Co-op, Crew Planning - Pairings and Preferential Bidding System (PBS) (Spring 2027)

About the job

How you'll help us Keep Climbing (overview & key responsibilities)

Interested in airline operations, data analytics, and problem-solving? ****Join the Crew Planning Team and play a key role in building efficient pilot schedules that keep Delta's operation running smoothly. In this role, you'll help design and optimize crew pairings and support the monthly Preferential Bidding System (PBS), the scheduling platform pilots use to bid for and receive their monthly schedules. Working with real operational data, you'll analyze schedule quality, optimize staffing levels, and identify opportunities to improve network reliability.

This is a unique opportunity to gain exposure to airline operations while contributing to solutions that impact thousands of crew members and customers across the network every day.

What You’ll Do

• Support crew pairing construction to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and improve pilot quality of life
• Assist with PBS bid package development, including line construction, reserve planning, and coverage targets
• Analyze bid award results and recommend opportunities to improve schedule outcomes
• Develop reports and dashboards to monitor coverage, productivity, and operational performance
• Partner with Crew Scheduling and Operations teams to align long-term planning with day-of-operation needs
• Support special projects and perform other duties as assigned

Key Metrics You’ll Work With

• Credit efficiency (credit vs. block performance)
• Average Line Value (ALV) targets
• Reserve utilization and coverage effectiveness
• Open time and coverage gaps
• Pairing productivity and duty-time efficiency

What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on experience with crew pairing optimization and PBS bid and award processes
• Exposure to real-world airline operational decision-making
• Practical skills in data analytics, workforce planning, and scheduling strategy
• Experience working with large operational datasets and performance metrics
• Mentorship and professional development from industry leaders
• A deeper understanding of how crew planning supports a safe, reliable, and efficient global airline operation

What you need to succeed (minimum qualifications)

• Pursuing a degree in Aviation, Business, Engineering, Analytics, or related field

• Strong Excel skills (pivot tables, formulas)

• Analytical mindset and attention to detail

• Interest in airline operations or logistics

• The Co-op position requires a candidate to be enrolled as an undergraduate (sophomore or above) that has successfully completed a minimum of 30 semester hours.

• Must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and be able to maintain the minimum GPA.

• Working as a Co-op does not guarantee a full-time opportunity upon graduation. This position is intended to provide you with educational and professional work experience to prepare you for the workforce.

• This position requires you to work for 3 alternating semesters. You cannot actively take any courses (inclusive of online or in-person) and work as a Co-op at the same time, which may delay your graduation by 1-2 semesters.

• Students must be able to complete 3 alternating rotations in Atlanta, GA in line with the schedule below:

• Spring 2027 - 1st rotation

• Fall 2027 - 2nd rotation

• Summer 2028 - 3rd rotation

• Strong organizational, project management, and personal management skills

• Robust verbal and written communication skills at all levels

• Ability to work well in teams

• Currently must be enrolled full-time and pursuing a bachelor’s degree in a related field

• Consistently prioritizes safety and security of self, others, and personal data.

• Embraces diverse people, thinking, and styles.

• Possesses a high school diploma, GED, or high school equivalency.

• Is at least 18 years of age and has authorization to work in the United States.

What will give you a competitive edge (preferred qualifications)

N/A