ARC'S 2004 YEAR-END OPERATING RESULTS REFLECT SOLID GROWTH

Arlington, VA, January 13, 2005 - ARC today released its 2004 year-end operating statistics while also marking its 20th anniversary of successful service to the travel industry.  "The past twenty years have demonstrated ARC's unique ability to reliably meet the needs of the marketplace while transitioning our business environment to ever more efficient processes," noted David Collins, ARC's President and CEO. "ARC's continued focus on critical innovation and cost-effectiveness proved successful in 2004 when the market needs were great," he added. &nbap;Highlights of ARC processing for the year were;

• 5% growth in transactions
• 7% increase in total sales
• 90% electronic ticketing
• 50% drop in manual documents and 25% reduction in ATB usage

Transactions processed through ARC showed growth throughout 2004 ending with a strong final month that was 9% above the prior December and an overall 5% increase for the full year.

Total sales settled through ARC in 2004 amounted to just under $66 billion, a 7% increase over 2003 and the highest year-end result since 2001.  A significant contributor to the overall growth in sales was the consistent growth in international fares, completing the year at 19% over 2003, while the domestic fare results reflected the intense competitive pressures of the domestic marketplace.

For the first time in 2004, the average weekly sales per location for the year as a whole exceeded $50,000.  "The strength of these results demonstrate the continued viability of the ARC-accredited travel agency system broadly embracing traditional travel agents, on-line agents, corporate travel departments, ARC Direct Connections links, and other industry entities." said David Collins, ARC's President and CEO.

ARC's goal continues to be to help the industry transition from inefficient and costly paper processes, obtain lower costs, and greater operating efficiencies through electronic processes.   The 2004 year-end statistics confirm that the industry is seizing these opportunities to reduce operating costs.   Manual document usage was down by 50% in 2004, and ATB usage was at 25% below 2003 levels.   The end of 2004 also saw electronic ticket usage at close to 90%.  "The U.S. market leads the world in electronic ticketing as we approach the goal established in 2004 of achieving 100% electronic ticketing worldwide" added Collins.

Note: ARC's current and archived monthly statistics are available at no charge on ARC's Web site.&nbap; Visit http://www.arccorp.com/regist/index.jsp to register for access and e-mail updates.

About ARC
ARC is the premier provider of financial settlement solutions and data and analytical services for the travel industry. Airlines, travel agencies, corporate travel departments, railroads, and other travel suppliers process more than $65 billion annually through ARC's world-class settlement system, making it the financial backbone of travel distribution. ARC COMPASS®, the leading, trusted source for travel transaction information, powers data and analytical tools that help ARC customers make confident business decisions. ARC is an airline-owned company that builds on values of integrity, teamwork, innovation, cost-effectiveness, and excellence. For more information, please visit http://www.arccorp.com.