Northern Exposure

A long-time user of the 737-200 for its Alaskan operations, Anchorage-based Northern Air Cargo began updating its 737 fleet in 2010 with the first addition of a 737-300 (N360WA – msn: 23553). A second 737-300 (N361NC – msn: 23260), seen here landing at Paine Field, was added in 2012. This freighter formerly operated with TNT and Bluebird Cargo, and was converted by IAI in 2006. N360WA was converted by AEI in 2010.

Northern Air Cargo was established in 1956 as Alaska’s first all-cargo airline and continues to fly a variety of routes within “the last frontier” including small destinations like Prudhoe Bay, the Red Dog Mine, and Kotzebue. A significant amount of flying is done, however, in the lower 48 states – largely between Alaska and southwestern states (the aircraft pictured is returning from Laredo, Texas) on charter business.

Northern Air Cargo is part of Northern Aviation Services, which also owns Aloha Air Cargo in Hawaii. All are part of parent company Saltchuk Resources.

Photo ©Alex Kwanten