Before mega-carriers dominated the skies, ATA was a unique airline that flew a diverse fleet.
For a time, American Trans Air was a top-notch, thriving airline. They did a great job of striking a balance between fun and professionalism. ATA operated a fleet of 707s, 727-200s, 737-800s, 757s, L1011s and later DC-10s, L1011s and 757s.
This video features vintage footage of ATA from the late 1990s. The video focuses on aviation safety, using ATA as the primary airline for the documentary’s central theme.
It highlights the intense training it took to be a crew member in the industry. The video features a now-rare L1011 ride-along from Indianapolis International Airport (IND) to Las Vegas International Airport (LAS). The documentary even shows a malfunction of the number 2 engine during start that forced a delay. The cockpit crew collaborated with maintenance to resolve the issue.
Founded in 1963 as Ambassadair, ATA Airlines (also known as American Trans Air) was a low-cost airline based in Indianapolis. Its first aircraft was a Boeing 720 known as Miss Indy. A second Boeing 720 was added in 1978. This one was named Spirit of Indiana.
For decades, ATA operated scheduled passenger flights throughout the United States and most of its territories. The airline’s focus cities were Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), Honolulu International Airport (HNL), and Oakland International Airport (OAK). At one time, ATA was North America’s largest charter airline. It transported more troops for the US Military than any other commercial airline.
Throughout its life, ATA operated the following types of aircraft:
- 30 Boeing 737-800s
- 24 Boeing 757-200s
- 10 Boeing 757-300s
- 23 Lockheed L-1011 TriStar 1/100/200s
- 6 Lockheed L-1011 TriStar 500s
- 1 McDonnell Douglas DC-10-10
- 1 McDonnell Douglas DC-10-40
The carrier served several unusual global destinations, including Lagos, Nigeria; Tirana, Albania; Dublin & Shannon, Ireland; Riga, Latvia; and Belfast, UK.
ATA also operated a commuter carrier, which flew under the Chicago Express Airlines banner. Using British Aerospace BAe Jetstream 31s and Saab 340s, ATA Connection operated out of MDW to smaller cities in the Midwest, such as Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Flint, Michigan; Toledo, Ohio; and Evansville, Indiana.
Things Were Great at American Trans Air…Until They Weren’t
For a while, ATA kept up with its competition and grew with a modern fleet and a diverse set of revenue. ATA also had Travel City Direct as one of its biggest clients.
Then, there was a major economic upheaval in the airline industry as a result of the 9/11 attacks. As a result, ATA suffered serious financial hardships from which it never recovered. Adding insult to the already tumultuous time, ATA services to the UK ended in 2002 when Travel City chose another airline – Air Atlanta.
Like other smaller, low-cost airlines during the era, ATA continued its financial struggle for survival while making changes to stay afloat. They attempted to codeshare with Southwest Airlines, pared down their fleet, shut down routes, and even closed their Indianapolis base.
Nothing worked, though.
They shrank themselves into further losses. On 2 April 2008, ATA filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after losing a major contract for its military charter business. Soon after, an ATA representative announced that the company would be discontinuing all services.
While ATA was still ‘operating’ under bankruptcy protection, Southwest purchased the rights to the remaining gates at Midway Airport and its operating certificate for $7.5 million.
But first, a safety video of the venerable L1011.
Ok, now you are cleared for takeoff…
8.9.16
