ATA Ceases Operations Files CH11 Bankruptcy
 

CHICAGO, Illinois (CNN) -- ATA Airlines has ceased all flights as it files for bankruptcy, apologizing to its customers for the airline's "sudden shutdown," according to a company statement released Thursday.

The low-cost, charter airline based in Indianapolis, Indiana, filed for Chapter 11 status on Wednesday as a result of financial problems "following the loss of a key contract for our military charter business," ATA said.

"Unfortunately, we were not in a position to provide our customers or others with advance notice," ATA said.

The airline, founded in 1973, served major business centers - including Chicago, Dallas and Oakland - and popular vacation spots throughout the United States, including Hawaii, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Las Vegas. The airline also operated as a leading carrier for the U.S. military.

It operated 29 aircraft, including Boeing 737-800s, Boeing 757-200s, Boeing 757-300s, DC10s and Lockheed L-1011s.

At the time of its shutdown, ATA employed approximately 2,230 people, including approximately 600 pilots, more than 800 flight attendants, and more than 100 mechanics.

Earlier in the week it was Aloha, and now ATA... very very sad to hear this news. :(

I'm grateful I got a few shots of ATA 757s and an L-1011 on my recent trips. Great livery, great prices... great shame they're in Ch. 11 now.