Airline News

Airguide Online, June, 2004

U.S. low-cost carrier ATA Airlines plans to fly to destinations in Europe starting next year and is negotiating with German airport Cologne-Bonn, the company said on Friday. "We want to fly to two or three European cities, and are currently in intensive talks concerning this," ATA Vice President Douglas Yakota told reporters in Cologne. He added that Germany, and in particular the Cologne-Bonn airport due to its success in low-cost travel, were high on the list of potential destinations. German long-haul charter carrier LTU reacted sharply to these plans, underscoring intense competition in the beleaguered airline industry. "You have to assume that we'll come with a corresponding offer for the same price and possibly better quality," said LTU managing director Juergen Marbach.

ATA Airlines announced on June 23 2004 that it has entered into agreements with six airlines to offer interline electronic ticketing. This convenience allows passengers to use one e-ticket when traveling on itineraries that include both ATA and one of the cooperative airlines. The service is now available between ATA and United, Continental, Hawaiian, Alaska, Aloha and Delta. In addition, customers taking advantage of interline e-ticketing will no longer need a paper ticket to transfer, they can simply use their original e-ticket, creating less hassle. E-tickets may be issued by any of the seven carriers and are available through ticketing offices, airport locations and travel agencies. Interline e-ticketing combined with full-service, curbside check-in and gate automation provides ease throughout the airport, saving customers time by simplifying the check-in and boarding processes. Finally, ATA's Travel Awards program offers loyal customers who book their travel at ATA.com great travel awards when they fly frequently on ATA or ATA Connection. For details and official rules for the program, visit www.ata.com

ATA's "Easy Days Sale" is making travel between select destinations more affordable with fares starting at $49 (off-peak, each way based on a 21- day advance round-trip purchase). Tickets are available for purchase today until midnight (E.D.T.) on June 25, 2004, for travel through November 17, 2004.

Celebrate the Fourth of July by breaking free from high fares. ATA's "Go Fourth Sale" offers nationwide travel on Independence Day from as low as $39 (each way). Tickets may be booked now through midnight (E.D.T.) July 4, 2004, and travel must occur on July 4, 2004.

ATA announced June 7 2004 plans to provide an additional round-trip flight, six days a week, between Chicago- Midway International Airport and Guadalajara, Mexico. Customers can take advantage of the increased service, from seven to 13 flights per week, beginning June 10, 2004. ATA began service to Guadalajara in 2001 with one round-trip flight per day between Chicago-Midway and this popular business and leisure destination.

ATA's "Easy Days Sale" for travel to/from Washington, D.C. Fares start as low as $69 (off-peak, each way based on a round-trip purchase) and are available for purchase today until midnight (E.D.T.) on June 10, 2004 for travel. Travel to/from the Rocky Mountain city, fares start as low as $79 (off-peak, each way based on a round- trip purchase) and are available for purchase today until midnight (E.D.T.) on June 10, 2004 for travel between June 22, 2004, and September 30, 2004.