THE University of Limerick and the Aviation Finuas Network this week launched Ireland’s first Level 9 specialist postgraduate diploma in aviation leasing and finance.
Minister of State for Skills, Research and Innovation, Damien English officially launched the diploma course at UL on Tuesday, September 2.
Speaking at the launch, Minister English said: “Ireland is one of the largest worldwide centres for aircraft leasing and finance, with over 50 per cent of the world’s leasing business located here. Ireland must pursue its global position as a leader in this sector by preserving the competitiveness and developing additional support capabilities.
“This new programme is an important step in maintaining Ireland’s global reputation in this sector and maximising the potential for job creation and growth.”
The programme is the first of its kind at this advanced level and marks a major step in supporting Ireland’s role as a global centre for aircraft financing and leasing.
Tom Caffrey, head of operational excellence at Shannon Aerospace and chairman of the Irish Centre for Business Excellence, said: “One in every three aircraft in the world is leased out of Ireland, and the sector accounts for 1,300 high value jobs.
“It is vital that we ensure the future growth of this sector here by training specialists in the field. It is estimated that aviation leasing companies in Ireland manage assets worth in the region of €82.9 billion, and nine of the ten largest aircraft leasing companies are based here, with Shannon and Dublin widely recognised as centres of excellence in the field.”
The Postgraduate Level 9 Specialist Diploma Aviation Leasing and Finance Diploma, which was developed as part of a collaboration between UL and the Aviation Finance Finuas Network, commences on September 20.
