Southwest moves step closer to absorbing AirTran

DALLAS — Southwest Airlines Co. said Thursday that it took a step toward combining its fleet with that of AirTran Airways as U.S. officials gave the airlines a single operating certificate.

Southwest said the action by the Federal Aviation Administration was an important regulatory step but wouldn't be noticed by customers.

AirTran planes will be repainted in Southwest colors, and AirTran's separate first-class cabins will be removed. It will take several years to finish a single ticketing system for both carriers, Southwest said.

Southwest paid $1.4 billion for AirTran in a deal that closed last May. Southwest has announced it will end service to some smaller cities served by AirTran.

Southwest shares rose 4 cents to $9.02 in morning trading.