National Air Cargo to use 2 B747-400F to carry oversize cargo

National Air Cargo is opening business avenues for oversize cargo with the addition of its first freighter and is in discussions with Airbus about renting the ultra large Beluga transporter that can carry tanks, yachts, satellites and electric transformers. Orlando, Florida-based subsidiary National Airlines next month will began utilizing two factory-built Boeing 747-400 cargo jets, increasing the carrier’s fleet to 10 aircraft – including two for passenger charter. The newly purchased assets have a nose cone that flips open for ramp-loading of long, bulky items such as helicopters and trucks that can’t fit through a traditional side cargo door. The six other 747-400s in National’s fleet do not have nose-loading capability, said reports. Meanwhile, the logistics side of the company is exploring options for chartering the Beluga mega-freighter that Airbus recently made available to companies with special shipping requirements, said an official in the reports.