Sept. 24, 1997--ValuJet Airlines today began operating as AirTran Airlines and along with its merger partner, Orlando-based AirTran Airways, introduced a new business strategy designed to appeal to a broader travel audience. The airline said that its objective is to make air travel more attractive to business travelers and even more convenient for leisure travelers.

AirTran Airlines President and Chief Executive Officer D. Joseph Corr unveiled the airline's new changes, introducing a new business class service, featuring two-by-two seating, displayed its new corporate livery, and announced a number of other product and service enhancements including preassigned seating and nationwide distribution of its seats through travel agents. Corr also outlined a code-sharing agreement with its merger partner, Orlando-based AirTran Airways.