AirTran Airways, took in-flight entertainment to new heights today, as the cast from the Broadway hit, The Color Purple, surprised Chicago travelers with the first ever in-flight Broadway performance. The historic in-flight debut celebrated AirTran Airways’ new nonstop service from Chicago to New York.

“As a Chicago native, I’m thrilled that AirTran Airways offers nonstop service from Chicago to New York,” stated Felicia Fields, Sofia in The Color Purple. “And, with AirTran Airways’ low fares, my family in Chicago now has more options to see our show in New York.”

Passengers aboard AirTran Airways Flight 883 experienced the best seats in the house for the best show in the sky, all while traveling on the first ever Broadway stage—AirTran Airways’ Boeing 717 aircraft. Complete with playbills and stage lights, the cast of The Color Purple brought the thrill of the New York stage to Chicago travelers.

“Whether it’s Broadway or Wall Street, AirTran Airways is providing Chicago travelers a convenient, low-fare option to get to the Big Apple,” said Bob Fornaro, AirTran Airways president and chief operations officer. “With a comfortable Business Class, assigned seating and everyday low fares, Chicagoans can now see a show or finalize a deal with affordable, high-quality service.”

In addition to the daily nonstop flights from Chicago’s Midway International Airport to New York/Newark Liberty International Airport, the airline also operates nonstop daily service to Atlanta, Boston, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Sarasota/Bradenton and Orlando. With new nonstop service to Charlotte and Dallas/Ft. Worth starting May 9, the airline will operate 32 daily departures from Chicago Midway to eight nonstop destinations by mid-May 2006.
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