AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:  AAI), today launched nonstop service from Blue Grass Airport in Lexington, Ky., to both Orlando International Airport and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

“Expanding our network to Lexington is a win-win for AirTran and for residents of the Blue Grass state,” said Paul G. Clements, director of sales, AirTran Airways. “We have seen potential in this region for a long time and we are looking forward to introducing our low-cost, high-quality service to the area.”

To celebrate the inaugural flight, the airline hosted an event at the airport featuring famous Kentucky resident and Hall of Fame jockey Pat Day.

“We are very fortunate in welcoming AirTran Airways to central Kentucky,” said Eric Frankl, executive director of Blue Grass Airport. “Airports across the country are aggressively pursuing the low fares and excellent service AirTran brings. AirTran Airways’ non-stop service to Fort Lauderdale and Orlando is a great fit for our community, and we hope our customers are excited about this incredible opportunity.”