ATA (ATA Airlines, Inc., Nasdaq:ATAH) is an official sponsor of PIER 39, and is a co-sponsor of the events at PIER 39 during Fleet Week San Francisco Presented by AT&T this weekend, an air show paying tribute to the Navy and Marine services. The sponsorship is part of an extensive brand-awareness campaign the airline has launched in the Bay Area, and is just one of many initiatives ATA has taken to reaffirm its commitment to the market, as well as publicize its services at San Francisco International Airport.
“Today, more and more people know that they don`t have to go across the bay to get low fares and great service,” said Rick Larsen, ATA`s Vice President of Advertising and Sales. “We have made a commitment to not only expand our presence at San Francisco International Airport, but also to help strengthen our relationships with the community.”
The five-month sponsorship with PIER 39 includes specific sponsorships of several PIER 39 events, such as Viva Los Americana`s Fleet Week San Francisco Presented by AT&T. ATA also sponsored the last half of the San Francisco Giants` season and is the exclusive airline sponsor of the VISA Preferred Travel Program in partnership with the San Francisco Convention and Visitors Bureau. ATA expressed a strong commitment to the Asian population by serving as the title sponsor of last month`s Autumn Moon Festival, the largest Asian-American festival in North America. The carrier has also participated in a Bay Area promotion with Albertsons, providing a discounted travel offer to Albertsons` customers.
“San Francisco is a vibrant city that has fostered fantastic opportunities for ATA`s involvement,” said Vicki Higgins, ATA`s Director of Market Development. “These sponsorships have allowed us to make Bay Area residents aware of the unique benefits ATA provides as the only low-fare, high-value carrier serving San Francisco International Airport.”
Not only is ATA involved in sponsorship opportunities, but also has launched extensive advertising and public relations campaigns over the last several months, including media tours and special appearances featuring George Mikelsons, ATA`s Chairman and CEO.
Ranked the No. 1 Medium-sized Airline in 2002 by Aviation Week magazine, ATA is the nation`s 10th largest airline. ATA operates significant scheduled service from Chicago-Midway, Indianapolis, San Francisco and Los Angeles to over 40 business and vacation destinations. Stock of the Company`s parent company, ATA Holdings Corp. is traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol “ATAH.” For more information about the Company, visit the Web site at www.ata.com.

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