Discount airline, AirTran Airways, made a special delivery to Thurgood Marshall Baltimore Washington Airport (BWI) last week. The company along with the NFL's Baltimore Ravens unveiled a custom-painted, purple and black
Boeing 717 dubbed, Ravens 1.
"Our partnership with the Ravens is now literally flying high and we are so excited about adding this great looking aircraft to our fleet," says Kirk Thornburg, AirTran Airways' vice president of maintenance and engineering. "We are happy to demonstrate our commitment to this great franchise and thriving city with this beautifully painted aircraft."
Millions of people will see the plane as it serves cities on AirTran Airways' route network of more than 60 destinations.
"The Baltimore Ravens are excited about the arrival of Ravens 1," says Kevin Rochlitz, vice president of national sales for the Baltimore Ravens. "We look forward to seeing the Ravens and AirTran Airways brands flying together throughout AirTran's network, emphasizing their commitment to the Baltimore Ravens and the community."
To celebrate the unique livery, AirTran Airways and the Ravens challenged staffers from Franklin Square Hospital, which is supported by Ravens tight end Todd Heap, to pull the aircraft for charity. The airline rewarded their successful attempt with a $10,000 donation to the hospital.
Ravens 1 marks only the second team-themed aircraft in the AirTran Airways fleet. The airline unveiled Falcons 1 for the Atlanta Falcons a few weeks ago and and will introduce the Indiana Colts 1 in the coming weeks.
Source: Kevin Rochlitz, Baltimore Ravens
Writer: Walaika Haskins