American Trans Air, Inc. (ATA), the principal subsidiary of ATA Holdings Corp. (Nasdaq:ATAH), today reported that ATA`s September scheduled service traffic increased 44.9 percent on 40.8 percent more capacity (available seat miles). ATA`s September passenger load factor increased 1.8 points to 61.2 percent, bringing the nine-month 2002 passenger load factor to 74.8 percent.

For the Company`s system-wide traffic, revenue passenger miles (RPMs) increased 18.5 percent in September 2002 when compared with September 2001. ATA`s system-wide capacity increased 21.6 percent. Comparisons with 2001 traffic and capacity reflect the dramatic impact on air travel during the three-day grounding of all U.S. air operations and the subsequent reduced demand for air travel.

System-wide, ATA has boarded 7.6 million passengers through the end of the third quarter, which is an increase of 11.4 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 September 30, 2002, ATA has a fleet of 25 Boeing 737-800`s, 16 Boeing 757-200`s, 10 Boeing 757-300`s, and 12 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.

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