INDIANAPOLIS—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Aug. 8, 2003—ATA Connection (operated by Chicago Express Airlines, Inc.), a wholly owned subsidiary of ATA Holdings Corp. (Nasdaq:ATAH, parent company of ATA Airlines, Inc.), is celebrating 10 years of making its mark on regional travel while growing its service to the Midwest and beyond. As part of the 10th Anniversary celebration, ATA will host several events designed to thank the passengers and employees who have helped to make the airline such a success.
“After a decade of service as a carrier, we look forward to ATA Connection`s future with confidence as we become a major force in regional travel,” said ATA Connection President Gary Marsh. “We experienced a phenomenal 59 percent growth in revenue passenger miles alone from 2002 to 2003, proving that we`re excelling at a time when many airlines are struggling. We seem to be doing the right things, at the right times, in all the right places.”
Based out of Chicago-Midway, ATA Connection recently carried more than 100,000 passengers during the month of June, surpassing its previous record set in October 2002 (90,000 enplaned passengers). The carrier feeds 82 percent of its customers to more than 40 destinations through the ATA network. ATA Connection holds a sound safety record and is a four-year winner of the Diamond Award, the highest recognition for aircraft maintenance training bestowed by the FAA.
Business travelers particularly benefit from the continued strength ATA Connection demonstrates at regional airports. Recent economic conditions have caused other airlines to reduce or eliminate service in these areas, leaving many organizations to take on extra expenses and inconvenience at a time when fiscal management is most crucial to survival.
“We`re pleased to expand our services by adding flights at airports in Flint, Springfield and Toledo,” said ATA Connection Vice President of Finance Ken Scarince. “As we celebrate our 10th Anniversary, we remain focused on providing the convenience and low-fare options that are vital to every organization`s bottom-line.”

Founded in 1993, Chicago Express Airlines, Inc. began operating under the corporate brand of ATA Connection in 1999 when it became a wholly owned subsidiary of ATA Holdings. ATA Connection flies more than 150 daily departures on Saab 340B aircraft with all-leather seats to thirteen cities, including Cedar Rapids, Dayton, Des Moines, Flint, Grand Rapids, Indianapolis, Lexington, Madison, Milwaukee, Moline/Quad Cities, Springfield, South Bend and Toledo. ATA Connection employs more than 600 people.
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.

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