Exhibit 99.1

           ATA Airlines Renews Contract with U.S. Military for FY2005

Indianapolis,  IN -- September 10, 2004, ATA Airlines,  Inc. (Nasdaq: ATAH), has
renewed its annual contract with the U.S. Air Force Air Mobility Command for the
2005 fiscal  year,  which  begins  October 1, 2004.  The new  contract,  for the
provision  of  passenger  charter  services,  includes a fixed  award of charter
flying valued at approximately $51 million. In addition, ATA expects to have the
opportunity to fly expansion  charters  under the contract  worth  approximately
$200 million in revenue.  In total,  ATA  anticipates to have the opportunity to
fly approximately $250 million worth of charter flights.

ATA has provided charter service for the U.S.  Military since 1983. In the first
six months of 2004,  military  charter  flights  accounted  for $141  million in
revenue or approximately 18% of ATA's total revenue.

Now in its 31st year of  operation,  ATA  (Nasdaq:  ATAH) is the  nation's  10th
largest  passenger  carrier  (based on revenue  passenger  miles) and one of the
nation's  largest  low-fare  carriers.  ATA  has  one  of  the  youngest,   most
fuel-efficient fleets among the major carriers, featuring the new Boeing 737-800
and 757-300 aircraft.  The airline operates  significant  scheduled service from
Chicago-Midway,  Hawaii,  Indianapolis,  New York and San  Francisco  to over 40
business and vacation destinations. Stock of parent company, ATA Holdings Corp.,
is traded on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange. For more information, visit the web site
http://www.ata.com.

Caution  Concerning  Forward-Looking  Statements:  This  communication  contains
certain "forward-looking statements". These statements are based on ATA Holdings
Corp.'s   management's   current  expectations  and  are  naturally  subject  to
uncertainty  and changes in  circumstances.  Actual results may vary  materially
from the expectations  contained herein.  More detailed  information about those
factors is set forth in filings made by ATA Holdings Corp.  with the SEC. Except
to the extent required under the federal  securities laws, ATA Holdings Corp. is
not under any  obligation to (and  expressly  disclaims any such  obligation to)
update  or alter  its  forward-looking  statements  whether  as a result  of new
information, future events or otherwise.