Aviation leasing course takes flight at UL

One in every three aircraft in the world is leased out of Ireland and the sector accounts for 1,300 high value jobs, which Shannon and Dublin widely regarded as centres of excellence in the field.

This was noted by Tom Caffrey, head of operational excellence, Shannon Aerospace and chairman of Irish Centre for Business Excellence, at a new programme launch in the University of Limerick this Tuesday.

Minister of State for Skills, Research and Innovation, Damien English launched a Postgraduate Level 9 Specialist Diploma in Aviation Leasing and Finance at UL. It is a first at this advanced level and is a major step in supporting Ireland’s role as the global centre for aircraft financing and leasing.

The programme has been developed as part of a unique collaboration between the University of Limerick and the Aviation Finance Finuas Network (Part of the Skillnets Networks www.skillnets.ie). It has been fully funded through the Aviation Finuas Network and the National Training Fund (NTF) through the Department of Education and Skills (DES).

“Ireland is one of the largest worldwide centres for aircraft leasing and finance, with over 50% 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,” Minister English said.

Alan Nuzum, CEO, Skillnets said, “Employer engagement is central to how Skillnets delivers value for enterprise in Ireland. Today’s programme launch provides another great example, facilitated by Aviation Finuas Network, of how the network model, through working with strategic partners such as UL can deliver enterprise-led skills solutions to grow Ireland’s economic recovery into the future.”