Arctic directory 2019: NAC, the preferred precious cargo carrier in the Last Frontier since 1956

Providing unparalleled safe, reliable, and cost effective shipping in Alaska is the company’s top priority

Petroleum News

Q. What is the official name of your company?

A. Northern Air Cargo, LLC

Q. Is your firm a subsidiary or affiliate of other companies? If so, please name those firms and their relationship to your company.

A. NAC is a subsidiary of Northern Aviation Services, LLC which is a subsidiary of Saltchuk Resources, a transportation holding company with companies operating in Alaska such as TOTE, Delta Western Fuel Co. and Inlet Petroleum.

Northern Air Maintenance Services, LLC is a subsidiary of Northern Air Cargo, LLC

Q. What do you most want people to know about your company?

A. NAC has served as Alaska’s largest all-cargo airline since 1956. It is the people throughout the Last Frontier that have established NAC as their preferred carrier of the precious cargo. NAC offers a variety of options for air transportation and the ability to help Alaskans find solutions to all of their shipment needs. We fulfill our customer commitment through teamwork, timely delivery of services, care in handling property, responsive customer service at all levels, and fair and consistent pricing. We are committed to providing our employees a safe and stable work environment. They are treated with fairness, respect, consistency, and receive due recognition for their efforts. We will evolve with the marketplace by meeting our customer’s needs and exceeding their expectation.

Q. Where is your company located?

A. We operate out of Anchorage, AK – with scheduled service to Aniak, Barrow, Bethel, Deadhorse, Dillingham, Fairbanks, King Salmon, Kotzebue, McGrath, Nome and Unalakleet.

Q. What year was the company founded and by whom?

A. NAC has been operating in Alaska since before statehood. Originally founded in 1956 as a partnership between Robert “Bobby” Sholton and Maurice Carlton, the airline was established as a charter airfreight service, utilizing two C-82 “Flying Boxcars.”

Q. What is your company’s primary business activity?

A. Our primary activity is air cargo delivery. NAC’s mission statement is: To provide safe, reliable and cost-effective aviation services for our customers, create a great place for our employees to build long-term careers, and provide a healthy financial return for our investors. Through its many subsidiaries and sister companies, Northern Air Cargo and its affiliates provide people and businesses everywhere with a full array of air transportation logistics to handle everything from an overnight letter to the largest project located anywhere in the world.

Q. Are there important projects the company is currently a part of or has done recently?

A. NAC pioneered delivery of oversized cargo, such as generators and vehicles to remote Defense Early Warning (DEW) line sites, mines and settlements. The airline also provided delivery of freight to rural communities on a charter basis in its early years, and provided assistance with many emergency situations including the Good Friday Earthquake of 1964.

Q. How many employees does your company have?

A. We currently have 350 employees.

Q. Describe the equipment your company uses and are there any new equipment purchases planned?

A. NAC utilizes 737-300 planes.

Q. What is your company’s main strength or its edge over the competition?

A. Our focus is on providing reliable service to the communities we serve and maintain our fleet of all-cargo jets to fulfill that commitment.

Q. What are the biggest obstacles to completing work your company undertakes?

A. With a topnotch group of dedicated employees, our biggest obstacle is always the unpredictable and beautiful weather in Alaska.

Q. Does your company have an anniversary or other landmark event coming up?

A. NAC just celebrated our 63rd year in business.

Q. What is the average length of time employee’s work for the company?

A. NAC prides itself on being a lifetime employer. We treat our employees well and work to encourage a family atmosphere where everyone takes pride in what they do.

Q. What is your company’s safety record? What steps does the company take to ensure a safe work environment?

A. With a strong history of and commitment to safety, NAC is part of the Medallion Program and a recipient of the Medallion Shield. We foster an exceptional safety culture by promoting safety through systems enhancements, providing training and support to employees and establishing and implementing higher safety standards than those required by Federal Aviation Regulations.

Q. Has your company been involved in any community projects or charity events?

A. Community is more than just a word at NAC – we take input from our employees and customers on what to support and have a robust giving program in all of the communities we visit, donating well over as half a million dollars annually to events and non-profits. Additionally, as an Alaska company, we are strong supporters of the Iditarod, Kuskokwim 300, Iron Dog and more.

Q. What is the address of your company’s Web site?

A. www.nac.aero