This summer, University of Texas at Dallas student Ammar Bootwalla joined Envoy Air as a Supply Chain Management Intern. From working on real-world projects to experiencing aviation operations firsthand, Ammar shares his summer experience in his own words.
Learning How Supply Chain Keeps an Airline Moving
This summer, I had the opportunity to intern with Envoy Air and gain firsthand experience in how supply chain operations help keep an airline running safely and efficiently.
I worked with the Inventory Distribution Team, which helps ensure aircraft parts are positioned throughout the network to support maintenance operations. I learned how decisions around inventory are influenced by everything from historical usage and material availability to maintenance needs and operational priorities.
My main project focused on developing an Excel-based workload-balancing tool for the team. I analyzed existing processes, spoke with team members and identified factors that influence workload. I then used those insights to create a tool that could help distribute assignments more effectively.
This project allowed me to put my skills in Excel, data analysis and problem-solving to work on a real-world business challenge.
Seeing Aviation in Action
One of the highlights of my internship was getting to see the operation up close. I visited Abilene, where I saw heavy aircraft maintenance being performed, and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), where I learned more about the many moving parts involved in airport operations.
Seeing aircraft maintenance helped me connect my work with the Inventory Distribution Team to the people and operations it ultimately supports.
My Biggest Takeaway
While I gained valuable technical skills during my internship, one of my biggest takeaways was the importance of communication and collaboration.
Working alongside experienced professionals taught me to listen, ask questions and understand different perspectives before developing a solution. I learned that solving an operational problem isn’t just about finding the right answer, it’s about finding a solution that works for the people who use it.
I’m grateful to my manager, teammates and everyone who supported me throughout the summer. My experience at Envoy strengthened my interest in aviation and supply chain management and gave me a stronger foundation in data-driven problem-solving that I can carry into my future career.
Learn more about Envoy’s summer intern program.