Thank you for choosing ATA Airlines. This year, we’re celebrating 35 years of service in the skies, and we’re happy to have you join us today.
ATA was founded in 1973 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Originally known as American Trans Air, the company began flying as a travel club with one plane, a Boeing 720, and one purpose—to surpass your travel expectations. Through the years, we’ve offered the kinds of conveniences and destinations travelers have come to expect at affordable rates.
Thirty-five years later, we’re a robust airline with the same commitment to value-based service. We offer nonstop and direct scheduled service to many destinations, including Hawaii, worldwide charter service and carrier service for the US military.
Through our partnership with Southwest Airlines, ATA Airlines now serves more than 50 cities. Our partnership also provides you with the option of earning and redeeming ATA Travel Awards Points or Southwest Rapid Rewards Credits. For more information about these programs, turn to page 111.
Today, ATA Airlines employs more than 2,300 professionals who are dedicated to making your flight with us as enjoyable as possible. ATA serves more Hawaiian destinations non-stop from the Mainland than any other airline. And you will always find our lowest fares at www.ata.com.
While we’re celebrating 35 years of history, we’re looking forward to expanding our service in the future. Watch for details in upcoming issues of Sights magazine.
Just for fun, let’s test your ATA knowledge. If you’ve flown with us before, you may know the answers to the following questions:
• Who was the founder of American Trans Air?
• What was the name of the travel club that eventually became ATA Airlines?
• What was the name of our first plane?
• Where was our first destination? (Please turn to page 113 for the answers.)
It is our pleasure having you aboard today. If there is anything we can do to make your flight more enjoyable, please let us know. We hope to see you on another ATA flight soon!
GARY ELLMER, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
ATA THROUGH THE YEARS:
• 1986
Scheduled passenger service begins.
• 1992
Scheduled service hub opens at Chicago-Midway.
• 1999
Surpassed $1 billion in annual revenue.
• 2002
ATA begins operation from its new gates at Chicago-Midway’s “A” Concourse.
• 2003
ATA announces company name change from American Trans Air, Inc. to ATA Airlines, Inc.
• 2005
First-ever codeshare agreement with Southwest Airlines.
• 2006
ATA announces significant expansion with additional West-Coast-to-Hawaii service.
• 2007
ATA adds service to Lihue and Kona and serves more Hawaiian destinations nonstop from the Mainland than any other airline.
• 2007
ATA Airlines becomes subsidiary of holding company, Global Aero Logistics Inc.
• 2008
ATA Airlines celebrates its 35th anniversary.