Intern - Airport Operations (IAD) (Summer 2025)

Early careers take off with United! We’ve been recognized as both a top employer for Gen Z talent by Handshake and a top 100 internship program by Yellow and WayUp. Interns at United enjoy a wealth of benefits, including a robust mentorship program, exclusive travel privileges, and engaging social events to help foster a vibrant and connected community of early career professionals. Our program is designed to empower you with the skills and connections necessary to launch a successful career. We hope you join us at United, where your contributions will take flight and your career journey will soar.

At United, we fly into airports around the entire world. And we need a whole team of people to keep things running in tip-top shape. From the check-in counter to the departure gate, and even behind the scenes, our Airport Operations team keeps operations at our airports running smoothly every single day.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as an internal consultant, providing business analyses to management of various operating divisions on challenges and opportunities facing the airline
  • This may include one or more of the following: strategy, innovation and process improvement initiatives, performance analysis and data visualization, baggage performance, change management, safety and regulatory compliance, and station operations planning
• Potential assignments include analyzing operational performance, developing strategic plans, establishing performance metrics, and working with company organizations to analyze growth opportunities
• Interns are also responsible for studying organizational changes, communications, information flow, integrated production methods, and gathering and organizing information regarding problems and procedures
• They analyze information gathered, interpret data from various sources, and consider available solutions or alternative methods of proceeding, as may be required
• Job duties may vary based on location & team assigned. Teams in which you may be assigned could include:
  • Projects & Executions
  • Ramp
  • Business
  • Customer Service
  • Station Operations Center

United values diverse experiences, perspectives, and we encourage everyone who meets the minimum qualifications to apply. While having the “desired” qualifications make for a stronger candidate, we encourage applicants who may not feel they check ALL of those boxes! We are always looking for individuals who will bring something new to the table.

What’s needed to succeed (Minimum Qualifications): 

• Must be an undergraduate or graduate student at the time of start pursuing a degree in Aviation Management, Business, Industrial Engineering, Business Management, Data Analytics, or a related quantitative field of study
• Proven proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Strong quantitative and problem-solving skills
• Applicant must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship or future sponsorship

What will help you propel from the pack (Preferred Qualifications):

• Interest in the operational environment
• Interest in the airline industry
• Previous airline, operations, or project management experience

The hourly rate for this position is $12.00 to $33.24/hour dependent on job-related, non-discriminatory factors such as experience, education and skills. This range is based on a full-time schedule.

Bonus eligible: No

Benefits: Yes

Salary and benefits information is being included in this job posting in accordance with Washington DC law.

United Airlines is an equal opportunity employer. United Airlines recruits, employs, trains, compensates and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical ability, age, veteran status and other protected status as required by applicable law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions. Please contact JobAccommodations@united.com to request accommodation.