Air Cargo

Northern Air Cargo Names Mark Lester as New President and CEO

Northern Air Cargo has named Mark Lester as president and chief executive, effective September 21. Lester succeeds Dave Karp, who served as interim president since March 2025. Lester brings over 30 years of aviation and aerospace leadership experience, including prior roles as chief executive of Doss Aviation and president and CEO of Alaska Aerospace Corporation. According to Mike Thompson, president and chief executive of Saltchuk Aviation, NAC's parent company, Lester's proven track record leading mission-driven organizations in challenging environments and his expertise in building high-accountability cultures make him ideal for the role. Karp will return to his position as senior vice president managing director, Alaska, at Saltchuk Resources. Northern Air Cargo operates across Alaska and has provided services to the state for more than 70 years. Lester said he looks forward to expanding the airline's fleet and strengthening partnerships that serve Alaska's communities, particularly in rural areas.