Published: November 17, 2009 04:41 pm      

AirTran unveils new plane to honor Colts

INDIANAPOLIS — RYAN PALENCER/FLYER PHOTOS

Colts One makes it first trip down the Indianapolis Airport runway.



Indianapolis Colts mascot Blue tries to direct the plane in.



Airport CEO John Clark exits the plane.



Indianapolis Colts player Ryan Lilja signs an autograph for a fan after the plane’s unveiling.







To show their dedication to the relationship that they share with each other, the Indianapolis Colts and AirTran Airways last week unveiled a new aircraft — Colts One — at the Indianapolis International Airport.

“We really value our partnership at AirTran with the Colts,” said Tad Hutcheson, vice president of marketing and sales with AirTran. “We are one of the original sponsors of Lucas Oil Stadium. This beautiful new plane that we have painted in honor of the Colts is just another sign of our commitment to the team and to the residents of Indianapolis. When local travelers come to the airport, they are going to get high quality on AirTran Airways and hopefully the chance to fly on Colts One.”

The Colts, who are just the third team — after the Baltimore Ravens and Atlanta Falcons — to have a plane painted in their honor, are also pleased with the relationship.

“This is an extension of a great relationship that we already have at Lucas Oil Stadium,” Tom Zupancic, senior vice president of sales and marketing for the Indianapolis Colts, said. “AirTran is one of our founding partners and we are proud to have that partnership. We are extremely proud of our relationship with AirTran and it’s a humbling tribute to this partnership to have such a beautiful aircraft.”

Airport officials said they were pleased to play a part in the unveiling ceremony.

“I am honored to be here to help unveil Colts One,” airport CEO John Clark said. “AirTran Airways has been bringing low fares to Indianapolis business and leisure travelers for four and a half years, since April of 2005. Each year, they continue to show their commitment to our city.

“Yet again, taking their partnership with the Colts to the sky with Colts One is just another example of their commitment to this city and this community. I look forward to continuing our great relationship with AirTran Airways and I look forward to flying Colts One in and out of Indianapolis.”

Hutcheson said a lot of work went into revamping the plane.

“It was painted over the last seven days,” he said. “It took seven days and $177,000 to paint the airplane. You could buy a house for that. But it is the best-looking aircraft that I think we have in the fleet.

“As always, it’s exciting to be here in Indianapolis. It is a great day for AirTran Airways and for the Indianapolis Colts with the unveiling of our newest and arguably best-looking aircraft, Colts One. This is a brand new Boeing 717, 200 series aircraft.”

Also on hand for the plane’s unveiling were several of the Colts players and team mascot, Blue.



ryan.palencer@flyergroup.com