Former COO Bob Fornaro Named Chief Executive

AirTran Holdings, parent company of AirTran Airways, announced Thursday Robert Fornaro has been promoted to chief executive of the low-cost carrier.

Fornaro, 54, succeeds Joe Leonard... a familiar name in reports throughout AirTran's failed hostile takeover attempt of Midwest Airlines earlier this year. Leonard will stay onboard as chairman of AirTran's board of directors.

For the moment, Fornaro's previous position as chief financial officer will remained unfilled, according to the airline.

Fornaro told Reuters his business outlook mirrors that of his predecessor. "You have to really look at this as a successful, stable company that has gone thorough succession planning," Fornaro said.

Analyst Stuart Klaskin said the move looks to be a natural one.

"I think it's part of a natural succession and orderly process," said Klaskin, at KKC Aviation Consulting. "It's only good for the company. There is no negative here."

Based in Orlando, FL, AirTran has a strong presence along the East Coast of the US. The airline, whose hub is in Atlanta, has grown aggressively in recent years.

FMI: www.airtran.com