National Air Communications

National Air Communications was a British government organisation that directed civilian flying operations from the outbreak of World War II until April 1940.

Chaired by Trustam Eve, the ATLA issued provisional licences to airports and to air transport companies operating regular services, throughout 1938 and 1939.

In parallel, the Civil Air Guard scheme of 1938 provided subsidised pilot training in return for future military call-up commitments.

Most NAC aircraft progressively carried civilian registrations underlined in red, white and blue, plus RAF-style marks on fins and elsewhere, particularly for overseas flights.

The fleets operated by the smaller private companies were also directed by NAC, and variously used to maintain essential civilian services within the UK, but also for army co-operation duties and transportation of blood supplies, particularly to France.