Photo – U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy speaks with Atlas Air Regional Chief Pilot Tyler Cresswell and University of Alaska Anchorage President Pat Pitney as he tours UAA’s Aviation Technology Center on Merrill Field and Atlas Air announces its continued support of needs-based scholarships to UAA, bringing its total contribution to $100,000.
Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. has reaffirmed its partnership with the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA).
Leaders from Atlas and UAA, along with faculty and students, were joined by United States Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy at Merrill Field in Anchorage. The Secretary is spearheading the Trump Administration’s efforts to invest in the aviation workforce, modernize the air traffic control system, enhance safety, and address nationwide shortages of pilots, controllers, and mechanics.
“President Trump and I are on a mission to make our airspace the envy of the world. We will build a brand-new air traffic control system and address a chronic shortage of controllers and pilots,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “President Trump’s One Big, Beautiful Bill delivered over $100 million into the Don Young Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative to deploy state of the art technology and train the next generation of aviation talent. I applaud Atlas Air Worldwide for doing their part to contribute to this mission.”
Aviation is essential to Alaska’s economy, with Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) ranking among the world’s top five busiest cargo hubs. The University of Alaska Anchorage is widely recognized for its top-tier aerospace program, which ensures students are equipped with the expertise needed to fill these critical roles. To further support Alaska’s aviation workforce development, Atlas has also announced the renewal of its scholarship program, which helps students offset educational costs as they prepare for careers in aviation.
“We are proud to continue our partnership with the University of Alaska Anchorage by creating opportunities to advance aviation education,” said Michael Steen, Atlas Air Worldwide Chief Executive Officer. “By investing in workforce development locally, we are advancing our commitment to aviation in Alaska, and to the resilience of the broader aerospace industry. We are fully dedicated to supporting the efforts led by President Trump and Secretary Duffy to make our airspace the global gold standard.”
The new round of funding builds on Atlas-sponsored scholarships announced in 2024—four for maintenance technician students and three for aspiring pilots—and aims to develop a robust pipeline of talent for the sector.
“We are grateful to Atlas Air Worldwide for its continued investment in UAA and our students,” said Ray Weber, Dean of UAA’s Community & Technical College. “This generous donation is transformative, helping us build a more qualified workforce that is vital to Alaska’s economic future and the broader industry. Thanks to Atlas, our students are gaining the training and credentials needed to pursue fulfilling careers, securing brighter prospects for the state’s workforce and beyond.”
Atlas Air Worldwide in Alaska
Anchorage’s proximity, within 9.5 hours by plane of 90% of the industrial world, positions it as a vital hub for global commerce, training and talent development, and it plays a key role in Atlas’ operations. Annual Atlas departures at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) have grown to more than 7,500 in 2024, supported by over 700 Anchorage based Pilots and ground staff.
