http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7000981676
First Airplane Drive-Thru Unveiled In Atlanta
November 11, 2005 11:00 a.m. EST
Ayinde O. Chase - All Headline News Staff Writer
Atlanta, GA (AHN) - AirTran Airways, The Coca-Cola Company and Wendy's International, Inc. took America's affinity for drive-thru service to new heights today, after completing the world's first fly-thru quick service order.
The inflight fast food refueling took place at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport as an AirTran Airways Boeing 737 taxied through a specially designed Wendy's drive-thru.
After rolling up to Wendy's fly-thru window, the captain, not surprisingly, paid with an AirTran Airways A+ Visa as an honorary "air-food controller" passed carry-on bags of fresh food and beverages through the 737's cockpit window. The “refueling,” although obviously a promotion has many travelers, wishing it was more of a reality.
With the rapid change in airline meal service and the lack of hot food on cross country trips, the notion of a burger with fries sounds appealing.
"If drive-up pharmacies and drive-in wedding chapels can work, the idea of an airplane drive-thru just might take off," joked Tad Hutcheson, AirTran Airways Vice President of Marketing. "This was an opportunity to celebrate our new partnership with a dynamic company, Wendy's, and recognize our continued relationship with AirTran Airways' long-time beverage partner, Coca-Cola."
The three companies collaborated on the Biggie Sized drive-thru operation to launch their Round Trip Refreshment promotion, which offers Wendy's diners credits toward a free flight on AirTran Airways with the purchase of a soft drink at participating restaurants.
