Southwest Airlines Co (LUV.N) said the Federal Aviation Administration accepted its plan to combine its operations with those of AirTran Holdings Inc (AAI.N) once its proposed acquisition of that carrier is completed. The discount airline said the plan provides that AirTran pilots, flight attendants, mechanics and other flight-related workers will keep their AirTran employment status at least until a single operating certificate is issued for the combined entity. The purchase of AirTran, based in Orlando, Florida, is expected to close in the second quarter, pending regulatory clearances and shareholder approval, Southwest said on Thursday.
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