Hey Everyone! My name is Lucas, and I’m a fourth-year Communication Science student at the University of Amsterdam. Let me tell you about my experience over at SkyTeam in the last few months.
Stepping into the bustling world of aviation as a project management intern at SkyTeam, was like entering a symphony of coordinated chaos. From the very first day, I found myself immersed in a dynamic environment where the essence of project management revealed itself as a sophisticated dance of relationship management between all kinds of people. These “people” were often times referred to as ‘station managers’, and they were responsible for the operations of an airline at a particular airport.
The aviation industry is a realm where precision meets passion, and nowhere is this more evident than in the relationships forged between the diverse stakeholders, like the station managers and airline representatives. As an intern, I quickly became interlinked with said business professionals from all over the world. Each day was a lesson in the delicate art of balancing competing interests, cultural nuances, and operational demands as my role consisted of A LOT of coordination with station managers around the world. The intention of all this coordination was to establish Airport Coordination Committees (ACCs), which are platforms where airport specific station managers can come together to discuss common operational issues. These committees were the heartbeat of our operations, bringing together a myriad of voices and perspectives to ensure that all members within the airline alliance were working together as intended. My role involved not just facilitating these meetings, but also capturing their essence through meticulous minute-taking and action reporting.
The ACCs took me on a whirlwind journey around the world. From being flown to Frankfurt airport to present or hopping on a flight to the United States to do the same in Los Angeles International Airport. Each location offered a unique glimpse into the global aviation market and travelling to these hubs, I was able to witnessed first-hand how each station manager tackled their unique challenges. Furthermore, seeing how SkyTeam’s collaborative efforts translated into tangible improvements in passenger experience and operational efficiency.
In Frankfurt, I was intrigued at the precision with which operations were conducted. The German penchant for efficiency was evident in most processes, and I learned the importance of meticulous planning and rigorous execution. Los Angeles, on the other hand, was a study in scale and diversity. Managing one of the busiest airports in the world required a different approach, one that prioritized flexibility and adaptability. London Heathrow, with its rich history and complex infrastructure, taught me the value of innovative thinking and historical context in solving modern-day problems.
Throughout these travels, my responsibilities were crucial. Taking the minutes (as mentioned previously) during ACC meetings, required not only attentiveness but also a deep understanding of the aviation language and the specific needs of each stakeholder. Translating these discussions into actionable reports for headquarters was a task that demanded clarity and precision. Sometimes it was a challenge to overcome this as the terminology, when getting started, can seem endless. Each report had to be tailored to ensure that the right specialists could take the necessary actions, whether it was addressing a technical issue, improving customer service, or enhancing digital platforms.
The relationships I built were invaluable. Engaging with digital product managers opened my eyes to the technological innovations driving the industry forward. Collaborating with airline representatives highlighted the importance of maintaining strong alliances and effective communication. Working alongside station managers showed me the on-the-ground realities of airport operations, enriching my understanding of the aviation ecosystem.
Reflecting on my journey, I realize that my internship at SkyTeam was not just about project management. It was an education in global relations, cultural sensitivity, and the power of effective communication. The experience taught me that successful project management, especially in an industry as complex and far-reaching as aviation, is inherently about understanding and managing relationships.
As I look forward to the next chapter of my career, I carry the lessons I learned and the memories made during this incredible internship and towards the end of my bachelors. The world of aviation, with its blend of precision and unpredictability, has left quite an impression on me, and I’m excited to see where these experiences will take me next.
