ATA Finishes Final Cockpit Reinforcement on All Boeing 737-800 Aircraft.

Business Editors

INDIANAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 12, 2001

ATA (American Trans Air, Inc.)(Nasdaq:AMTR) has completed the final installation of permanent cockpit security systems in all of its Boeing 737-800 aircraft -- 17 months prior to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) deadline.

The carrier is now installing permanent security systems in all of its Boeing 757-300 aircraft and expects installations to be completed in the next few weeks.

"Our maintenance and engineering crews have been working around-the-clock to permanently secure the cockpit areas of our aircraft and have completed much of the process in record time," said Jim Hlavacek, ATA Chief Operations Officer. "Our permanent security system goes above and beyond the new federal requirements by providing the highest degree of safety and security to our passengers and pilots."

ATA is using the Raisbeck Hardened Cockpit Security System, which includes bulletproof and impenetrable forward bulkheads and cockpit doors with armored visibility windows, all of which can withstand more than 1,500 pounds of force. It also meets all current and proposed federal aviation regulations, and can be remotely controlled by the flight crew. Cockpit personnel can easily allow access to and from the cabin manually or via remote control, but cabin personnel access to the cockpit has been restricted.

ATA, now in its 28th year of operation, is the nation's 10th largest passenger carrier, based on revenue passenger miles. ATA operates significant scheduled service from Chicago-Midway and Indianapolis to 32 business and vacation destinations. Stock of the Company's parent company, Amtran, Inc., is traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol "AMTR." To make a reservation, contact your travel agent or call 1-800-I-FLY-ATA, or en Espanol at 1-800-VUELA-ATA. To make a reservation online or to learn more about the Company, visit the website at www.ata.com.