ata airlines

ATA Airlines (formerly American Trans Air) is a discount airline based in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. It operates regular passenger as well as charter flights and flies to places like San Juan's Luis Munoz Marin International Airport and Aguadilla in Puerto Rico and points in Hawaii. ATA's major hub is Midway Airport in Chicago, Illinois.

History

American Trans Air was founded as a charter carrier in 1981, with a fleet of eight Boeing 707's based in Indianapolis. It added Boeing 727's to its fleet in 1984, Lockheed L-1011's in 1985, and Boeing 757's in 1989, and began scheduled flights in 1986 between Indianapolis and Fort Myers, Florida. By the mid-1990's, ATA operated a sizable hub in Chicago and offered scheduled services throughout the continental U.S., as well as flights to Hawaii and extensive military air charter contracts. In 2000, ATA placed a large order for new Boeing 737-800 and Boeing 757-300 aircraft to expand its fleet for additional flights from Midway. That year, it also began scheduled flights to Mexico and was designated as a major carrier by the United States Department of Transportation. ATA Holdings, ATA's parent company, also owns the nations largest travel club, Ambassadair and commuter airline Chicago Express. In 2004, it filed for Chapter 11. In December of 2004 ATA entered an agreement with Southwest to transfer 6 gates in Chicago and 27% of non-voting stock in exchange for a cash influx and codeshare agreement. In 2005, the airline's main hub of operations will be moved to Indianapolis and the airline's main hub system at Chicago Midway will be reduced. ATA will still maintain scheduled service from Indianapolis, Chicago and from the West Coast to Hawaii, but will drop some destinations and routes. The newly formed codeshare agreement with Southwest Airlines is a first for both carriers.