This week, Orlando-headquartered AirTran Airways hosted the grand opening of their new System Operations Control (SOC) Center at Orlando International Airport. This 16,000-square-foot, $6.9 million, state-of-the-art command center serves as the 24-hour nerve center for the entire airline, which manages over 700 flights per day.
Florida Governor Charlie Crist, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orange County Mayor Rich Crotty were on hand to help Bob Fornaro, Chairman, President and CEO of AirTran Airways, officially open the new building. In his remarks, Fornaro announced plans to also open a pilot base in Orlando, which is expected to create 100 new jobs in Orlando this fall.
"The opening of our new SOC and announcement of an Orlando pilot base are both significant signs of our plans to continue to grow here in our hometown," said Fornaro. "We are fortunate to be part of the fabric of Central Florida and look forward to continuing to increase our presence here both today and well into the future."
The company employs more than 1,000 crew members in Central Florida at several facilities, including its corporate headquarters, the SOC and a maintenance facility, in addition to its passenger operations at the airport.
After considering putting the SOC Center in Atlanta, where AirTran has its hub, the decision was made to expand the facility here, adjacent to AirTran's headquarters.
Together with the City of Orlando, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, Enterprise Florida and the State of Florida, the EDC worked closely with AirTran to ensure the SOC Center remained in Central Florida.
