INDIANAPOLIS, Jan. 23, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- As part of ATA's (ATA Airlines Inc.) (Pink Sheets:ATAHQ) announced expansion in several cities to enhance its West Coast and Hawaii presence, the carrier today outlined plans to offer a number of new daily nonstop flights between Hawaii and the mainland. Starting April 27, 2006, ATA will offer daily nonstop flights to Oakland International Airport from Honolulu, Maui, and Hilo. With this expansion, the airline will move its operations from San Francisco International to Oakland International, just across the Bay. ATA will be the only airline to offer nonstop service between the city of Hilo on the Big Island and the mainland, with seven weekly round-trips between Hilo and Oakland, and the only carrier to offer a daily nonstop flight from Honolulu to Ontario, Calif.
Strong History, Promising Future
"This expansion is a natural one given ATA's positive history in providing service between the Islands and the mainland," said ATA Chairman, CEO and President John Denison. "Even during the most challenging times in this industry, our Hawaii customers have demonstrated their loyalty through strong and repeat business with our airline. Today, we look forward to serving them for many years to come as we answer their ongoing demand for our unique brand of affordable and convenient travel by introducing more nonstop and connecting flights from this popular destination."
Executive Director of the Big Island Visitors Bureau George Applegate explained the introduction of a direct route from Northern California to east Hawaii is significant news for those who live and work on the Big Island. "ATA's new service offers a cost-effective, convenient opportunity for our residents with families on the mainland to stay more connected, while generating additional tourism revenue by allowing visitors to experience east Hawaii for longer periods of time," said Applegate. "We're looking forward to sharing the Big Island's natural beauty, sense of adventure and 'Aloha' spirit with all of them."
Other Expansion
ATA will also increase its nonstop service between Los Angeles International and Honolulu on May 25. Finally, on April 2, 2006, the carrier is expanding its business travel options with new service between William P. Hobby (Houston Hobby) and New York-LaGuardia. With this addition, travelers originating in Houston will be able to reach Honolulu and Maui through connecting service via ATA's codeshare agreement with Southwest Airlines. ATA will be the only airline flying the Houston Hobby to New York-LaGuardia route as a daily nonstop.
"Hawaii Travel Marathon" Hourly Ticket Giveaway(a)
In celebration of ATA's expanded service to Hawaii, ATA is excited to launch its 24/7 "Hawaii Travel Marathon." Every hour from Jan. 23, 2006, through Jan. 31, 2006, Travel Awards Members will be eligible to receive a free(a) round-trip ticket for travel from Phoenix, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, Calif., or Ontario, Calif., to any Hawaii destination served by ATA. Tickets will be eligible for travel from Feb. 15, 2006, to May 31, 2006. Winners will be randomly selected and notified via e-mail. Visit ata.com for more information.
Low Introductory Fares
ATA is also offering its customers special introductory fares between Hawaii and Oakland, Calif. from as low as $149(b) (off-peak, each way based on a 21-day advance round-trip purchase in coach class on ata.com). Listed below are a few examples of the introductory fares:
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To/From To/From Each-Way Valid for Must be
Fares From(b) Travel From(b) Purchased by:
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Honolulu Oakland $149 4/27-5/17 2/3
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Honolulu Oakland $189 (daily) 4/27-6/8 4/24
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Maui Oakland $159 4/27-5/17 2/3
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Maui Oakland $189 (daily) 4/27-6/8 4/24
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Hilo Oakland $159 4/27-5/17 2/3
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Honolulu Ontario $159 4/28-5/17 2/3
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Honolulu Ontario $189 (daily) 4/28-6/8 4/24
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Above fares (except where noted) are off-peak, each way based on a 21-day advance round-trip purchase in coach class on ata.com.
Expansion Highlights
HONOLULU: As of May 25, 2006, ATA will provide an average of seven nonstop flight choices daily from Honolulu, including 26 weekly nonstop flights to/from the Los Angeles and San Francisco Bay Areas, collectively. With the introduction of these ATA flights, customers can, for the first time, take advantage of daily low-fare Hawaii travel options from either Oakland International Airport or Ontario International Airport.
MAUI: As of April 27, 2006, ATA will provide an average of three nonstop flight choices daily from Maui, including seven weekly nonstop flights to/from Maui to the San Francisco Bay Area.
HILO: As of April 27, 2006, ATA will provide the only nonstop service from Hilo to the mainland, including seven weekly nonstop flights to/from Hilo to Oakland International Airport.
New Nonstop Service Details
New Nonstop Service Details --------------------------------------------------------------------- Departs Time Arrives Time --------------------------------------------------------------------- Honolulu 11:50 a.m. Oakland 7:50 p.m. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Honolulu 11:55 p.m. Oakland 7:55 a.m. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Honolulu 2:35 p.m. Ontario 11:05 p.m. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Maui 10:40 a.m. Oakland 6:35 p.m. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Hilo 8:15 a.m. Oakland 4:15 p.m. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Oakland 10:55 a.m. Honolulu 1:15 p.m. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Oakland 5:20 p.m. Honolulu 7:40 p.m. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Oakland 7:35 p.m. Hilo 9:55 p.m. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Oakland 9:35 a.m. Maui 12:05 p.m. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Ontario 7:05 a.m. Honolulu 9:55 a.m. ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Service begins April 27, 2006. Full schedule will be effective April 28, 2006. Times above are local to the corresponding airport. Business seating is available.
As ATA enters its 33rd year of operations, the company is bringing more convenient, value-based service to the skies. ATA provides features travelers have come to expect, including advanced seat assignments, self-service kiosks, Web check-in, simplified and consistent fare structure, and a frequent flier program with one of the lowest thresholds for earning travel in the industry. For more information, visit ata.com.
(a)Giveaway is only valid on direct departures from LAX, LAS, SFO, PHX, ONT or OAK. Travel begins 2/15/06 and must be completed by 5/31/06 and is subject to blackout dates (Feb. 16-17, 20; Mar. 25-26; April 1-2, 8-9, 15-16; May 25-26, 29). ATA 24/7 Hawaii Travel Marathon Promotion is valid for new and existing Travel Awards Members with Travel Awards ID number and valid e-mail address. Entry will be based on Travel Awards ID number. Limit one entry per Travel Awards member. No purchase is necessary to win, and all entries have an equal chance of winning. Odds of winning are dependent on number of entries received. A parent or legal guardian must enter minors under age 18 who wish to participate in this Giveaway. All winners will be notified daily via e-mail and will be provided redemption instructions at said time. Member is only eligible for one round-trip giveaway. Limited to U.S. residents only. All Travel Awards Program terms and conditions apply. Entry also available by mail. Other restrictions apply.
(b)Introductory fares do not include a $3.30 federal segment tax per takeoff and landing and a September 11th Security Fee of up to $5 each way or $10 per round-trip. Introductory fares are for travel 4/27-5/17/06 (except Honolulu/Ontario for travel 4/28-5/17/06; Honolulu/Oakland and Maui/Oakland $189 fares for travel 4/27-6/8/06; Honolulu/Ontario $189 fare for travel 4/28-6/8/06.) Daily $189 fares must be purchased by 4/29/06 and off-peak $149 and $159 fares must be purchased by 2/3/06, Midnight (EST). Fares are each way; off-peak (except Honolulu/Oakland, Maui/Oakland and Honolulu/Ontario $189 fares are daily); based on round-trip purchase; require a 21-day advance purchase; in coach class; on ata.com or through travel agencies (tickets cost $5 more if purchased by phone, at ATA reservation centers or ATA ticket counters); nonrefundable; subject to change without notice. Seats are limited and may not be available on all flights and dates. Introductory off-peak fares shown are for travel to Hawaii: Mon-Wed, from Hawaii: Tue-Thu. Additional introductory fares available for peak travel days. Passenger facility charge of up to $9 each way or $18 per round-trip not included in fares. Photo I.D. required for flight check-in. For above fares, service provided by ATA Airlines.