September 20, 2004

Lufthansa Systems, one of the world’s leading IT providers for the airline and aviation industry, announced today that it will provide the newly launched Independence Air (Dulles, VA) with its Flight Management System (FMS) navigation database.

The solution, which is currently being used successfully by over 110 airlines worldwide, will enable the pilots of this dynamic new low-fare airline to instantaneously access comprehensive navigational data, including route planning and alternate airport information, pertinent to their type of aircraft. Additionally, applying Lufthansa Systems’ FMS, low-fare airline Independence Air will gain important data to facilitate optimum engine power levels and subsequently, measurable fuel savings. "We chose Lido FMS Navigation data services from Lufthansa Systems as they share our view of integrated flight support solutions," stressed John Cross, Independence Air Vice President, Purchasing and Logistics.

“The North American airline industry continues to demonstrate its fortitude by enlisting information technologies that empower both management and pilots,” said Dr. Gunter Küchler, Managing Director at Lufthansa Systems Group GmbH. “We are especially excited by the proactive stance being taken by the low cost carrier market. Airlines like Independence Air recognize that in order to compete successfully in today’s market, they must take advantage of tools that make their company operate more efficiently and more economically. Our FMS solution is one of many powerful IT solutions from Lufthansa Systems that can help carriers become more competitive.”

On June 16, Independence Air began its low-fare service from Washington Dulles International Airport and has quickly grown to serve 35 U.S. cities, making Dulles the largest low-fare hub in the world. As the carrier expands its service, including the launch of 28 Airbus A319s, it projects developing a fleet of more 110 planes. Lufthansa Systems will customize the FMS database to accommodate all aircraft within the Independence Air system.

The FMS database builds on Lufthansa Systems' widely touted Lido navigation database. Lido encompasses all relevant aeronautical data available worldwide. Solutions within the Lido line, which rely on this comprehensive data include the Lido Operation Center (Lido OC), Lido Flight Planning and Lido Electronic Route Manual. Lufthansa Systems will deliver an updated FMS database to Independence Air’s aircraft every 28 days. To assure the maximum benefits from its FMS solution, Lufthansa Systems will serve as Independence Air’s contract partner with data content adjusted monthly to the planned operating area of its new fleet. In addition, the company is offering the airline a special option for viewing and tracking all data and changes to the Lido navigation database, and managing company routes at any time, without having to wait for the standard 28 day update cycle.

Along with Independence Air, other airlines using Lufthansa Systems’ FMS database include Lufthansa, Air Canada, Air France/KLM, Alitalia, British Airways, Emirates, Finnair, Garuda, Iberia, and Thai Airways. Most recently, Lufthansa Systems announced that AirTran, the Orlando, Florida-based low-cost airline, would be using its FMS navigation base.

Note to the editors:

Lufthansa Systems is one of the world’s leading IT service providers for the airline and aviation industry. As systems integrator, the wholly owned subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group covers the entire range of IT services, including consulting, development, implementation and operation. Lufthansa Systems provides its IT infrastructure and operations services to a variety of industries. Headquartered in Kelsterbach near Frankfurt/Main, Germany, the company has branches in Germany and 14 countries and employs about 4,400 people worldwide. In the business year 2003, Lufthansa Systems recorded sales of EUR 610.7 million.

Independence Air is the low-fare airline that makes travel fast and easy for its customers with a customer first attitude, innovative thinking and a willingness to challenge the status quo. Independence Air’s parent company, FLYi, Inc. (Nasdaq: FLYI) is based in Dulles, VA and employs over 4,700 aviation professionals.