AirTran Stockholders Approve Southwest Merger

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Southwest’s acquisition of AirTran is one big step closer to completion with today’s news that AirTran stockholders have approved the deal. In a statement, AirTran said its stockholders displayed “overwhelming” support for the deal, with more than 98 percent of votes cast in favor.

The vote keeps Southwest’s acquisition on schedule to close sometime in the second quarter, or as soon as next month (though likely later).

The only remaining hurdle is the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) antitrust review, which is still underway. Southwest cannot announce a firm closing date until the DOJ approves the acquisition, which may require concessions from Southwest. Continental, you may recall, was required to give up gates at Newark Airport before the government would approve its merger with United. (Southwest, incidentally, snapped up those gates and launches Newark service on Sunday.)

Southwest cannot make or discuss firm plans regarding its post-merger operations until the deal officially closes, but CEO Gary Kelly recently told the Dallas Morning News‘ Terry Maxon that he does not foresee major changes at the outset. “We have no plans to close any cities. We have no plans to add any cities,” Kelly said. He did say the airline will focus initially on Atlanta, learning the market before planning any changes. Atlanta is AirTran’s hub, and is also home to Delta.

Readers, are you excited for the eventual combining of these two airlines, or do you worry that Southwest might be getting too big?