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ATA files chapter 11 bankruptcy and vanishes like a thief in the night.
Indiana airline, ATA ( a subsidiary of Global Aero Logistics Inc.) announced this morning that they are closing their doors for good, making this the second bankruptcy in 3 years for the ill-fated company. Flights were canceled without notice. Pilots, attendants, and all other positions were laid off. Passengers are stranded in Hawaii, as well as all over the continental US. of the 10,000 or so daily travelers that use ATA’s airline, all were greeted with the same level of customer service. The ATA counter in Los Angeles was deserted Thursday. It had a sign on it that read, in part, “We regret the inconvenience caused by the sudden shutdown of ATA.”
A sign, with a faceless, nameless apology. Not “I’m terribly sorry you missed the flight to your wedding”, or “It is with deep regret that you will not make it in time for your board meeting”, or even a little “It’s ok, we’ve made arrangements to secure alternative flight options for you”. Just an empty desk and a cold sign. It is said that the near 2,300 employees of the ATA airline weren’t given much more than that either. A blindsiding pink-slip and a kick in the ass out the door, leaving them to find new means to support their families and lifestyles with no warning at all.
In this day of modern business and internet consumers have we gone so far away from interacting with our customers that we have NO moral code when it comes to delivering bad news? Are we no longer afraid that the failure of one venture will inhibit the success of a future venture? Has it become so easy to cut ties, wash our hands and walk away, completely disregarding the wake of despair our disaster left behind as people lose jobs, homes, childcare, the very food off their table? Where is the outrage? Where is the lynch mob? How does a company of this stature pay for the damage they have caused?
April 4th, 2008 at 6:07 am
I wonder how they broke it to them.. “Um hi.. I know you’re ready to go home, but sorry No Dinero”…
If it’s the second bankruptcy in 3 years, maybe they shouldn’t try for the 3 strikes your out thing..
April 4th, 2008 at 11:33 am
I do have to agree that interacting with the customer is distant. Corporate America has shape the business world to the point that they are allowed to have all the rights and we as a consumer are often left standing in the cold looking for a solution.
Each individual should be standing there ground and taking an active part in reshaping the world around them.
I am not one to look only for the lowest price and demand more for less. I look for the best deal and that to me is not always the lowest price.
Good companies are deserving of a little more up front because they give more to you in the long run and are there to stand behind there business dealings.
So shop for the best deal look at the company and be willing to by pass the lowest price to get the best deal.
April 5th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
Ha, I saw the news report saying they went bankrupt, but not that all flights were canceled. Damn, glad I’m not traveling now.
April 5th, 2008 at 8:36 pm
WOW, I,m glad I don’t fly with them
April 5th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
such a crap way to handle peeps..
April 5th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
what a shame. too bad the powers that were cannot be held accountable
April 5th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
That really sucks… WOW can you say lawsuit right….
April 5th, 2008 at 9:02 pm
shameful & unfortunate
April 11th, 2008 at 1:10 am
How shitty was that? I hope they get sued for whatever is left!