National Airlines Authorized to Operate Passenger Charters Internationally

YPSILANTI, Mich., Feb. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- National Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of National Air Cargo Holdings, is pleased to announce that the U.S. Department of Transportation has granted new international passenger charter authority allowing National to expand its global reach.

"This authority represents a very significant milestone in National's two-track strategy to augment and modernize our already substantial international cargo carrying capacity with market-leading international passenger charter operations," Steven Harrison, president, National Airlines said.  "Ours is an ambitious plan, and I'm extremely proud of our team's world-class performance in safely bringing it closer to fruition."

The United States Department of Transportation Office of the Secretary, Washington, D.C. issued a foreign charter certificate of public convenience and necessity to National Air Cargo Group, Inc. d/b/a National Airlines.  This order authorizes National to engage in foreign charter air transportation of persons, property and mail in addition to the domestic and international all-cargo transportation offered for twenty-five years.

The order was issued by Susan L. Kurland, Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs, and approved by the White House.

National Airlines is currently undergoing FAA certification for Boeing 757-200 passenger operations.  When complete, National intends to offer worldwide passenger charter services with its B757-200 aircraft. The newly outfitted modern cabin has 152 extended comfort coach seats and 12 business class seats. This effort represents the next step of National's ambitious business plan whereby it is augmenting its DC-8 fleet with 747-400 freighter operations, 757-200 passenger operations and 757 -200 Combi (10 pallet positions and 46 passengers) worldwide.  National's a-la-carte catering choices provide flexible business or leisure cuisine to our guests intent on personal and responsive long range, intercontinental charter service.

The world just became a smaller place.  National is ready and able to complete any mission, anytime, anywhere.

About National Air Cargo:

Since 1991, National Air Cargo has provided high quality and efficient freight forwarding services for many military and industrial customers.  The company offers airlift operations with appropriate aircraft with payload options ranging from four tons to 250 tons to countries throughout the world.  For more information please visit www.nationalaircargo.com.

About National Airlines:

Founded in 1985, National Airlines currently operates three long range intercontinental 45 ton capacity jet freighters. National Airlines is based in Ypsilanti, MI and operates scheduled and on demand cargo charter services.

SOURCE National Airlines