Alaska’s largest air cargo carrier recently announced the purchase of three new Boeing 737-200 cargo freighters to replace the company’s existing 727 aircraft. Northern Air Cargo’s new acquisition completes the company’s fleet modernization plan and marks the start of a commitment to customers to enhance service levels and operational efficiencies at the 16 main hubs served around the State.

The first of the three new planes will fly scheduled routes including Bethel, Nome and Kotzebue as new procedures are implemented and efficiencies are developed.

The company realizes that “today’s customers demand better service and schedules, and these new aircraft will allow for greater frequency and reliability,” said Mark Liland, NAC’s director of marketing.

“The introduction of the B-737 to our current air cargo fleet represents the beginning of a new era for Northern Air Cargo and our customers,” said Stephanie Holthaus, NAC’s vice president of cargo. “Customers will notice the improvement in service and schedule adherence this state-of-the-art aircraft has to offer.”

The twin-jet B-737 has earned an industrywide reputation for being fuel efficient, easy to maintain and environmentally friendly. Shippers favor the dynamic cargo system that provides greater care and flexibility for the goods shipped — especially the rolling sheets, which offer speed and precision in bringing freight in and out of the aircraft.

The versions being used by NAC have eight pallet positions or hard floors, which will carry approximately 30,000 pounds and can accommodate cargo ranging from telephone poles, to snow machines, to igloos.

NAC will incorporate two more B-737s into its Alaska statewide network by the end of May 2007. NAC will also continue the use of its DC-6 fleet, “the workhorses of Alaska” which are used to provide charters and flagstops for project freight to mines, oil and gas fields, the military and globally marketed seafood companies.

“Now more than ever, air carriers need to maximize their operational efficiency, and this plane will accomplish that for NAC,” says Dave Karp, NAC’s COO.

NAC’s selection of the three converted B737-200s completes the company’s jet fleet modernization plan. Once all three 737 aircraft are engaged in flight operations, the company will have enough lift to serve all markets plus expand services to satisfy future growth.

Founded in 1956 as an air cargo provider supporting rural communities and camps around the State, Northern Air Cargo is Alaska’s largest and longest-serving Alaska air cargo carrier.

NAC serves 16 scheduled locations and over 100 charter and flagstop destinations throughout rural Alaska. A subsidiary company of Saltchuk Resources, NAC also encompasses NacLink, a freight forwarding company, Northern Air Aviation Services and Northern Air Maintenance Services.

With a fleet of four jet and turbine aircraft and five Douglas DC-6 aircraft, the company employs 280 people and has annual revenue in excess of $50 million dollars.

Focused primarily in rural Alaska, Northern Air Cargo also provides charter service throughout the United States and internationally.

NAC performs logistics, air, ground and maintenance support for large and small industries including oil and gas, mining, construction and wild Alaska seafood. Additional information on Northern Air Cargo, Inc. is available on the NAC Web site at www.nac.aero.