ATA (American Trans Air, Inc.), the principal subsidiary of ATA Holdings Corp. (Nasdaq:ATAH), today reported that ATA`s December scheduled service traffic increased 31.8 percent on 28.8 percent more capacity (available seat miles). ATA`s scheduled service December passenger load factor increased 1.7 points to 71.5 percent, bringing the twelve-month 2002 passenger load factor to 72.8 percent, which is a decrease of 3.2 points over 2001.

For the Company`s system-wide traffic, revenue passenger miles (RPMs) increased 28.1 percent in December 2002 when compared with December 2001. ATA`s system-wide capacity increased 24.3 percent.

System-wide, ATA has boarded 10.0 million passengers through the end of the twelve-month period in 2002, which is an increase of 16.3 percent compared to the same period in 2001.

ATA Holdings Corp. common stock trades on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol “ATAH”. As of December 31, 2002, ATA has a fleet of 30 Boeing 737-800`s, 16 Boeing 757-200`s, 10 Boeing 757-300`s, and 10 Lockheed L1011`s. Chicago Express Airlines, Inc., the wholly owned commuter airline based at Chicago-Midway Airport, operates 17 SAAB-340B`s.

Now celebrating its 30th year of operation, ATA is the nation`s 10th largest passenger carrier based on revenue passenger miles. ATA operates significant scheduled service from Chicago-Midway and Indianapolis to over 40 business and vacation destinations. To learn more about the Company, visit the website at www.ata.com.

——-