ATA Airlines Announces the Appointment of Gary Ellmer as Senior Vice President-Operations and General Manager-Charter

INDIANAPOLIS, Aug. 31, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- ATA Airlines announced that Gary Ellmer has been named as ATA's Senior Vice President-Operations and General Manager-Charter. In his role, Ellmer will be responsible for flight and technical operations as well as ATA's charter business, which represents approximately one half of ATA's revenues. He will report to the Chief Operating Officer.

Ellmer comes to ATA from American Eagle where he was the President/COO of its Executive Airlines/American Eagle Caribbean unit. His prior commercial experience includes a stint as President/COO during the successful restructuring of Business Express Airlines, and Maintenance and Engineering positions at WestAir, McDonnell-Douglas, and Hughes Helicopter. "Gary has done it all when it comes to airline operations and restructuring," said ATA Chief Operating Officer, Subodh Karnik. "And he is a natural fit for the role of leader of ATA's Charter business unit."

"Gary brings the knowledge and experience we were looking for in this vital role," added ATA Chairman and CEO, John Denison. "We are excited to have Gary onboard."

Ellmer's aviation-airline experience dates back to 1972 when he was a U.S. Marine Corps mechanic and crewmember aboard UH-1 helicopters. His military career concluded in 1979 as a flight engineer and instructor on KC-130 tanker aircraft and two overseas tours. He holds a degree in Aeronautics from Long Beach City College. Ellmer and his wife will be relocating from Dallas, TX to Indianapolis.

Entering its 33rd year of operations, ATA offers affordable travel from destinations like Guadalajara, Cancun, Hawaii, Oakland, Chicago, New York, Dallas/Ft. Worth and Washington, DC. Through direct and 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.

CONTACT: ATA Airlines
         Rick Hightower
         (317) 282-2659
         public.relations@iflyata.com