Southwest and Air Tran to Merge

The airlines said that more than 98.6% of shareholders voted, and 77.5% voted in favour of the sale.

The deal would allow Southwest to operate flights to Atlanta, and routes to Mexico and the Caribbean.

AirTran and Southwest had previously announced the proposed merger in September. The companies still need clearance on the proposed merger from the US Department of Justice, but anticipate closing the deal by the second quarter of this year.

Until the acquisition is approved and finalised, both carriers will continue to operate independently.