YPSILANTI, Michigan, June 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

National Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of National Air Cargo Holdings, announced today its continued expansion with the receipt of authority from the United States Department of Transportation to conduct charter passenger service aboard its Boeing 757-200 aircraft both domestically and internationally.

National's inaugural 757-200 passenger aircraft offers seating for 164 passengers (12 first/business class and 152 premium coach class) and includes flexible on-board services tailored to meet customer preferences. "National is extremely proud to bring our trademark excellence to the passenger market. We look forward to complimenting our global cargo services by offering customized non-stop passenger service to travel consolidators, businesses and sports teams whether their destination is within North America, Europe, South America, the Middle East or the Caribbean," said Steven Harrison, President, National Airlines. Aircraft configuration and service has been designed with passengers' wellbeing in mind to include economy seats configured for extra leg room (34 inch pitch), in flight entertainment systems, and menus tailored to the charterer's budget and preference.

"We continue to expand the National Airlines fleet and the National Air Cargo freight forwarding infrastructure to better serve our customers globally," said Christopher Alf, Chairman, National Air Cargo Holdings. "We've been looking forward to operating passenger flights for our customers across the globe for some time. We're now able to deliver both passengers and cargo anywhere in the World." National's expansion efforts will now focus exclusively on gaining US government operating authority for its three Boeing 747-400 freighters to augment its existing fleet of DC-8 aircraft. The Michigan-based carrier formally initiated FAA certification efforts for the 747-400F on 27 April, 2011.

About National Airlines

National Airlines, based in Ypsilanti, MI operates scheduled and on-demand charter services worldwide. Together with sister company, National Air Cargo, National offers integrated freight forwarding and customized cargo and passenger services utilizing National's DC-8s, 757-200s, and 747-400 aircraft (pending government approval) and specializing in over-sized, time sensitive, and special handling requirements. In addition to organic assets, National boasts a virtual fleet of subcontracted assets ranging from AN-124s to IL-76s and L-100s and supported by regional offices in the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. http://www.nationalairlines.aero, http://www.nationalaircargo.com

SOURCE National Airlines