1949 – 1961
A veteran returns…
1949 marked the return of a trusted friend and familiar veteran. The Curtiss C-46 “Commando” that many CNAC Tigers flew on supply missions over the Hump during World War II, came home for “civilian” duty. The C-46 “Commando” was the largest twin-engine aircraft of its day. Its 200 miles per hour speed, 13,000 pound cargo capacity, and 900 mile range made it the queen of the Tiger fleet. Twenty-five were placed into service. 1949 was also the year that the Civil Aeronautics Board awarded Flying Tiger Line the first transcontinental all-cargo certificate, U.S. Airfreight Route No. 100.