SMBC Aviation Capital to sponsor Masters in Aviation Finance in UCD

• First MSc Aviation Finance Degree in Europe -

SMBC Aviation Capital, the world's third largest aircraft leasing company is pleased (April 12^th 2016) to announce our sponsorship of a new MSc in Aviation Finance Degree which will commence in the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School in Dublin from September 2016.This will be the only degree of its type in Europe and will provide graduates with aviation and aircraft specialisation.

Commenting on the sponsorship, Peter Barrett, CEO of SMBC Aviation Capital said, "Our sponsorship of this programme demonstrates our support of the Irish education sector while also ensuring that we are at the forefront of the latest thinking in the areas of asset valuation and financial modelling.We will also benefit from access to a pool of highly specialised graduates.The development of this course underpins the strength of this rapidly evolving industry in Ireland."

Speaking about the course benefits, Patrick Blaney, course leader of the MSc in Aviation Finance: "The success of any Masters programme is driven by its intellectual content and the career opportunities it creates. UCD Smurfit School's MSc in Aviation Finance is suitable for graduates from a wide variety of disciplines including business, economics, finance, engineering and science who want to pursue a career in the highly dynamic sector of Aviation Finance & Leasing. We have had significant interest in the programme from overseas graduates, in particular from Hong Kong, Singapore and China, who recognise the unique opportunity to gain specialist knowledge of the principles of Aircraft and Corporate Finance activities direct from Industry Leaders. "

SMBC Aviation Capital, along with other industry partners, has committed support to the programme over 5 years (2016 - 2020) and over this time will

• Lend expert support and sharing experiences through employee participation at guest lectures and speaking engagements
• Provide an advisory role through board membership
• Provide industry knowledge and workspace as required to the student body

The MSc in Aviation Finance launches on April 12^th 2016 in the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School.SMBC Aviation Capital will host a graduate recruitment stand.This will be followed by an address from Willie Walsh, CEO of IAG.SMBC Aviation Capital will also host an open event at its offices in the IFSC in the coming weeks so that potential candidates can learn more about the aircraft leasing industry.