NANA
NMS introduces autonomous wheelchairs at Anchorage International Airport
In partnership with Alaska Airlines, NMS introduced three self-driving wheelchairs on March 31, 2026, marking the first deployment of this innovative technology at an Alaska airport.
NANA Management Services( NMS) is helping to lead the way in enhancing accessibility and independence for travelers at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. In partnership with Alaska Airlines, NMS introduced three self-driving wheelchairs on March 31, 2026, marking the first deployment of this innovative technology at an Alaska airport.
The autonomous wheelchairs, developed by Silicon Valley-based company Whill, are designed to provide a seamless and dignified travel experience for passengers with limited mobility or those recovering from injuries. Equipped with advanced sensors and cameras, the wheelchairs navigate the busy terminal with ease, avoiding obstacles and ensuring a smooth journey to the passenger’ s destination. During a demonstration, one wheelchair skillfully maneuvered through the terminal, steering around travelers and carts, and arriving at gate C3 with precision.
“ This program is about dignity and independence in travel,” said Clinton Lasley, who oversees food, facilities, and maintenance at NMS.“ The new wheelchairs help travelers move at their own pace while allowing staff to focus on passengers who may need more personalized assistance.”
Passengers can request the selfdriving wheelchairs for free during the booking process with Alaska Airlines or in person at the ticket counter.
After clearing security, airport staff assist travelers in transferring to the wheelchair and inputting their destination at a kiosk. The wheelchair then autonomously navigates to the assigned gate, displaying the passenger’ s name, destination, and estimated arrival time on a screen. For added convenience, travelers can pause the journey with a simple press of a button.
As the wheelchairs continue to gain traction, NMS is monitoring their usage and considering expanding the fleet to meet growing demand. With this initiative, NMS and Alaska Airlines are not only improving accessibility but also setting a new standard for inclusive travel experiences.
A new space for Noatak
Completing our shared vision
Our newest office building has officially arrived in Noatak. Our teams are currently staging the module for final installation as we look forward to hosting a grand opening for the community this summer.
Working together, we are building spaces that support the needs of our shareholders. The arrival of the Noatak module represents the final office building to be installed in our region. This completes a clear goal set by our board of directors to provide new, safe, and modern spaces in our regional communities for our shareholders to use. bright, welcoming environment to receive services from NANA.
These buildings serve as vital hubs for our communities. They have become reliable bases for search and rescue operations, providing a secure place to coordinate efforts when it matters most. During the winter months, they offer a warm checkpoint for dog mushing races. Throughout the year, they are filled with the sounds, scents, and tastes of our culture, hosting sewing and cooking classes, as well as meetings to discuss important state and regional updates.
Providing these facilities is about much more than simply constructing buildings. It is about ensuring that every shareholder in the region has a
We look forward to welcoming shareholders to this new space to participate in these important community events and cultural activities.
Back row, left to right: Northwest Arctic Borough Assembly Chair Craig McConnell, Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Health and Human Services Mark Cruz, Maniilaq Association Board Chair Herman Ticket, Maniilaq Association President Tim Gilbert, Maniilaq Association Director of Planning and Development Anthony Cravalho, and NANA Regional, Government, and External Affairs Specialist Shayne Pungowiyi. Front row, left to right: Northwest Arctic Borough School District Superintendent Terri Walker, NANA Board Director Linda Lee, Northwest Arctic Borough School Board Chair Margaret Hansen, and NANA Vice President of Economic Development and Sustainability Albie Dallemolle.
From left to right: NANA Regional, Government, and External Affairs Specialist Shayne Pungowiyi, Northwest Arctic Borough Assembly Chair Craig McConnell, Maniilaq Association Board Chair Herman Ticket, Senator Lisa Murkowski, Northwest Arctic Borough School District Superintendent Terri Walker, Northwest Arctic Borough School Board Chair Margaret Hansen, Maniilaq Association President Tim Gilbert, NANA Vice President of Economic Development and Sustainability Albie Dallemolle, NANA Board Director Linda Lee, and Maniilaq Association Director of Planning and Development Anthony Cravalho.
Northwest Arctic Leadership Team( NWALT) visits Washington, D. C.
In late March, representatives from the Northwest Arctic Leadership Team( NWALT) traveled to Washington, D. C., to meet with federal agencies and Alaska’ s congressional delegation to advocate for Northwest Alaska priorities, including education funding, rural health care, housing, infrastructure, bulk fuel and water systems, food security, and long-term investments in Arctic communities.
A significant focus of the visit centered on the Northwest Arctic Borough School District’ s growing financial challenges, including the high cost of transporting food and providing student meals in rural Alaska. NWALT leaders discussed the need for updated federal reimbursement formulas that better reflect regional cost differences, while also exploring grant and funding opportunities to support housing, energy, health care, and community infrastructure projects across the region. Meetings included the U. S. Department of Agriculture, U. S. Department of Education, U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, SBA 8( a), Indian Health Service, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Senator Dan Sullivan, Senator Lisa Murkowski, and Congressman Nick Begich.
10 The Hunter | June 2026