UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School launched Europe’s first Masters in Aviation Finance to support the development of the next generation of aviation lessor management talent to ensure Ireland remains a global leader in the sector.

UCD welcomes Norman C.T. Liu, the recently retired Chairman and CEO of GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS), one of the world’s leading commercial jet aircraft and engine leasing and lending businesses, as Adjunct Professor to assist in delivering its Masters in Aviation Finance programme.

Ireland has carved out a leadership position in aviation finance and today 50% of the world’s leased aircraft are owned and managed from Ireland with over 1,000 people directly employed. The industry contributes €4.1 billion to the economy comprising €1.9 billion directly from aviation, €1.3 billion through the supply chain, and a further €900 million from associated spending by people employed in the sector. With the sector expected to double in scale in the next twenty years, UCD Smurfit School’s decision to introduce a Masters in Aviation Finance will enable Ireland to support the further development of this important industry for the Irish economy and assert its position as a global hub for the sector.

The one year full-time course which commenced in September 2016 has been developed in association with six industry leading partners: AerCap, Avolon, GECAS, KPMG, Safran Aircraft Engines and SMBC Aviation Capital.

Welcoming Norman Liu to UCD Smurfit School, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, Dean of UCD Business said: “The Irish Aviation Sector is one of Ireland’s outstanding success stories and plays a significant role in the Irish economy. For a country of this scale it has created a disproportionate number of leaders and pioneers in the sector who have and continue to shape one of the biggest and most dynamic industries in the world. At UCD Smurfit School our primary purpose is to educate future business leaders, who will have a profound impact on industry and society. The participation by Norman Liu in the MSc Aviation Finance will assist UCD develop the talent the industry will need to sustain and expand long-term growth. We are very proud to have Norman Liu joining us and to let the Aviation Finance Conference community know about the MSc Aviation Finance programme in Dublin”