ATA to Begin Second Phase of Cockpit Reinforcement on All Boeing 737-800 and 757-300 Aircraft.

Business Editors

INDIANAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 19, 2001

ATA (American Trans Air, Inc.) (Nasdaq:AMTR) today announced that it has begun the final phase of cockpit reinforcement procedures by installing a permanent cockpit security system on all of its aircraft.

The carrier is using the Raisbeck Hardened Cockpit Security System, designed and manufactured by Raisbeck Engineering at Seattle, Washington. It incorporates permanent changes to the cockpit area. The system is being installed in all of the carrier's Boeing 737 and 757 aircraft to provide a permanent, secure and safe cockpit environment for passengers and crewmembers.

First kit deliveries have begun, with all in-service 737 installations to be completed by the December Holidays. 757s will follow.

"The completed first phase consisted of temporarily installing cockpit door bars," said James Hlavacek, ATA Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer. "The final phase has been to develop a long-term and permanent cockpit and bulkhead security system. After reviewing the designs submitted by others, we believe the incorporation of Raisbeck Engineering's unique Hardened Cockpit Security System to our planes will make our cockpits bullet-proof and impenetrable by unauthorized individuals while providing the highest degree of safety and security to our passengers and crew."

The Raisbeck Engineering security system includes bulletproof and impenetrable forward bulkheads and cockpit doors with armored visibility windows, all of which can withstand more than 1,500 force. It also meets all current and proposed Federal Aviation Regulations, and is 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 and passenger access to the cockpit has been restricted.

Raisbeck CEO James Raisbeck added: "We are pleased to have American Trans Air as our customer for both the Boeing 737 and 757. Their order brings another large block of these airplanes into commonality. ATA is also specifying our system on future deliveries of new aircraft."

Earlier this month, the Federal Aviation Administration outlined cockpit door safety specifications allowing airlines 18 months to make improvements. As an interim and temporary security measure, ATA installed cockpit door bars and completed this phase on November 6, 2001. The Raisbeck System will bring ATA's airplanes into full compliance a year ahead of FAA's timetable.

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 800/I-FLY-ATA, or en Espanol at 800/VUELA-ATA. To make a reservation online or to learn more about the Company, visit the website at www.ata.com.