National Airlines, a division of National Air Cargo Group, Inc., has entered an interline agreement with Etihad Cargo to roll out the ICAIR23 programme for the United States Postal Service (USPS) for the period 2023-2027.

Under phase 1 of the programme, National Airlines, a US flag carrier with P1 preferences, will dispatch USPS civilian, military, and diplomatic mail using Etihad Cargo‘s scheduled services across several awarded lanes.

The agreement combines US-based National’s experience in providing international freight transportation services with the Middle East’s Etihad Cargo’s global commercial network.

Christopher Alf, chairman of National Air Cargo Group, said: “It’s our honour to once again be part of the ICAIR programme for USPS. This time it brings us much pleasure in collaborating with Etihad Cargo, a dynamic and rapidly growing global airline.

“We are looking forward to this association and hope to provide best-in-class mail delivery experiences to customers around the world through this programme.”

Tim Isik, vice president of commercial at Etihad Cargo, said: “Etihad Cargo is committed to making the transportation of mail across the carrier’s network as seamless and efficient as possible.

“Etihad Cargo’s partnership with National Air Cargo Group will enable the two airlines to join forces to enhance international USPS mail deliveries, providing greater connectivity to destinations across Etihad Cargo’s global network, and provide customers with an efficient service.”

Phase 1 of the ICAIR23 programme is expected to launch in August 2023 and continue through August 2027.