Elton spokesman for XM????

[jetmech717]

AirTran used XM radios biggest sponsor to promote the new satalite radio on board our a/c by putting his face on the side of (20) of our 717's. He is a great musician but I'm not real sure the public will embrace his image to well.......

Elton and the jets cleared for takeoff
Author: RUSSELL GRANTHAM Date: February 8, 2005 Publication: Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The (GA) Page Number: A1 Word Count: 234

Elton John's flamboyant profile just soared about 30,000 feet higher.


This week, the part-time Atlantan's superstar-sized image begins appearing on 20 AirTran jets to promote the airline's launch of satellite radio at each passenger seat.

"The traffic controller this morning was calling it Elton One," AirTran spokesman Tad Hutcheson said Monday.

AirTran, the second-largest airline in Atlanta and one of the few turning a profit, said the XM Satellite

[717Doc]

LAS VEGAS, Feb. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AirTran Airways AAI, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc., and XM Satellite Radio XMSR, yesterday celebrated the official roll out of AirTran Airways' new complimentary XM Satellite Radio service on its flights at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas, Nev. To mark this new age of in-flight entertainment for commercial aviation, music legend Elton John was on hand to unveil a commemorative aircraft livery that will adorn a select number of AirTran Airways' planes.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050209/NYW008-a )

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050209/NYW008-b )

Upon seeing the one-of-a-kind design featuring his image, Elton John commented, "This plane looks fantastic."

More than 20 of AirTran Airways' Boeing 717s will feature a livery (wrap) showcasing a colorful rendering of Elton John sporting a smile and, as always, a pair of fashionable glasses. Elton John's 717-sized portrait is comparable in dimensions to the head of the Statue of Liberty.

"AirTran Airways wanted to introduce XM Satellite Radio, a world-class audio entertainment service, by teaming up with a world-class musician. Our passengers can now listen to Elton John and thousands of other musicians during their flight, thanks to AirTran Airways and XM Satellite Radio's innovative programming," said AirTran Airways president and chief operating officer Robert L. Fornaro.

The rare livery alteration is part of AirTran Airways' musical celebration of the company's status as the first airline in the world to offer satellite radio. AirTran Airways' XM service provides more than 100 channels of digital-quality, commercial-free music, news, sports, talk and entertainment to passengers, who may either bring their personal headsets or purchase headsets from the airline for a nominal charge.

"The partnership between XM and AirTran Airways will take in-flight entertainment to new heights," said XM Satellite Radio President and CEO Hugh Panero. "In the coming months, AirTran Airways passengers will be joining the millions of XM subscribers who already enjoy the commercial-free music and cutting-edge comedy, plus news, talk, sports and entertainment programming that has made XM America's number one satellite radio service."

AirTran Airways currently has three planes with XM Satellite Radio service and plans to have XM installed on 20 planes by the end of February. Installation on the remainder of AirTran Airways' fleet will continue through summer 2005.

"AirTran Airways prides itself on its association with great names; none more impressive than one of the world's greatest musicians and the nation's top satellite radio provider. Our partnership with XM Satellite Radio gives us a competitive edge when it comes to in-flight entertainment technologies," remarked Fornaro. "To be the first airline offering satellite radio shows our dedication to providing a world-class in-flight experience for our passengers, and our vision as a growing low-cost provider."

The livery unveiling took place on opening night of Elton John's "Red Piano" musical extravaganza, which will run at Caesars' Coliseum throughout February. As part of the ceremony, Fornaro presented Elton John with a $50,000 check on behalf of AirTran Airways for the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

[717Doc]

LAS VEGAS, Feb. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AirTran Airways AAI, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc., and XM Satellite Radio XMSR, yesterday celebrated the official roll out of AirTran Airways' new complimentary XM Satellite Radio service on its flights at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas, Nev. To mark this new age of in-flight entertainment for commercial aviation, music legend Elton John was on hand to unveil a commemorative aircraft livery that will adorn a select number of AirTran Airways' planes.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050209/NYW008-a )

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050209/NYW008-b )

Upon seeing the one-of-a-kind design featuring his image, Elton John commented, "This plane looks fantastic."

More than 20 of AirTran Airways' Boeing 717s will feature a livery (wrap) showcasing a colorful rendering of Elton John sporting a smile and, as always, a pair of fashionable glasses. Elton John's 717-sized portrait is comparable in dimensions to the head of the Statue of Liberty.

"AirTran Airways wanted to introduce XM Satellite Radio, a world-class audio entertainment service, by teaming up with a world-class musician. Our passengers can now listen to Elton John and thousands of other musicians during their flight, thanks to AirTran Airways and XM Satellite Radio's innovative programming," said AirTran Airways president and chief operating officer Robert L. Fornaro.

The rare livery alteration is part of AirTran Airways' musical celebration of the company's status as the first airline in the world to offer satellite radio. AirTran Airways' XM service provides more than 100 channels of digital-quality, commercial-free music, news, sports, talk and entertainment to passengers, who may either bring their personal headsets or purchase headsets from the airline for a nominal charge.

"The partnership between XM and AirTran Airways will take in-flight entertainment to new heights," said XM Satellite Radio President and CEO Hugh Panero. "In the coming months, AirTran Airways passengers will be joining the millions of XM subscribers who already enjoy the commercial-free music and cutting-edge comedy, plus news, talk, sports and entertainment programming that has made XM America's number one satellite radio service."

AirTran Airways currently has three planes with XM Satellite Radio service and plans to have XM installed on 20 planes by the end of February. Installation on the remainder of AirTran Airways' fleet will continue through summer 2005.

"AirTran Airways prides itself on its association with great names; none more impressive than one of the world's greatest musicians and the nation's top satellite radio provider. Our partnership with XM Satellite Radio gives us a competitive edge when it comes to in-flight entertainment technologies," remarked Fornaro. "To be the first airline offering satellite radio shows our dedication to providing a world-class in-flight experience for our passengers, and our vision as a growing low-cost provider."

The livery unveiling took place on opening night of Elton John's "Red Piano" musical extravaganza, which will run at Caesars' Coliseum throughout February. As part of the ceremony, Fornaro presented Elton John with a $50,000 check on behalf of AirTran Airways for the Elton John AIDS Foundation.