Northern Air Cargo to Furlough Pilots Amid Route Closure to Hawaii

Northern Air Cargo (NAC) announces the impending furlough of 18 pilots following the closure of its Los Angeles to Honolulu route, operated on behalf of sister airline Aloha Air Cargo. This decision, driven by diminished demand and fierce competition in the freight transportation sector, reflects the challenging landscape faced by airlines in key traffic lanes.

Aloha Air Cargo’s cessation of freighter service from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Hawaii’s capital, effective June 1, was previously reported by FreightWaves. The closure underscores the complexities of operating in highly competitive markets amidst fluctuating demand dynamics.

Both Northern Air Cargo and Aloha Air Cargo are subsidiaries of Saltchuk Resources, a prominent freight transportation and logistics conglomerate headquartered in Seattle. Saltchuk’s leasing arm, NAS Aircraft Leasing Co. LLC, recently acquired two Boeing 767-300 aircraft, repurposed for cargo operations. However, sluggish freight activity prompted the temporary grounding of these aircraft.

April Spurlock, Director of Marketing and Communications for Saltchuk Aviation, confirms that Northern Air Cargo will place 18 pilots with less seniority on unpaid leaves of absence due to the route closure. Despite this setback, Aloha Air Cargo remains operational, facilitating freight and mail transportation across the Hawaiian Islands with its fleet of Boeing 737 converted freighters.

Northern Air Cargo predominantly serves Alaska, while Saltchuk Aviation’s portfolio includes StratAir, an air logistics provider based in Miami, which charters capacity from NAC. As the aviation industry navigates ongoing challenges, including fluctuating demand and competitive pressures, Northern Air Cargo remains committed to adapting its operations to ensure long-term sustainability and service excellence. Stay tuned for further updates on developments within the freight transportation sector.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, freightwaves.com