Northern Air Cargo appoints Mark Lester as CEO, effective Sept. 21
Northern Air Cargo appointed Mark Lester as president and CEO, effective Sept. 21, succeeding interim president Dave Karp, who had held the role since March 2025. In the 12 months ended March 31, the airline reported net income of $9 million, operating profit of $15 million, and revenue of $144 million. The carrier currently operates three freighters in Alaska: one Boeing 37-400 and two 737-800s, plus a leased 737-300.
Northern Air Cargo is a subsidiary of Seattle-based Saltchuk Resources, which also oversees other aviation and logistics businesses. The airline regularly flies between Seattle and Alaskan hubs, moving seafood exports and supplies for remote communities.
“Mark's experience and commitment to Alaska will serve our communities well as Northern Air Cargo looks to grow and deepen its services, continuing to build on more than 70 years of dependable service to the state,” Mike Thompson, president and CEO of Saltchuk Aviation said.
Before Lester's appointment, Dave Karp had served as interim president since March 2025 after stepping in during a period of losses that led the carrier to abandon long-haul routes and focus on intra-island Hawaii and Alaska flights. During that time NAC returned several Boeing 767-300 freighters to lessors and withdrew from its Hawaii and Caribbean/Latin America markets, which had been served from Miami.
What we know
Mark Lester will become president and CEO effective Sept. 21, replacing interim president Dave Karp who had served since March 2025
Net income was $9 million for the 12 months ended March 31
Operating profit improved 15% to $15 million for the 12 months ended March 31
Revenue more than tripled to $144 million for the 12 months ended March 31
NAC operates three freighters in Alaska: one Boeing 37-400 and two 737-800s, with one 737-300 leased to another carrier