Our commitment to “Caring for the World We Carry” conveys our dedication to the places where our business takes us. By engaging our workforce and contributing to efforts locally and across the globe, we are delivering on the desire for our communities to thrive. Atlas Air Worldwide is committed to enhancing lives in the communities where we live and work across the globe.
To align our business strategy and logistics expertise with impactful initiatives that make a difference across the world, our community impact mission is focused on four areas of critical need:
We are honored to support the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. As the largest provider of military passenger and cargo airlift globally to U.S. service members, we consistently demonstrate our ability to meet stringent, military-level reliability standards and offer full capacity at peak levels of demand.
Atlas is invested in developing and strengthening the pipeline of diverse, qualified STEM talent needed to ensure the aviation industry remains strong for years to come. We nurture relationships with a variety of institutions of higher learning, including Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology in New York, ranked #1 in upward mobility nationwide. Vaughn provides a distinct education to a diverse population of students in an environment that cultivates personal growth and leadership, creating lifelong learners who make significant contributions to the aviation industry. Other initiatives include:
Ignite Institute: Ignite Institute is a high school in Northern Kentucky specializing in science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) curriculum.
ACE (Aviation Careers Education) Academy: Atlas Air and Polar were significant contributors to a program for high school and middle school students who want to learn about possible careers in the aviation industry.
Scholarships for aspiring aviators: Atlas Air and Polar sponsored scholarships to benefit youth who wish to pursue a career in aviation through the Los Angeles-based Flight Path Museum & Learning Center.
Junior Achievement Career Speaker Series: We have a long-standing relationship with Junior Achievement of New York Lower Hudson Valley, whose purpose is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in the global economy.
In 2021, Atlas Air and Polar employees in Hong Kong participated in the Swire Properties Smart Waste Reduction Pilot Program, with the goal of reducing our office waste. The Atlas Air and Polar teams were recognized by Swire, our real estate manager in Hong Kong, with the following awards:
Atlas Air and Polar Hong Kong teams joined forces with Rooftop Republic to grow seasonal vegetables on the One Citygate office rooftop. Together with other building tenants, the team grew nearly 550 pounds of produce and at least 55 varieties of summer and winter crops. Over 170 pounds of the harvest was donated to Feeding Hong Kong, which is a food bank network dedicated to rescuing surplus nutritious food from retailers, manufacturers and distributors to redistributing amongst charities that help feed people in need.
As one of the world’s largest air carriers, we have a unique ability to expedite the movement of large quantities of goods and personnel to regions that need them most in the aftermath of a natural disaster or during a public health emergency. In response to crises in the U.S. and around the world, our teams have mobilized humanitarian relief efforts to deliver lifesaving supplies and disaster recovery items – including drinking water, medical supplies and equipment, living essentials, food and battery-powered devices.
When an Atlas benefits mailer that included sun safety tips and an airplane shaped ice pack was sent out, a registered nurse and wife of one of our pilots had an idea. She knew the airplane-shaped ice pack could make a big difference for pediatric patients who require post-surgery care. Within one week of receiving the benefits promotional package, Atlas donated 1,600 Atlas airplane-shaped ice packs to Mercy One.