I feel
incredibly grateful and privileged to be part of the inaugural cohort of
interns at Sydney Airport. The onboarding process was seamless, thanks to the
unwavering support of the Saltire Scholars Programme. From MS Teams calls and
the kick-off event to having a direct contact everything was
meticulously organized. My visa was processed swiftly, and soon I found myself
packing for the grand adventure Down Under, perhaps a bit too eagerly, as I
underestimated the need for jackets in the midst of the Australian winter!
After shaking off the jetlag, I officially began my internship. The warm welcome received at the airport's corporate building, courtesy of the executive assistants to the Leadership Team, set a positive tone. I was provided a comprehensive overview of the business, detailing its nine core teams and their daily interactions. He also took us to the top floor of the corporate building for a group photo, offering breathtaking views of the International Terminal and the airport’s three runways—one of which is the longest in the Southern Hemisphere. I was soon introduced to my team, Aviation Partnerships. The team’s mission is to engage with both internal and external stakeholders to attract new airlines, foster growth for existing ones, drive passenger demand, and develop new, unserved markets and destinations worldwide. My main project for the internship was to lead the rejuvenation and future-proofing of the Corporation’s post-COVID pitch in preparation for the opening of Western Sydney International Airport in late 2026. This project, which entails distilling succinct yet persuasive facts and data into a PowerPoint presentation and printed pack for use in meetings with airline CEOs and network planners, has been thoroughly enjoyable. It has allowed me to apply my quantitative, communication, and time management skills to extensive research using aviation analytics tools, delving into passenger and seat performance, travel demand, and the airport's connectivity in comparison to other Oceania airports. I’ve also conducted a deep dive into statistics from government bodies, institutions, and consultancies. Additionally, I organized a briefing with other interns from Commercial and meetings with the Corporate Affairs and Government Relations & Sustainability groups to incorporate the airport’s incremental investments into the wider airfield and terminal precincts into the pitch pack. At the end of my internship, I will present the completed project to an Operating Principal at Global Infrastructure Partners and the former Chief Commercial Officer at Edinburgh Airport.
Beyond my
primary project, my schedule has been packed with meetings and tours across the
business. I was invited to a Vietjet reception celebrating the launch of their new route
between Sydney and Hanoi. The interns also visited an Aboriginal
site in La Perouse as part of Reconciliation Week activities. The airport’s commitment to
engaging positively with the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waterways,
and skyways where it operates has reassured me of the business’s strong
corporate social responsibility strategy—something I deeply value in an
employer.
