Our Vision
Aviation enables global connectivity, creates millions of jobs, and facilitates trade and tourism. Yet with this comes responsibility to reduce emissions and address our environmental impact. As a major global aircraft lessor, we are committed to the highest standards of environmental stewardship and climate action.
Our vision is too lead aviation's transition to a more sustainable future by:
- Advancing environmental stewardship through our new-technology fleet – We prioritise fuel-efficient aircraft that reduce CO₂ emissions and lower operating costs. Our customer strategy leverages this technology focus to build long-term partnerships through flexible, tailored leasing solutions that align with airlines' decarbonisation goals. We aim to own at least an 80% new-technology fleet by 2030, while monitoring emerging fuel technologies.
- Supporting sustainable financing – We have developed sustainability-linked financing structures tied to emissions reductions, supporting our customers' sustainability efforts.
- Championing sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) – Learn more about our SAF initiatives below.
At SMBC Aviation Capital, we are committed to making a meaningful contribution to aviation sustainability through credible ambition and tangible action. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is essential to securing the future of aviation. While challenges around affordability and availability remain, SAF is currently the best option to decarbonise our sector.
Our progress on SAF:
Trinity College Dublin SAF Research Facility
The Trinity College Dublin SAF Research Facility is a dedicated research facility focused on the development, testing, and validation of sustainable aviation fuels. Located at SMBC Aviation Capital's headquarters in Dublin, the facility plays a crucial role in supporting the aviation sector's decarbonisation efforts. The lab conducts exhaustive testing of SAF candidates to ensure they meet the rigorous safety standards required for use in existing and future aircraft.
As part of the EU SAF Clearing House, the facility measures fuel properties, researches how chemical composition influences airworthiness, and assesses the true sustainability of SAF types produced in the EU. Through this work, the Research Facility provides essential "pre-screening" services to SAF producers, helping to accelerate the path toward the EU's mandate that 70% of all aviation fuel be SAF by 2050.
ALI Collaboration
Founded in 2018, Aircraft Leasing Ireland (ALI) represents the aircraft leasing sector in Ireland. ALI's aim is to ensure Ireland maintains and grows its position as the leading centre for aircraft leasing globally. ALI works collaboratively with their member firms, the Irish Government, state agencies, and stakeholders across the globe. Working at both an EU and national level, they help shape policy and foster an environment where the sector can thrive sustainably.
At SMBC Aviation Capital, we partner with the ALI group to advance SAF research and industry best practices. We contributed a submission to The Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE) regarding the EU Sustainable Transport Investment Plan (“STIP”), advocating for policy changes to accelerate SAF adoption.
Industry Engagement & Thought Leadership
- Co-hosted Stakeholder Events: We welcomed EASA, IAA, the Irish Department of Transport, and several airline customers to the SAF Research Facility for to explore collaboration opportunities and to share knowledge.
- Published “Clearing the Path for SAF”: Released a white paper proposing EU-level financial mechanisms to accelerate SAF investment.
- Hosted ICSAR Town Hall: Hosted the International Conference on Sustainable Aviation Research town hall, bringing together global experts from 30+ countries to advance SAF innovation.
- Airbus Collaboration: Signed an MoU and are actively working with Airbus on a Book & Claim pilot to further SAF transparency and adoption.
- Industry Roundtables: Hosted events in partnership with the Trinity College Dublin SAF Research Facility team at SAF Congress (Amsterdam) and with SMBC Bank at our Dublin headquarters, driving industry dialogue and collaboration.