National Airlines
National Airlines is a U.S. carrier focused on on-demand cargo transport and passenger charter services.
Last updated August 31, 2026
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Overview
National Airlines is the airline operating division of National Air Cargo Group, Inc., a United States aviation company headquartered in Orlando, Florida. The carrier is distinct from other historical and contemporary airlines that have used the National Airlines name. Its main business is on-demand air freight and passenger charter flying rather than a large scheduled airline network. The company has also participated in military and government contract airlift operations, giving it a business profile built around specialized transport, ad hoc capacity, and international charter assignments. The airline was established in 1985 and began operating in December 1986. Its early flying used Mitsubishi MU-2 aircraft, which were adapted for cargo work. The company later developed experience in both freight and small-scale passenger operations. In April 2005, Murray Air and its affiliated company Murray Aviation combined operations under Murray Air's Part 121 operating certificate. After National Air Cargo acquired the airline in 2008, Murray Air adopted the National Airlines name in December of that year and became part of the National Air Cargo Group structure. National Airlines formerly operated a limited scheduled charter-style passenger service from Oakland County International Airport in Michigan. The routes served communities including Kokomo, Rockford, St. Louis, and Toronto, with some flights using Willow Run Airport as an intermediate point. The service was designed principally around Chrysler employees, although seats were also made available to the public. Saab 340 and BAe Jetstream 31 turboprops were used in 30-seat and 19-seat configurations. This operation was later discontinued. The carrier expanded its cargo capability with Douglas DC-8 freighters, including DC-8-63CF, DC-8-71F, and DC-8-73F aircraft. In 2009 it began cargo flying from Michigan to Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan and subsequently added Kandahar. The Afghanistan service ended in 2010, while the airline's final active DC-8 operation took place in May 2012. During 2010, National acquired three Boeing 747-400 converted freighters. These aircraft were initially operated on its behalf by Air Atlanta Icelandic before receiving U.S. registrations in 2011. National also developed a passenger-charter operation using Boeing 757-200 aircraft. The first passenger-configured 757 was leased in 2011 and used primarily for on-demand charter work based in Dubai. A second aircraft joined in 2013. In 2015, the airline announced plans for scheduled passenger service from Orlando Sanford International Airport to destinations in Canada and Puerto Rico. A proposed 2016 service from Long Island MacArthur Airport to Puerto Rico was delayed and ultimately cancelled because the airline lacked suitable aircraft. The business moved its principal airline offices from the Willow Run area of Ypsilanti, Michigan, to Orlando in January 2013. The relocation was associated with Florida tax incentives, access to a business-friendly operating environment, and the Florida residence of two owners. National Airlines planned to expand its Orlando staffing during the move, although not all Michigan employees relocated. The airline later continued to combine commercial charter activity with contract airlift work. Its present identity is therefore that of a specialized U.S. cargo and charter carrier operating under the broader National Air Cargo organization, rather than a conventional high-frequency scheduled passenger airline.
History
National Airlines was established in 1985 and commenced operations in December 1986. The carrier initially used Mitsubishi MU-2 aircraft and developed an early specialization in cargo transportation. Its subsequent history reflects the evolution of a small aviation operator into a component of National Air Cargo's wider logistics and airlift business. A major structural change occurred in April 2005, when Murray Air and Murray Aviation consolidated operations under Murray Air's Part 121 certificate. National Air Cargo later acquired the airline, and in December 2008 Murray Air was renamed National Airlines. From that point forward, the airline operated under National Air Cargo Group, Inc., using the National Airlines identity for its air-transport services. The company experimented with passenger operations as well as freight. It once operated scheduled charter-style flights from Oakland County International Airport to Kokomo, Rockford, St. Louis, and Toronto. The service was aimed primarily at Chrysler employees but also accepted members of the public. Saab 340 and BAe Jetstream 31 aircraft provided the passenger capacity. This operation was discontinued, leaving the airline more concentrated on charter and contract flying. National's cargo fleet included several Douglas DC-8 freighters. In 2009, the airline began transporting cargo from Michigan to Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan and later added Kandahar. The Afghanistan service ended in 2010. The carrier's last active DC-8 flight occurred in May 2012. In parallel, National acquired three Boeing 747-400 converted freighters during 2010. Air Atlanta Icelandic initially operated these aircraft for National, and they were later registered in the United States. Passenger charter capability expanded in 2011 with a leased Boeing 757-200 in an all-passenger configuration. The aircraft was used for on-demand charter work from Dubai, and a second 757 was added in 2013. In September 2015, National announced a proposed scheduled passenger operation from Orlando Sanford International Airport to St. John's, Windsor, Vancouver, and San Juan. A separate proposal to fly from Long Island MacArthur Airport to Puerto Rico in 2016 was delayed and eventually cancelled because the airline did not have an available aircraft. National moved its airline offices from the Willow Run area near Ypsilanti, Michigan, to Orlando, Florida, completing the transition in January 2013. The company cited Florida's business environment and available incentives, along with ownership connections to the state. The move was expected to create additional Orlando jobs, although only part of the existing Michigan workforce relocated. The airline's operational history also includes significant safety, financial, and regulatory events. On April 29, 2013, National Airlines Flight 102, a Boeing 747-400BCF operating a military cargo charter from Bagram, crashed shortly after takeoff, killing all seven crew members. The NTSB's final report, issued in 2015, identified inadequate special-cargo restraint procedures as the probable cause. In December 2014, the company filed for Chapter 11 protection while contesting the enforcement of a reported $9.9 million judgment. In 2016, St. John's airport authorities temporarily seized a Boeing 757 over alleged unpaid charges; National paid $182,000 and recovered the aircraft two days later. The company has continued operating as a specialized cargo and passenger-charter carrier within the National Air Cargo group.
- 2022
A330 taxiing incident at St. Kitts
[1]An Airbus A330 struck an airport light pole while taxiing; the aircraft sustained limited damage and returned to service.
- 2015
Orlando passenger network announced
[1]National announced planned service from Orlando Sanford to Canadian destinations and San Juan.
- 2014
Chapter 11 filing
[1]The company sought bankruptcy protection in connection with enforcement of a reported judgment.
- 2013
Flight 102 accident
[2]A National Airlines Boeing 747 freighter crashed after takeoff from Bagram, killing seven crew members.
- 2012
Airline offices relocate to Orlando
[1]The company shifted its airline headquarters from the Willow Run area of Michigan to Orlando, Florida.
- 2011
Passenger Boeing 757 charter operation begins
[1]National leased a passenger-configured Boeing 757-200 and began on-demand charter operations from Dubai.
- 2010
Boeing 747 freighters acquired
[1]The airline purchased three Boeing 747-400 converted freighters for international cargo work.
- 2009
Afghanistan cargo service begins
[1]National began cargo flights from Michigan to Bagram Air Base and later added Kandahar.
- 2008
Murray Air adopts the National Airlines name
[1]Following National Air Cargo's acquisition, Murray Air changed its name to National Airlines and joined the National Air Cargo Group structure.
- 2005
Murray Air and Murray Aviation combine operations
[1]The two affiliated aviation businesses consolidated operations under Murray Air's Part 121 certificate.
Products and positioning
A specialized U.S. cargo and passenger-charter airline positioned around flexible, contract-based transportation rather than a broad scheduled network.
Air cargo · 1986
On-demand cargo charter
National Airlines provides customized freight transportation using dedicated cargo aircraft. Its cargo activity has included domestic and international charter missions, military logistics, and transport to remote or operationally demanding destinations. The model emphasizes flexible scheduling and contract-specific capacity rather than a dense published cargo timetable.
Passenger aviation · 1986
Passenger charter services
The airline operates passenger charters when contracted, historically using Saab 340, BAe Jetstream 31, and Boeing 757 aircraft. Passenger flying has included employee-focused services, Dubai-based charter work, and proposed or limited international routes. Scheduled passenger plans have been less central than the carrier's charter and cargo activities.
Contract airlift
Military and government airlift
National Airlines and its parent group participate in contract airlift work for military and government customers. These assignments may involve transporting personnel, equipment, or other cargo on routes and schedules determined by contract requirements. The company has operated missions connected with coalition operations and other international logistics needs.
Brand decisions
2015
Announced Orlando scheduled passenger serviceProduct launchBackground
National sought to supplement its charter business with a published passenger operation using its Boeing 757 aircraft.
Action taken
The airline announced planned routes from Orlando Sanford to destinations in Canada and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Aftermath
The proposed network did not become a durable large-scale scheduled operation.
2014
Filed for Chapter 11 protectionOtherBackground
The filing was made in an effort to halt enforcement of a reported $9.9 million judgment against the company.
Action taken
National Airlines sought protection under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code.
Aftermath
The filing formed part of the airline's effort to continue operating while addressing its financial and legal obligations.
Judgment the filing sought to halt. $9.9 million (December 2014)
2013
Relocated airline offices to OrlandoStrategyBackground
National evaluated alternative locations while seeking a more business-friendly operating environment and improved office facilities.
Action taken
The airline moved its offices from the Willow Run area of Michigan to Orlando, Florida.
Aftermath
The company planned additional Orlando positions and continued operating its airline division from Florida.
2010
Expanded into Boeing 747-400 converted freightersGeneration changeBackground
The airline sought greater long-haul cargo capacity beyond its Douglas DC-8 fleet.
Action taken
National purchased three Boeing 747-400BCF aircraft, initially having them operated by Air Atlanta Icelandic.
Aftermath
The 747 fleet enabled larger international cargo and contract-airlift missions.
2008
Adopted the National Airlines identityStrategyBackground
After National Air Cargo acquired Murray Air, the airline required a brand identity aligned with the broader National Air Cargo organization.
Action taken
Murray Air changed its name to National Airlines and operated under National Air Cargo Group.
Aftermath
The National Airlines name became the operating brand for the group's U.S. airline business.
Recent events
- 2025
National Air Cargo signs interline agreement with My Freighter Airlines[1]
Other
The agreement was intended to improve connectivity between Uzbekistan, the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
- 2022
National Airlines Airbus A330 contacts a light pole at St. Kitts[1]
Other
During taxiing at Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport, an Airbus A330-200 clipped a light pole with its left wing. Damage was minor and the aircraft returned to service several days later.
- 2016
National Airlines ends planned Newfoundland and Labrador service[1]
Lawsuit · Other
After an aircraft was seized temporarily over alleged unpaid airport charges, the airline announced the cancellation of its Newfoundland and Labrador operations. The carrier subsequently paid the airport authority and recovered the aircraft.
- 2015
National Airlines announces Orlando scheduled passenger routes[1]
Product launch
The airline announced planned passenger service from Orlando Sanford to destinations in Canada and Puerto Rico using its Boeing 757 aircraft.
- 2014
National Airlines files for Chapter 11 protection[1]
Bankruptcy
The company sought Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in an effort to stop enforcement of a reported $9.9 million judgment.
- 2013
National Airlines moves its airline offices to Orlando[1]
Other
The airline completed its relocation from the Willow Run area of Michigan to Orlando, Florida, with plans to increase local employment.
- 2013
National Airlines Flight 102 crashes in Afghanistan[2]
Other
A Boeing 747-400BCF crashed shortly after takeoff from Bagram Airfield during a cargo mission. All seven crew members died. The NTSB later attributed the accident to inadequate procedures for restraining special cargo, which allowed a load to shift and damage critical aircraft systems.
- 2010
National Airlines acquires Boeing 747 freighters[1]
Product generation
The carrier purchased three Boeing 747-400 converted freighters to expand its long-haul cargo capacity.
- 2009
National Airlines begins cargo service to Afghanistan[1]
Other
The airline launched cargo flights from Ypsilanti, Michigan, to Bagram Air Base and later extended the service to Kandahar.
Sources3 sources
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