Murray led National Air Cargo and founded and led National Airlines, a freight forwarder and airline specialized in moving people and cargo for the Department of Defense.

Washington, DC - AirCargo 2019 proudly announces that former National Air Cargo and National Airlines CEO Preston Grey Murray will keynote the annual conference to be held February 10 - 12, 2019 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Mr. Murray’s long and distinguished career in air cargo made him the perfect choice to speak to an audience of air cargo professionals representing airlines, airforwarders, airports, truckers, technology companies and other firms who support the industry.

Preston Murray
Preston Murray

A member of the US Air Force Lift Committee and ATP rated pilot, Mr. Murray founded and operated Murray Aviation from 1986 - 2005, a Part 135 US air carrier transporting passengers and cargo. Also Murray Air Inc, a 125 Air Operator, which became a 121 Air Carrier subsequently becoming National Airlines after purchase by National Air Cargo.

Until his retirement, Mr. Murray was the President and CEO of National Air Cargo, an international freight forwarder based in Buffalo, NY, with regional offices in Michigan, UAE, Germany and Malaysia. During his tenure, he spearheaded the growth and modernization of the airline to include the addition of Boeing 757 and 747 freighters in support of the global expansion of the firm’s expedited cargo services.

“Our audience of air cargo professionals will be thrilled to hear from Preston,” offers Brandon Fried, Executive Director of the Airforwarders Association, who along with the Air & Expedited Motor Carriers Association (AEMCA) and Airports Council International - North America (ACI-NA) presents the annual gathering. “Preston’s dual experience as both a forwarder and an airline provides a unique insight into the challenges of each. He continues a trend of recognized industry thought leaders opening the AirCargo Conference.”

“The air cargo industry is singularly unique in the challenges it faces,” offers Mr. Murray. “The industry as a whole is undergoing a significant evolution brought about by trade, technology, security and increasing globalization. I believe that what I experienced firsthand during my time actively leading both an airforwarder and an airline is of interest to the attendees of AirCargo and plan to ensure they take something back to their companies to give them an advantage over their competitors who stayed home.”