INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 26, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- ATA Airlines today reported that it has been awarded a contract with the U.S. Air Force Air Mobility Command (AMC) for Fiscal Year 2007 (01 Oct 2006 - 30 Sep 2007). ATA has been under contract with the U.S. military continuously since 1983, and is one of AMC's primary providers of charter airlift services, transporting military troops and their families all over the world. With this new award, ATA will continue its prominence in this military support role throughout FY 2007.
According to Gary Ellmer, Senior Vice President of Operations and General Manager-Charter, "Flying for the military will remain one of the cornerstones of ATA's charter business plan for many years to come." A former Marine, Ellmer said, "ATA is proud to support our troops around the world and will continue to do so in a safe, on-time, efficient manner."
ATA, teamed with six other carriers, will share in a contract that is divided into two parts:
-- A fixed award, spanning the full year of flying, for
which ATA's share is valued at $29.5 Million.
-- An entitlement to bid on expansion business for additional
military charters as requirements develop. It is estimated
that ATA will garner approximately $325 Million, or 38% of
that expansion business.
While the military is its largest charter contractor, ATA also offers group and sports charters to all parts of the globe. ATA also serves 13 domestic and 2 international airports, plus more than 50 other U.S. destinations through its codeshare connection partnership with Southwest Airlines, as part of its scheduled service operations.
Entering its 33rd year of operations, ATA offers affordable travel to 13 domestic and 2 international destinations. Through connecting Southwest Airlines codeshare flights, ATA now serves customers in more than 60 markets. ATA provides features travelers have come to expect, including advanced seat assignments, self-service kiosks, Web check-in, and a frequent flier program with one of the lowest thresholds for earning travel in the industry. ATA Travel Awards members have the option when booking their flights on ata.com or at 1-800-I-FLY-ATA of earning either ATA Travel Awards points or Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards credits. For more information, visit ata.com.