The Sacramento International Airport congratulated the summer interns upon completion of the 2026 program, a Tuesday press release said. 

The four interns worked Airside Operations, Landside Operations, Planning and Environmental, and Design and Development, the release said. The programs provide opportunities for students to gain valuable experience working alongside airport professionals, according to Director of Airports for Sacramento County Cindy Nichol.

“An airport is essentially a small city, and there is an incredible variety of expertise required to keep it running,” Nichol said. “Internships allow us to introduce students to the intricacies of the aviation industry and career paths they may never have considered, while giving our employees an opportunity to share their knowledge and help develop the next generation of aviation professionals.”

Each intern worked in a different area, with Leo Falcis working in Airside Operations, Brianna Schultz working in Landside Operations, Shayden Eagleheart working in Planning and Environment, and Athena Wilson working in Design and Development, according to the release.

“The internships are designed to move beyond classroom learning by giving students direct experience in a 24/7 airport environment, opportunities to contribute to real projects and connections with aviation professionals,” the release said. “For SMF, the program is also an investment in the future aviation workforce and an opportunity to introduce students to the wide range of careers available within the industry.”

In an email statement to Wingman on Thursday, Sacramento County Department of Airports Information Officer Lindsay Myers said that although the county has a longstanding internship program, Sacramento International Airport has not always taken part.

Future plans to expand internships to include Airport Fire and other sectors are in the works, Myers said. The airport is also looking into the potential of hiring internship participants.

Those interested in learning more about Sacramento internship programs can visit the county’s page here.