Northern Air Cargo has added a second Boeing 737-800 freighter to its fleet, strengthening its cargo capacity across Alaska as the carrier approaches its 70th anniversary.
The aircraft, registered N3160G, arrived at the airline’s Anchorage base in early September and was welcomed with a water cannon salute at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. Northern Air Cargo said the aircraft would provide additional capacity and greater flexibility for customers and communities across its Alaska network.
737-800 freighter joins Alaska fleet
N3160G is a Boeing 737-883(SF) converted freighter. Aircraft records show that the 22-year-old aircraft was built in 2004 and converted to freighter configuration in 2022. It was previously operated by World Star Aviation and entered Northern Air Cargo service in September 2026.
Northern Air Cargo said the new freighter provides up to 40,000 pounds (around 18 tonnes) of additional capacity per flight. The carrier has not announced a specific new route or revenue-service date for the aircraft.
The 737-800 carries a retro-inspired livery marking Northern Air Cargo’s nearly 70 years of service in Alaska. The aircraft was previously rolled out in the retro scheme at Shannon, Ireland, where it underwent preparation and painting before its delivery flight to Anchorage.
The addition doubles Northern Air Cargo’s 737-800 freighter fleet to two aircraft. Current fleet records also show the carrier operating a Boeing 737-300 freighter alongside the two 737-800s.
Focus on capacity and network flexibility
Northern Air Cargo said the aircraft would help it respond to customer demand while maintaining reliable service and increasing operational flexibility across Alaska.
The carrier has operated cargo services in Alaska since 1956, serving businesses and communities where air freight plays an important role in connecting remote locations with larger transportation hubs.
The new aircraft comes as Northern Air Cargo continues to adjust its fleet and management structure. The carrier recently appointed Mark Lester as president and chief executive, succeeding Dave Karp, who had served as interim president since March 2025.
The 737-800 addition also follows the launch of Northern Air Cargo’s direct Seattle-Tacoma–Anchorage freighter service in 2025, expanding its scheduled cargo connectivity between the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.
