Flightstar Awarded Ten B727 Passenger to Frieghter Conversions

Business Wire, Sept 16, 2003

Business Editors

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 16, 2003

Flightstar Aircraft Services, Inc. is pleased to announce that it was recently awarded a program to convert ten B727-200 aircraft, owned by BATA, LLC - a joint venture between Boeing Capital Corp. and ATA Holdings Corp., from passenger to freighter configuration. The conversions will begin immediately and include a "D" level maintenance check for each airplane. The conversion program will continue through the second quarter of 2005.

"The announcement of this program, demonstrates our team's commitment to consistently delivering a quality product and our continued dedication to customer satisfaction", stated Jerry Hernandez, Flightstar's President. "We are extremely pleased to be awarded this program from ASTAR Air Cargo."

The ten aircraft will be operated by ASTAR Air Cargo. Earlier this year, Flightstar completed conversions for four B727 aircraft also being operated by ASTAR Air Cargo. Upon completion of this program, Flightstar will have completed twenty-three (23) freighter conversions since commencing business in April, 2000.

About Flightstar

Founded in April 2000 and based at the Jacksonville International Airport, Flightstar Aircraft Services, Inc. is a leading provider of heavy maintenance and inspection services as well as modification services for narrowbody air transport category aircraft. The company specializes in MD80, DC9, B727 and B737 aircraft. Services include all levels of scheduled maintenance from daily line checks to heavy depot level maintenance. Additionally the company provides engine changes, complete avionics modifications, structural modifications and upgrades, reduced noise level modifications and passenger to freighter conversions. Flightstar is an FAA approved repair station (certificate # FOTR986N).

About ASTAR

ASTAR Air Cargo is a licensed U.S. air carrier operating a fleet of 40 aircraft from its hub at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. The airline provides all-cargo scheduled and charter services on a contract basis for the DHL Worldwide Express network and charter services on a contract basis for other customers including the U.S. Military and the United States Postal Service. Internet www.astaraircargo.com