the two airlines to move forward with the integration of airline operations.

But Southwest warned that the integration will take several years to complete. The company said most employees and customers "will see little or no immediate difference in the two airlines' flight operations" as a result of the single operating certificate. AirTran customers will still make reservations and check in for flights through AirTran, and earn frequent flier credits through AirTran. The programs will be combined over time.

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