ORLANDO & PARK RIDGE, N.J. -

Hertz Corp. and AirTran Airways broadened their partnership that’s been established since 1993, this time to boost the Hertz Rent2Buy online sales program.

Officials explained a new partnership element provides 16 AirTran Airways A+ Rewards credits, redeemable for a round- trip coach ticket valid to any AirTran Airways destination, to A+ Rewards members who purchase a vehicle through Hertz Rent2Buy.

The companies said AirTran is the first airline to partner with Hertz on the Rent2Buy program. 

The Rent2Buy program gives consumers direct access to vehicles that originated from Hertz’s fleet of cars, trucks and SUVs. Interested buyers can reserve a vehicle to test for three days; if the consumer later purchases the unit, rental fees for the three-day trial are waived.

“As long-time partners, Hertz is excited to add an additional level of benefits to its AirTran A+ Rewards partnership,” stated Bob Stuart, senior vice president of global sales at Hertz.

“A+ Rewards members who purchase a vehicle through Hertz online car sales program, Rent2Buy, will be able to travel on the ground in a quality used car, while traveling the skies for free with A+ Rewards credits from Hertz,” Stuart added.

AirTran Airways and Hertz have been partners since 1993, and Hertz became the exclusive rental car partner of AirTran Airways in 1997.

Officials recounted this long-standing partnership has featured many exclusive offers and advantage for customers, including a current offer of triple credits to Hertz customers traveling on AirTran Airways and discounted rental car opportunities featured onboard every AirTran Airways aircraft. 

“AirTran Airways is proud to build on our long-standing partnership with the Hertz Corp. for this one-of-a-kind program that allows our A+ Rewards members to get a great deal on a car while earning A+ Rewards credits for a free flight,” explained Tad Hutcheson, AirTran Airways’ vice president of marketing and sales.

“We see this as a win-win for our most loyal customers,” Hutcheson concluded.