Dispatch Ops Summer 2027 Internship

Southwest Airlines Co.; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 29,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwest Airlines Co. seeks a Dispatch Operations Summer Intern for May 18 – August 6, 2027 in Dallas, TX. You will work with Leaders and subject matter experts to support projects that improve safety, reliability, and efficiency of operations.

Responsibilities include research, data analysis, and development of reports and dashboards. Strong analytical skills and interest in aviation are essential for success in this hands-on internship.

Qualifications

• Progress toward a degree in aviation-related field with focus on dispatch or operations.
• Enrolled as a full-time student during internship and able to commit to May–August 2027.
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills; detail-oriented and organized.

Responsibilities

• Support Dispatch Operations projects and strategic initiatives through research and analysis.
• Develop operational reports, dashboards, and performance metrics.
• Analyze network performance data to identify trends and opportunities.
• Participate in cross-functional discussions and document action items.
• Assist with process improvements and benchmarking of industry practices.
• Collaborate with Flight Operations, Network Planning, and Maintenance teams.

Skills

Analytical

Data analysis

Communication

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Aviation interest

Education

Student pursuing degree in Aviation Dispatch/Management

Currently enrolled full-time student

Tools

Excel

Tableau

PowerPoint

Word

Job description

Department:

Network Operations Control

Our Company Promise

We are committed to provide our Employees a stable work environment with equal opportunity for learning and personal growth. Creativity and innovation are encouraged for improving the effectiveness of Southwest Airlines. Above all, Employees will be provided the same concern, respect, and caring attitude within the organization that they are expected to share externally with every Southwest Customer.

Job Description

Dispatch Ops Summer 2027 Intern

Southwest Airlines Dispatch Operations primarily supports stakeholders in Network Operations Control (NOC). This role provides hands‑on experience in airline operational control, strategic planning, operational analytics, and process improvement initiatives. The Intern will work alongside Leaders and operational subject matter experts to support projects that improve the safety, reliability, and efficiency of Southwest's operation while gaining exposure to one of the largest domestic airline operations in the world.

In this internship, you will be expected to contribute to projects that support Southwest's operational performance while gaining firsthand experience working alongside Leaders responsible for maintaining the safe, reliable, and efficient movement of aircraft across the Southwest network.

Additional Details

• The culture of Southwest Airlines means we value the camaraderie, collaboration, and innovation that occurs when we come together and interact face-to-face at our vibrant Corporate Campus. Due to the nature of this role, you would be required to work from our Dallas, TX headquarters facility during business hours.
• U.S. citizenship or current authorization to work in the U.S. required and no current or future work authorization sponsorship available.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Support Dispatch Operations projects and strategic initiatives through research, analysis, and documentation.
• Assist with development of operational reports, presentations, dashboards, and performance metrics.
• Analyze operational data and identify trends related to network performance, delays, fuel efficiency, operational reliability, and other key business measures.
• Participate in operational briefings, project meetings, and cross-functional discussions while documenting action items and recommendations.
• Assist with process improvement efforts by evaluating workflows, identifying opportunities, and supporting implementation activities.
• Conduct research and benchmarking related to airline operations, operational control, industry best practices, and emerging technologies.
• Partner with teams across Flight Operations, Network Planning, Crew Scheduling, Maintenance, Meteorology, and Air Traffic Management functions to support business objectives.
• Support change management, communication, and training efforts associated with operational initiatives.
• Prepare summaries and recommendations for Leadership review.
• Perform other job duties as assigned by Leadership.

Knowledge, Skills, Work Style & Abilities

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to collect, organize, and interpret data from multiple sources.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Demonstrated curiosity and interest in aviation or airline operations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook.
• Experience with data visualization and reporting tools is preferred.

Time Commitment and Pay

• Required: Full-time 40hrs a week
• Must maintain a consistent weekly schedule during normal business hours at a max of 8hrs per day
• Program Dates: May 18 - August 6, 2027
• $21-24 per hour, corresponding with progress toward degree completion
• Stipends may be offered based on eligibility and program criteria

We are committed to helping individuals with disabilities participate in the workforce and ensuring equal opportunity to apply and compete for jobs. If you need accommodation at any point in the hiring process due to a disability, you may email the Accommodations Team or call 877-792-4792.

Education

• Progress towards a degree, major, or minorin Aircraft Dispatch, Aviation Management, Aviation Science, Aeronautics, Professional Flight required
• Progress towards a 4-year undergraduate degree preferred
• To be eligible, you must be currently enrolled as a full‑time student (as defined by your university) at the time of application and during the internship
• At least 3 semesters remaining at the time the internship ends is preferred
• Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA at the time of application

Basic Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• You must have a valid U.S. Social Security Number to complete the full hiring process

Experience

• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office products, especially Word, Excel, Teams, PowerPoint required
• A passion/interest in commercial aviation
• Completed coursework in flight dispatch, or equivalent
• Experience using Excel, Tableau, or other tools for data analysis and presentation development.
• Familiarity with analytics, reporting, or business intelligence tools.
• Foundational knowledge of aviation weather, air navigation, Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), aircraft performance, and 14 CFR Part 121 operations.

Southwest Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer.