US Troop-Transporter vulnerable to action against use of Shannon

Wednesday February 26, 2003 18:01

by Info Activist

Online activism targeting share price may be effective

Activism that affects American Trans Air, its parent company and, most importantly, its share price, might be effective as direct action at Shannon Airport in persuading Trans Air to follow North American Airlines and Miami Arlines and stop using Shannon to move US troops in the buildup to war on Iraq.

Following the decision of North American Airlines and Miami Arlines to stop using Shannon Airport to move US military forces as part of the buildup for war on Iraq, there is currently only one airline left doing this - American Trans Air.

American Trans Air Inc. (ATA) is a 30-Year old airline whose "brand of reliable, high quality air transportation serves more than 8 million passengers annually". It is the 10th largest U.S. passenger airline and concentrates on low fares and integrated tour packages. ATA is also the America's largest operator of commercial and military charters.

American Trans Air Inc. is owned by ATA Holdings Corp., who also own 6 other air transport-related companies in the United States. ATA Holdings Corp. is quoted on the NASDAQ stock exchange and their share price has been under pressure in the past year, falling from around $15 to around $4.25 today.

Like any public corporation, the most important thing to ATA Holdings Corp. is their share price. Averse publicity - particularly in their main market - the US is something they do not need right now.

For this reason, emails and letters expressing concerns about Trans Air's use of Shannon directed to the US financial noticeboards, media and even large customers of ATA Holdings Corp. may have an impact in getting American Trans Air Inc. to follow North American Airlines and Miami Arlines and stop using Shannon to move US troops in the buildup to war.

For example, activists might email American Trans Air's Public Relations office at [email protected] . Activists might also post messages on US financial noticeboards dedicated to ATA Holdings Corp, such as the one at http://messages.yahoo.com/?action=q&board=ATAH .

US troop transport is only a very small part of American Trans Air's business and their use of Shannon is not even necessary for that. If problems with Shannon begin to have ANY influence on their other business they will likely move their operations as quickly as they can.

For more information:

American Trans Air website: http://www.ata.com/

American Trans Air investor relations info: http://www.ata.com/about_ata/inv_rel.html

Financial information on ATA Holdings Corp: http://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=ATAH&d=t

Financial Message board for ATA Holdings Corp: http://messages.yahoo.com/?action=q&board=ATAH