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NAICS Code· 481212

NAICS 481212: Nonscheduled Chartered Freight Air Transportation

This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing air transportation of cargo without transporting passengers with no regular routes and regular schedules. Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in--Show more

NAICS 481212 – Nonscheduled Chartered Freight Air Transportation covers the operation of air cargo services on a non-scheduled, charter basis, primarily for the transport of freight, equipment, and specialized payloads across remote, underserved, or logistically challenging regions. Unlike scheduled air freight carriers, these operators provide on-demand, mission-specific airlift capabilities using fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, often supporting time-sensitive, high-value, or hazardous cargo in austere environments.

$2.3B
Total Obligations (12mo)
1.0K
Awarded Contracts (12mo)
134
Contractors Awarded (12mo)
3
Median Bidders per Award
-47.5%
YoY Growth

Industry Spending Overview

Federal obligations, top contractors and agencies, and related industry codes for NAICS 481212.

AI Industry Description

NAICS 481212 – Nonscheduled Chartered Freight Air Transportation covers the operation of air cargo services on a non-scheduled, charter basis, primarily for the transport of freight, equipment, and specialized payloads across remote, underserved, or logistically challenging regions. Unlike scheduled...

NAICS 481212 – Nonscheduled Chartered Freight Air Transportation covers the operation of air cargo services on a non-scheduled, charter basis, primarily for the transport of freight, equipment, and specialized payloads across remote, underserved, or logistically challenging regions. Unlike scheduled air freight carriers, these operators provide on-demand, mission-specific airlift capabilities using fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, often supporting time-sensitive, high-value, or hazardous cargo in austere environments. This sector is critical to federal agencies requiring flexible, responsive logistics solutions where traditional supply chains are impractical, particularly in rural, mountainous, or disaster-affected areas. It bridges the gap between commercial air freight and military airlift, serving as a key enabler for expeditionary and emergency response operations. Top contractors in this space include P.J. HELICOPTERS, INC., a seasoned provider of rotary-wing freight and logistical support services, often leveraging specialized aviation assets for off-airport operations. The competitive landscape is dominated by niche operators with FAA Part 135 certifications, deep experience in remote logistics, and proven track records in federal compliance and safety protocols. Many are small businesses with specialized fleets and regional operational expertise, creating a fragmented but highly capable vendor base. The Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior are primary purchasers, utilizing these services for wildfire suppression logistics, wildlife research transport, remote ranger station resupply, and infrastructure support in national parks and forests. The Department of Transportation also engages these contractors for emergency response coordination and infrastructure inspection support in hard-to-reach areas. The market is characterized by high operational barriers to entry due to regulatory requirements, aircraft maintenance standards, and mission-specific certification needs. Opportunities exist for contractors with proven capabilities in austere operations, real-time tracking systems, and compliance with federal aviation and environmental regulations. Demand remains steady due to persistent needs in rural federal land management and emergency preparedness, with increasing emphasis on resilience and rapid deployment.

Top Contractors

Companies with the highest total award value under NAICS 481212, ranked by dollars won.

Competition

How many companies historically bid on federal awards in NAICS 481212, from bidder counts reported on USAspending.

Moderate Competition

Median 3-5 bidders per reported award. · 19,738 reported awards

Median Bidders

3

Per reported award, all-time

Single-Bid Awards

38%

Share of reported awards with one bidder

10+ Bidder Awards

23%

Share of reported awards with 10+ bidders

Reported Awards

0

91% of 21,700 total awards

How this code compares up the NAICS hierarchy. Parent cohorts pool every code under their prefix, so they are the steadier baseline when a 6-digit sample is thin.

Industry FamilyCompetitionMedian BiddersSingle-BidBidder MixReported Awards
481212This Code
Nonscheduled Chartered Freight Air Transportation
Moderate Competition338%
19,73891% of 21,700
48121NAICS Industry
Moderate Competition319%
94,19490% of 104,564
4812Industry Group
Nonscheduled Air Transportation
Moderate Competition319%
94,19490% of 104,564
481Subsector
Moderate Competition320%
106,93790% of 118,291
48Sector
Transportation and Warehousing
Fewer Bidders239%
398,70785% of 468,791

Bidder counts reported on past federal awards in this NAICS (USAspending). An open opportunity has no bidders yet, so this is the historical norm for similar work, not a fact about this solicitation. Not all awards report bidder counts, and fewer bidders often means incumbent-held work rather than an easier win. Federal reporting of bidder counts fell from ~96% of awards (FY2016) to ~30% (FY2018 onward); the chart shows shares of reported awards, and washed-out stretches mark years with fewer than 30 of them.

Related NAICS Codes

Industries similar to Nonscheduled Chartered Freight Air Transportation, by shared sector, subsector, and industry group.

Explore contracts across multiple NAICS codes Browse all NAICS Codes

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NAICS 481212 FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

NAICS code 481212 covers Nonscheduled Chartered Freight Air Transportation. This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing air transportation of cargo without transporting passengers with no regular routes and regular schedules. Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in--

Recently Posted in Nonscheduled Chartered Freight Air Transportation

NAICS: 481212
Closed
Federal
North Warning System (NWS) Fixed Wing Airlift/Transportation Services.
Solicitation # FA489026R0027
The U.S. Air Force, through the ACC Acquisition Management Integration Center, is seeking non-personal services to provide mission-essential fixed-wing airlift and transportation services in support of the North Warning System (NWS), a critical component of NORAD and Homeland Defense operations. The contract requires specialized air transport of personnel and cargo—ranging from 2,100 to 6,000 pounds—to remote, unimproved radar sites across the Canadian Arctic, where extreme environmental conditions demand unique operational capabilities, including takeoffs and landings on unpaved surfaces. All work must be conducted outside the United States, with 100% of performance occurring in Canada, governed by the North America Air Defense Modernization Memorandum of Understanding, which mandates the USAF provide 60% of program support. Offers must demonstrate prior experience performing similar services within the last five years, and proposals are evaluated using a best-value tradeoff process under Revolutionary FAR Overhaul Part 15, with technical merit significantly outweighing price. The solicitation results in a single Firm Fixed Price contract with Cost Reimbursable line items, where FFP elements cover all services and CR elements reimburse actual costs for fuel, landing fees, per diem, and Nav Canada charges, subject to pre-established Not-to-Exceed caps. The contract has a 12-month base period with four one-year options, and awards are anticipated for January 2027, though no funds are currently available and the Government retains full right to cancel without reimbursement obligation. Offerors must submit two technically distinct volumes—technical and price—each as standalone, searchable files in .docx, .xlsx, or PDF format, adhering to strict formatting, labeling, and page limits, with no cross-referencing allowed. Compliance with NIST SP 800-171 cybersecurity standards, Canadian Aviation Regulations for equipment and survival systems, and mandatory use of the Wide Area Work Flow (WAWF) system for electronic invoicing and payment are required. The Government will rely on a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan keyed to deliverables including daily flight logs submitted within 48 hours, a quarterly reliability rate of 90%, and 100% on-time mission completion. Contractors must maintain insurance aligned with Canadian statutory limits, identify any organizational conflicts of interest, attend a post-award conference at their own expense, and provide CAGE codes, UEID numbers, and SAM registration as part of their responsibility documentation. All communication must be directed
FA4890 Hq Acc Amic

POSTED

18 days ago

CLOSED

7 days ago
View Details
NAICS: 481212
Closed
Federal
Military Sealift Command Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP) NAVCENT Detachment A
Solicitation # N3220526R0016
The Military Sealift Command is seeking commercial helicopter services to establish and operate a Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP) detachment in support of U.S. Navy and partner nation ships operating in the U.S. Central Command area, with a nominal forward location in Bahrain. This requirement, identified by solicitation number N3220526R0016 under NAICS code 481212, is currently in the market research phase and has no set-aside classification. The contractor will provide a two-helicopter detachment with pilots, maintenance personnel, and all necessary support equipment to conduct 365-day-a-year operations aboard MSC Combat Logistics Force ships, performing precision cargo transfers on underway vessels, passenger transport, medical evacuations, and heavy lifts exceeding 7,500 pounds. The detachment must maintain constant readiness with at least one aircraft equipped for search and rescue, medical evacuation with a litter and corpsman, and internal cargo transport equivalent to one standard Navy pallet. All aviation activities must comply with strict operational standards including 14 CFR Part 91 maintenance requirements, NAVAIR NATOPS manuals for air-capable ships, and the Department of Defense Commercial Air Transportation Quality and Safety Review Program (32 CFR Part 861). Personnel must hold FAA Mechanic Certificates, possess SECRET security clearances, complete STCW-95 Basic Safety Training, and undergo Combating Trafficking in Persons (CTIP) certification. Key personnel include a Program Manager with six years of aviation program management experience, a Training Coordinator, and a Chief Test Pilot. The contractor must also maintain liability insurance of at least $10 million and secure commercial war risk insurance unless provided by the government. The contract structure spans five years including four option years and a potential six-month extension, with performance beginning no later than November 29, 2026. Payment is structured around firm-fixed-price daily on-board and shore-based per diem rates, an hourly flight rate capped at 228 hours per period, and lump-sum fees for delivery, redelivery, optional third-party inspections, and aircraft testing. Compliance with reporting requirements is mandatory, using specified templates for daily and monthly operations, and all deliverables must reference the contract number and include proper identification. The contractor must submit a personnel plan within 30 days of award, detailing crew rotations, retention procedures, reserve labor pools, and contingency plans for labor disruptions. All inspections, whether by government personnel or independent third parties, are subject to
Mschq Norfolk

POSTED

about 2 months ago

CLOSED

22 days ago
View Details
NAICS: 481212
Closed
Federal
GLOBAL PATIENT MOVEMENT CAPABILITY
Solicitation # HT9402-26-RFI-0002
The Defense Health Agency, in coordination with the United States Transportation Command, is conducting market research through a Sources Sought Notice to identify qualified vendors capable of providing a comprehensive global patient movement capability. This effort seeks a contractor to operate a fully configured widebody aircraft equipped for in-flight medical care across a spectrum of patient needs—from ambulatory to intensive care—along with trained aeromedical and critical care crews, medical management oversight, and clinical credentialing. The contractor must deliver the aircraft and all required systems within 60 days of award, including litter stanchions, medical equipment, and infrastructure capable of supporting international operations in both CONUS and OCONUS environments. The aircraft must be U.S.-registered, owned or controlled by a U.S.-flagged air carrier, FAR Part 121 certified, approved by the Civil Airlift Review Board, and maintain an active Civil Reserve Airlift Fleet contract. In addition to patient movement, the contractor is required to provide space-available passenger travel services at or above commercial economy charter standards, cargo loading and unloading operations compliant with military forms and hazardous materials regulations, and support for military training exercises and readiness events. The contractor must ensure all operations meet stringent FAA, IATA, and DOT standards for safety, packaging, and handling of regulated and hazardous materials, with compliance tracked through required documentation such as DD Form 2400 and AF Form 4080. Medical operations must adhere to HIPAA regulations for the protection of patient health information, while facility and personnel security protocols require a valid Facility Security Clearance and SECRET-level clearances for key personnel handling classified mobility planning. All crew members and support staff must be vetted through the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency, and the contractor must appoint a Facility Security Officer to oversee compliance with NISPOM and AFI 31-401. Performance expectations include maintaining 150 block hours of monthly aircraft availability with up to 10 hours of carryover, achieving an on-time departure rate of 95% within 15 minutes of schedule, ensuring 100% cargo safeguarding, and sustaining an 80% schedule reliability rate over a three-month period. Electronic invoicing via Wide Area Work Flow is mandatory, and payments are processed through DFAS Columbus. Responses must be submitted as a concise three-page capability statement in bullet format by July 10, 2026, to the designated Contracting Officer, including full organizational details, proof of technical and managerial capability, and any
Defense Health Agency

POSTED

2 months ago

CLOSED

about 2 months ago
View Details
NAICS: 481212
Closed
Federal
Widebody Aircraft Operations and Flight Crew ServicesThe contract requires the provision and operation of a fully configured widebody aircraft dedicated to global patient transport, encompassing all aspects of flight operations, including dispatch, maintenance, and 24/7 crew readiness to support medical evacuations and humanitarian missions worldwide. The service must ensure continuous operational capability with aircraft equipped to handle critical care patients across diverse and demanding environments, with logistics and support structured to meet rapid deployment demands regardless of geographic location or environmental conditions. The aircraft must maintain highest standards of safety, regulatory compliance, and medical transport integrity throughout the duration of service. This subcontract is issued by the Defense Health Agency under the Department of Defense, with a planned response deadline of July 10, 2026, and a North American Industry Classification System code of 481212, indicating air transportation services for passengers. Performance is expected to originate from FPO and may involve global operations, requiring the contractor to demonstrate proven experience in military or government-backed medical air transport, robust contingency planning, and the ability to sustain readiness under austere or high-stress conditions. The scope demands not only technical aviation expertise but also seamless coordination with medical personnel and defense logistics networks to ensure timely, secure, and effective patient care in transit.
Defense Health Agency

POSTED

2 months ago

CLOSED

about 2 months ago
View Details
NAICS: 481212
Closed
Federal
Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) 2.0
Solicitation # 80JSC026CLPS2
NASA Johnson Space Center has issued a multiple-award Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract solicitation under number 80JSC026R0015 for Commercial Lunar Payload Services 2.0 (CLPS2), aimed at acquiring end-to-end lunar payload delivery services from U.S. commercial providers. The contract is structured around three Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs): CLIN 1 for payload delivery services including lunar landing, impactor delivery, and surface mobility; CLIN 2 for direct delivery of lander equipment to NASA; and CLIN 3 for non-mission-specific data and research services. All task orders will be awarded on a Firm-Fixed-Price basis, with NASA retaining tailored insight and approval authority at the task order level—particularly for mission-critical interfaces, safety milestones, and payload integration—without interfering with the contractor’s internal commercial processes. Proposals are due by June 30, 2026, at 1:00 PM CT and must be submitted electronically via NASA’s FedRAMP Moderate-certified EFSS Box system, with strict formatting requirements including searchable PDFs, a 50-page technical volume, and a fully completed Model Contract in Word format. The solicitation is governed by the NAICS code 481212 with a size standard of 1,500 employees, and offerors must state their small business status. Contractors must be prepared to provide personnel and facilities capable of obtaining and maintaining TOP SECRET/Sensitive Compartmented Information clearances, as required by specific task orders, and must comply with FAR and NASA FAR Supplement clauses including Buy American Alternate I (for lander equipment), Addressing DEI Discrimination, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations, and Export License requirements. Attachments mandate compliance with organizational conflict of interest (OCI) plans, small business subcontracting reporting, government-furnished property standards, and anomaly reporting procedures under J-7, J-8, and J-6 respectively. The contract permits a 15-year ordering period with a guaranteed minimum value of $25,000 and a potential ceiling of $10 billion. NASA will not conduct discussions and may award based on the initial proposals, requiring offerors to submit their best and final terms upfront. All communications must be directed through the designated contracting officers, and potential offerors are responsible for monitoring SAM.gov and the CLPS2 website for all amendments, clarifications
NASA Johnson Space Center

POSTED

2 months ago

CLOSED

about 2 months ago
View Details
NAICS: 481212
Closed
Federal
Mass Rescue Operations Fixed-Wing Aircraft Test for the Science and Technology Directorate
Solicitation # 70RSAT26RFI000022
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, through its Science and Technology Directorate and Office of Procurement Operations, is seeking information on aircraft charter services to support the testing of a prototype flotation device designed for Mass Rescue Operations at sea. The device, which is currently under development, is intended to hold up to 100 survivors out of the water during extended offshore rescue scenarios, reducing exposure risks in remote areas where traditional lifesaving equipment may be insufficient. This RFI is not seeking development of the device itself but rather qualified vendors capable of providing fixed-wing aircraft charter services for a single airborne deployment test. The aircraft must have a rear cargo ramp, be capable of flying at altitudes between 250 and 500 feet at speeds of 90 to 110 knots, and be similar in capability to platforms such as the HC-130J or HC-144; side door deployments are explicitly excluded. The test will involve observing the safe handling, transport, and deployment of the prototype during flight, with the government providing the test plan and procedures. No specific drop zone is mandated, but operations near water-based recovery assets are preferred. Respondents are required to submit their capabilities, experience with government aerial deployments, proposed test locations, and a rough cost estimate, with submissions limited to Word or PDF format and sent via email to designated DHS points of contact by the July 10, 2026 deadline. The NAICS code for this effort is 481212, reflecting air charter services, and no contractual obligations are created by this RFI, which serves solely as a market research tool to inform future procurement decisions. All submitted information becomes government property, and respondents bear all costs associated with responding.
Sci Technology Acq Division

POSTED

2 months ago

CLOSED

about 2 months ago
View Details
NAICS: 481212
Closed
Federal
Rear Ramp-Equipped Fixed-Wing Aircraft CharterThe contract solicits a rear ramp-equipped fixed-wing aircraft, such as an HC-130J or HC-144 class aircraft, to conduct a single over-water test flight aimed at deploying a prototype maritime rescue device under controlled flight conditions. The mission requires precise execution at a specified altitude and airspeed to ensure the device functions as intended during real-world maritime rescue scenarios. The aircraft must be capable of safe and stable operation in open water environments, with the rear ramp system fully functional to enable accurate and timely release of the prototype. All operational parameters, including flight profile and environmental conditions, will be strictly defined to ensure test validity and safety. This subcontract under the Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Acquisition Division is open for responses until July 10, 2026, with a NAICS code of 481212 indicating its classification within air transportation services. The requirement is scoped to a single flight event, not ongoing operations, and the place of performance and contact details are not provided in the available data. Respondents must possess the necessary aircraft certification, operational experience with similar platforms, and compliance with federal aviation and procurement regulations. The solicitation is posted on SAM.gov, and interested parties must submit responses through the designated portal prior to the deadline.
Sci Technology Acq Division

POSTED

2 months ago

CLOSED

about 2 months ago
View Details
NAICS: 481212
Awarded
Federal
North Warning System (NWS) Heavy Fixed Wing (HFW) Airlift Transportation Services
Solicitation # FA489026C0011
The United States Air Force’s Air Combat Command has awarded a firm-fixed-price contract worth $8,586,723.96 to Lynden Air Cargo, LLC for heavy fixed-wing airlift transportation services in support of the North Warning System. The contract, awarded on June 15, 2026, through full and open competition, requires the contractor to provide air transportation of bulk Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricants, oversized cargo, and critical supplies to remote radar sites located in the Canadian Arctic. This effort fulfills the U.S. obligation under the bilateral agreement with Canada, which assigns operational and maintenance responsibilities to the Canadian government while the U.S. provides airlift support to sustain NORAD radar system readiness. All necessary personnel, equipment, materials, and supervision must be provided by the contractor to ensure mission success in coordination with the North Warning System Operations and Maintenance contractor in Canada. The base performance period runs from August 1, 2026, through July 31, 2027, with four optional one-year extensions that could extend the contract through July 31, 2031. The work is classified under NAICS code 481212 for nonscheduled chartered freight air transportation. The contract is administered by the Acquisition Management & Integration Center located in Hampton, Virginia, with Ryan Tagatac serving as the primary contracting officer and Nathaniel Goodale as the contract manager. The award underscores the critical logistical partnership between the U.S. and Canada in maintaining Arctic defense capabilities through reliable, on-demand air transport to isolated and harsh environments.
FA4890 Hq Acc Amic

POSTED

2 months ago

DEADLINE

N/A
View Details

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