PAR Capital invests in AirTran

Boston-based investment fund PAR Capital Management has taken a 5.1 percent passive stake in AirTran Holdings Inc., the parent company of AirTran Airways, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing today.

PAR Capital reported owning 4.7 million shares of the Orlando, Fla.-based company.

PAR Capital disclosed the stake in a Schedule 13G filing, which indicates the investment is passive, and notes that the shares weren't acquired to change or influence control of the company.

PAR Capital Vice President Edward L. Shapiro holds a seat on US Airways Group Inc.'s board.

AirTran shares rose 2 cents to $7.36 in morning trading.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)