INDIANAPOLIS, May 19, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Ambassadair Travel Club, the nation's largest travel club with nearly 30,000 member families, today announces that, subject to U.S. Bankruptcy Court approval, it has engaged Adelphi Capital LLC of Washington, D.C. to seek a buyer. Ambassadair is currently a subsidiary of ATA Holdings Corp. (Pink Sheets:ATAHQ). Ambassadair was the founding division that launched ATA Airlines, Inc. in 1973.
Ambassadair president, Sally Brown, said, "Ambassadair is proud of the commitment we have to Indiana that dates back more than three decades, including the inaugural year when our first aircraft was nicknamed 'Miss Indy.' We look forward to finding the ideal financial partner who will ensure and solidify the stability of Ambassadair and allow us to continue serving our loyal members in the Indianapolis area."
Adelphi Capital's president, Tom Donohue, Jr., said, "Ambassadair has been a profitable operation for 32 years, and has a strong legacy by serving tens of thousands of vacation travelers on every continent and to virtually hundreds of countries. We intend to conduct a search for an ideal partner for Ambassadair and its thousands of members."
Brown added, "Ambassadair is a private club. We cater to a dedicated clientele with many added values. It's this special attention offered by Ambassadair that drives the success of our business. One-third of our members have been with us for over a decade, and they know and appreciate the full service Ambassadair provides."
While Ambassadair purchases blocks of seats on a variety of airlines, the majority of its' members travel on a nonstop, private charter jet and have the option to purchase complete vacation packages. Ambassadair offers one-call convenience, children's fares as low as $99(a), and on-site travel support.
Beginning June 1, Ambassadair will fly club members on its dedicated jet operated by TransMeridian Airlines of Atlanta. The McDonnell-Douglas 83 aircraft accommodates a total of 150 passengers with 16 seats in Business Class and 134 seats in coach class. Meanwhile, Ambassadair increased its 2005 flight schedule with more flights on its aircraft to its most popular destinations, including Las Vegas and Cancun.
Ambassadair's success is a result and reflection of the Club maintaining a diligent dedication to its core values: excellence in customer service, unique opportunities for members to explore the world, and commitment to being a good steward of its resources.
Ambassadair, the nation's largest private travel club, has maintained an average of more than 30,000 member households and provides 600 trip options annually. It offers travel choices that vary from Day Trips to extended vacations; from off-the-beaten-path villages to urban hot spots; and from beaches in the Caribbean to cultural escapes to the most exotic corners of the world. Ambassadair also sells special interest trips that include golf getaways, adventure journeys, professional sporting events, global volunteerism and cruise packages. Any sale of Ambassadair is subject to approval of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court.
Ambassadair memberships are currently available for $199 for a family or $149 for a single membership. The dues are renewed on an annual basis for $99. For more information about Club membership, call (317) 282-8102 or (800) 225-9919 or visit www.ambassadair.com.
(a) Children's fares excluding taxes and fees