Formerly known as American Trans Air, ATA Airlines operated between 1973 and 2008. The airline functioned as a charter airline and a low cost airline.

The American military was its largest charter client. ATA flew American servicemen and women to the Middle East in both the Gulf War in 1991 and Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003.

Outside of charter service, the airline offered scheduled flights throughout the continental United States and had nonstop service to the Hawaii islands. They also had scheduled flights to Mexico and the Caribbean.

ATA Airlines ceased operations in 2008. Rising fuel cost and the loss of its military charter contract contributed to its demise. Southwest Airlines acquired all of ATA’s assets.