ATA (ATA Airlines, Inc.) (Nasdaq:ATAH), the “honestly different,” low-cost airline that has brought efficiency and simplicity to the skies, announced the increase of weekday flights between New York`s LaGuardia Airport and Chicago-Midway, and between LaGuardia and Indianapolis.
At a time when other airlines are reducing services, ATA, which is celebrating its fifth anniversary at the New York airport, will operate eight daily non-stops between LaGuardia and Midway, up from six daily non-stops; and three daily non-stops between LaGuardia and Indianapolis, up from two a day, effective May 1.
“With the challenging economic environment, many airlines decreased service into LaGuardia from Chicago and Indianapolis. The Chicago-New York and Indianapolis-New York corridors are two very important and well-traveled routes for our passengers. We`re responding to traveler demands for greater flexibility in flying to these important destinations for both business and pleasure,” said George Mikelsons, Chief Executive Officer and founder of ATA, who noted the company is hiring flight attendants and gate agents to accommodate the increased service schedule.
In addition to the increased service, ATA also announced it is offering a fully-refundable $199(a) one-way fare to all of its LaGuardia and Newark non-stop destinations—especially appealing to business travelers, whose plans can change at a moment`s notice. The company`s fully refundable $199 fare between Chicago and LaGuardia is 73 percent less than the lowest fully refundable fare of $731 on other nonstop Chicago-LaGuardia carriers.
“In this economy, business travelers are under real pressure to accomplish their goals in the most cost-effective way possible. Our new fare structure allows them incredible flexibility and the opportunity to respond to client demands, and do so while utilizing value-based fares,” said Stan Hula, ATA Vice President of Planning.
Joseph J. Seymour, Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates LaGuardia, Newark and JFK airports, said, “On behalf of the Port Authority, I congratulate ATA on this announcement, and for its five-year anniversary at LaGuardia Airport. We are always pleased to see our airline partners providing additional service to our mutual customers, and we wish ATA continued success for the future.”
ATA passengers traveling from the greater New York metropolitan area will have 14 nonstop flight choices every business day from two of the New York metropolitan area`s major airports, LaGuardia and Newark. Indianapolis-bound travelers` options increase to a morning, mid-day and evening flight from LaGuardia.
ATA, which began scheduled flights into LaGuardia in 1998, was ranked the number one medium-sized airline worldwide in 2002 by Aviation Week & Space Technology magazine. Its fare structure never requires a minimum stay and no passenger ever pays more than $299 for a one-way domestic fare. ATA has the youngest, most fuel-efficient fleet in the airline industry, flying Boeing 737-800s, 757-300s and 757-200s. The 737-800s and 757-300s feature comfortable and spacious all-leather seats, in-flight entertainment and large overhead bins.
Founded in 1973 by Mikelsons, ATA is one of the fastest growing low-fare carriers in the nation. 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, Indianapolis, St. Petersburg (FL), San Francisco and Los Angeles to more than 40 business and vacation destinations, including international destinations such as Cancun, Guadalajara, Montego Bay, Grand Cayman, Puerto Vallarta, and Aruba. Stock of the Company`s parent company, ATA Holdings Corp., is traded on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange under the symbol “ATAH.” For more information about the Company, visit the website at www.ata.com.

(a) These fares do not include a $3 federal excise tax that will be imposed on each flight segment of your itinerary. A flight segment is defined as a takeoff and a landing. Fares are not generally available during high-volume travel periods. Fares are subject to change without notice. Seats are limited and may not be available on all flights and dates. A passenger facility charge of up to $18 per round-trip is not included in the fares. Fares do not include a September 11th security fee of up to $10 per round-trip. All other normal restrictions apply
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