March 31, 2003—ATA (ATA Airlines, Inc.) (Nasdaq:ATAH) today announced plans to launch daily, non-stop round-trip service between Chicago-Midway and Pittsburgh, Pa. Beginning June 1, 2003, the carrier will offer four flights daily, giving customers a convenient, low-fare alternative at the Pittsburgh International Airport. Tickets are now available for purchase.
“The Pittsburgh business and leisure flyer will quickly find that ATA provides an exceptional high quality, low cost product,” said Stan Hula, ATA Vice President of Planning. “Customers will enjoy competitive low fares, access to the conveniently located and newly renovated Chicago-Midway Airport, along with the many amenities offered on ATA`s new fleet of aircraft, including comfortable leather seats and in-flight entertainment.”
“The Allegheny County Airport Authority encourages the region`s business travelers to take advantage of the new competitive fares. The entry of ATA into the Pittsburgh market offers tremendous opportunity for travelers from the Pittsburgh region. This new service will open up access to Chicago-Midway and offer many new destinations for price-conscious travelers,” explained Glenn Mahone, Chairman, Allegheny County Airport Authority.
Founded in 1973 by George Mikelsons, ATA is one of the fastest growing low-fare carriers in the nation. Mikelsons, a pilot, is still at the helm as Chairman and CEO and has molded ATA into the successful airline it is today. Under his leadership, ATA was ranked the “Best Performing Medium Airline” worldwide in the July 2002 issue of Aviation Week & Space Technology magazine. Today, ATA operates significant scheduled service from Chicago-Midway to over 40 business and vacation destinations, including international destinations such as Cancun, Guadalajara, Montego Bay, Grand Cayman, Puerto Vallarta, and Aruba. The number of destinations ATA serves continues to grow, while much of the airline industry is cutting back.
“ATA has become a driving force in the airline industry,” said Hula. “At a time when many U.S. carriers are reducing operations, ATA is enjoying an increase in the number of passengers it serves. In February, ATA reported a 16.8 percent increase in scheduled service passenger revenue miles.”
ATA will utilize its new Boeing 737-800 aircraft for service to Pittsburgh. This aircraft has become known for its superior reliability, safety and fuel efficiency. Comfortably seating 175 passengers, this aircraft features spacious interiors and largeoverhead bins in addition to other customer amenities.
To kick-off the new service to Pittsburgh, ATA is offering special introductory fares from $69(a) (off-peak, each way based on a round-trip purchase). ATA`s customer-friendly fares require no advance purchase or minimum stay requirements.
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