INDIANAPOLIS, Oct. 18, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- ATA Airlines announced today that Subodh Karnik has been named ATA's President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective January 1, 2007. Mr. Karnik will replace John G. Denison who will continue as Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Denison, a retired Southwest Airlines executive, joined ATA in January 2005 when ATA was in the early stages of working its way through the chapter 11 reorganization process. He was subsequently appointed President and CEO in February 2005. In January 2006, he also assumed Chairman of the Board responsibilities. ATA successfully emerged from the reorganization process in February 2006.
"I couldn't be more excited for the employees of ATA with the announcement that Subodh Karnik will be ATA's new President and CEO," said Denison. "Subodh joined ATA in May 2005 and played a significant role in ATA's revival. He has amply demonstrated the skills and the personal qualities to successfully lead our Company for many years to come," explained Denison.
Prior to joining ATA, Karnik had 15 years of airline experience in a wide range of leadership roles at four airlines. Most recently, he was Senior Vice President of Marketing Planning at Delta Air Lines. A native of Mumbai, India, he is a graduate of the Birla Institute of Technology and Science and the University of Michigan Ross School of Business.
"John leaves big shoes to fill and it is a privilege for me to be able to guide and support the leadership team and employees of ATA as we continue our efforts to return to profitability and be a successful, long-term player in this roller-coaster industry. John has provided tremendous leadership through our most difficult period and we are all pleased that he will continue to be a part of the ATA family as our Chairman," said Karnik.
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 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 flyer 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.