note
Founded as Ambassadair in 1973. First Flight as ATA (American Trans Air) 1981. Operated scheduled "charters" for tour operators, as well as ad hoc and military charters. In 1999 ATA purchased Chicago Express and turned it to its feeder airline at Midway. Year later order for 39 Boeing 737-800s was announced and ATA entered low-cost scheduled market using Boeing 737NG and 757s. Its network grew rapidly coast to coast. ATA entered bankruptcy 10/26/04 and reduced fleet and scheduled operation considerably. Exited bankruptcy with financing from Matlin Patterson. ATA became private airline owned by ATA Holdings. In 2004 ATA and Southwest Airlines agreed to code share their flights and ATA became Southwest Airlines Travel charter and leisure provider. Its scheduled flights were cut and airline focused on its Military and leisure charters flights. Hawaii and the Caribbean became its major markets. Airline sold most of its slots at Midway to Southwest and withdrew from Indianapolis market. It also sold its Ambassadair Travel Club. In 2007 ATA Holdings changed its name to Global Aero Logistics and acquired World Air Holdings (World Airways, North American Airlines). Planned deal of acquiring DC-10s from Northwest for its military contract fell apart as decision was made to transfer those to World Airways instead. Further cuts in scheduled service were made in 2008 and loss of military business as well as rising fuel prices caused airline to file bankruptcy again and cease operations in April 2008.
founded - demised (age)
March 1 1981 - April 4 2008 (27)
headquarters
Indianapolis International Airport, Indianapolis, IN
web
base airports
related operators
current /stored fleet (0)
