Simon Harris TD, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, launched the new UCD Smurfit Executive Development Professional Diploma in Aviation Finance on 30 November.

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The Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD, launched the new UCD Smurfit Executive Development Professional Diploma in Aviation Finance on 30 November. The new 9-month, part-time programme is the first of its kind in Ireland and globally and aimed at managers and leaders in the aviation leasing and associated sectors who wish to improve their knowledge of aviation financing.

The programme takes advantage of UCD Smurfit School’s position as the premiere academic research and teaching centre for aviation leasing and finance in Ireland and globally. It aims to further strengthen Ireland’s leading position as the number one hub for the sector internationally by enhancing the skills of the professionals working within the industry.

Minister Harris said: “Ireland is a world leader in aviation and is the world’s leading aviation leasing location. Fourteen of the top 15 global aviation leasing companies are located in Ireland and are led by Irish people. The aviation finance and leasing industry is going to continue to grow rapidly over the next 20 years.

“We know that airlines and aviation finance companies are going to need to raise trillions of dollars to finance the delivery of new aircraft over that period.

“The availability of that finance will be critically important in assisting airlines to acquire the new technology and aircraft they need to meet their ambitious net zero commitments.

“Having highly skilled employees with professional qualifications like the UCD Smurfit School MSc in Aviation Finance and the new Professional Diploma in Aviation Finance will be a key factor to help companies address the challenges they are going to face over the next 20 years.

The Diploma will support the industry in maintaining and enhancing Ireland’s position as the leading industry and talent hub by developing and retaining existing top talent as well as attracting new business talent to the sector.”

“Decarbonisation and sustainability are among the biggest challenges facing the industry in the years ahead.”

Ranked 35th globally by the Financial Times for Open Enrolment Programmes, the new offering by UCD Smurfit Executive Development will build on strengths of the expertise of world-leading faculty and top-ranked programmes. Participants on the Professional Diploma in Aviation Finance programme will acquire a detailed understanding of the financial processes associated with the aviation finance sector including suitable risk assessment and aircraft asset management, accounting issues, financing and credit enhancement, leasing developments and insurance applications.

There will also be a substantial focus on sustainability issues and how finance can support the sector’s net-zero targets.

“Decarbonisation and sustainability are among the biggest challenges facing the industry in the years ahead,” said Tim Wray, Director of UCD Smurfit Executive Development. “Ireland is at the cutting edge of research into aviation sustainability and UCD Smurfit Executive Development is supporting industry on its decarbonisation journey.

The industry recognises the risks presented by the transition to net zero. It will require a combination of approaches in a range of areas including finance and engineering. Participants on this new Professional Diploma programme will learn how finance can be used to influence and facilitate the journey to net zero.”

The programme will be delivered in six two-day modules beginning in March 2024 and concluding in October. “It has been tailored to meet the needs of busy executives,” added Wray. “They will learn about the dynamics of aviation finance, aircraft as an asset class, taxation, accounting, credit enhancement, industry specific finance tools, navigating the capital markets, and securitisation. They will also develop the necessary knowledge and skills to reach the highest level in the aircraft and airline financing industry.”

The fully accredited diploma also forms part of UCD Smurfit Executive Development’s MSc Pathway, which enables executives to acquire a full MSc qualification, the MSc in Business (Leadership and Management Practice), if they to complete three relevant diploma programmes within a five-year period.

Minister Harris added: “This is another excellent example of collaboration between an Irish university and industry. The new Professional Diploma in Aviation Finance has been created in response to demand from the industry and has been designed in partnership with leading companies in the sector. This type of close cooperation will help to secure Ireland’s world leading position in this important financial services sector. The knowledge gained, skills learned, and relationships developed on the programme will enhance career potential and directly benefit the organisations that participants work with, both now and in the future.”

Applications are now open for the UCD Smurfit Executive Development Professional Diploma in Aviation Finance. To learn more go to:
https://www.smurfitschool.ie/executivedevelopment/programmesforindividuals/diplomainaviationfinance/

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