Arlington, VA, September 11, 2003 - ARC today reported an increase in average weekly sales per accredited ARC location in August 2003 as compared to the previous year, marking the 11th such rise in the past 12 months. Total sales settled by ARC in August remained steady compared to the same month last year, while total fares rose one percent.

"The recent recovery of air sales processed by ARC suggests a turning point for the travel industry and shows the value ARC brings to the marketplace," said ARC President and Chief Executive Officer, David R. B. Collins, CTC. "I am proud that in the first eight months of 2003 ARC settlement has facilitated more than $41 billion in sales that have contributed to the improved status of the air travel industry we have seen in recent months, and I look forward to continuing to support the industry as it moves on to greater success."

Continued Collins, "For 11 of the past 12 months, the average weekly sales completed by ARC-accredited travel agents and corporate travel department locations has increased compared to the previous year. Retail outlets working with ARC continue to demonstrate their value and their ability to adapt in an ever-changing market."

ARC's August statistics also marked continued movement toward e-ticketing, with 84.16 percent of tickets processed issued as e-tickets.

Archived copies of ARC"s monthly statistics are available at http://www.arccorp.com/news/news_sales_doc_stats.html.