Luminaries

such as Peachtree City's Lewis Jordan, CEO of

AirTran Airways, are working to make an annual

Peachtree City air show the best ever in 1999.

Not

only has AirTran signed on as a title sponsor,

but Jordan is serving as chairman of the show's

advisory board.

Organizers

are expecting a substantial increase over last

year's 17,000 spectators for the Wings Over Dixie

`99 Festival and Air Show in September.

In

addition to the influence of Jordan, another

factor helping the show is the demise of the

Dobbins Air Show. "We will now be the only

air show in the Atlanta area," said Ross

Berry, cochairman of the sponsorship committee.

During

kickoff ceremonies for the Peachtree City Show,

keynote speaker Hollis Harris, CEO of World

Airways and former sponsor of the Marietta show,

said, "I'm a big fan of aviation and I think

it's great for Peachtree City to be filling the

void."

Jordan's

involvement has contributed another factor that

is increasing public awareness of the show -

a number of notable sponsors have committed their

names, money and time.

Compaq

Computers, WSB Radio, Longhorn Steakhouse, Gene

Evans Ford and Hertz Rent-a-Car are a few of the

larger sponsors. Numerous local sponsors also

have joined in.

"Lewis

brought a vision to Wings Over Dixie and has

helped tremendously in raising awareness of this

great event," said Berry.

Community

leaders in Fayette County, Fayetteville, Tyrone

and Peachtree City all have committed support to

the show this year. "Last year was

phenomenal," said Berry. "This year our

expectations are much higher, partially as a

result of the commitment of the community.

U.S.

Rep. Mac Collins said he is looking forward to

being involved as well. "The show promises

to bring our community together, inspire us to

reflect on the sacrifices which have made

American great, and cause us to appreciate the

skills of individuals who pilot the aircraft our

military sends into the sky," he said.

Among

airplanes on display at the show are a 1943 SBD-5

Douglas Dauntless that has undergone a $100,000

restoration and an F-16 Fighting Falcon. AirTran

will be giving away eight sets of airline tickets

each day as well as other family trips. There

also will be food, planes to tour and

entertainment.

Part

of the proceeds will benefit the Fayette Youth

Protection Home. Other beneficiaries are Kiwanis

Clubs and the Dixie Wing of the Confederate Air

Force.

Wings

Over Dixie will be Sept. 11 and 12 at Falcon

Field in Peachtree City. For sponsorship

information, phone Jim Friday, director of the

Fayette Youth Protection Home, at 770-631-2469 or

Ross Berry, treasurer for the home, at

770-716-8796.