Graduate Programme
Applications for the SMBC Aviation Capital Graduate Programme 2026 are now closed.
A Programme for High Flyers
SMBC Aviation Capital is one of the world's leading global aircraft leasing companies. Our principal activity is leasing and trading aircraft, with a clear focus on young commercial jet aircraft of the types most popular with our customers. To find out more about our company and to watch our corporate video click here.
The SMBC Aviation Capital Graduate Programme, which is part of our broader Early Careers Group, is well established and is the longest running Graduate Programme in the aircraft leasing industry. Choosing to do your graduate programme with us means you are given real responsibility and exposure to exciting and impactful initiatives, as well as the opportunity to work with industry leaders.
Graduate Opportunities
Applications are open to those who are in their final year of third level studies or who have already graduated and are interested in what our 2-year programme has to offer.
Exciting opportunities exist across our business at present within the following areas. A more detailed breakdown of what teams under these functions have availability can be found below in the Team Descriptions section.
- Chief Commercial Office (CCO)
- Chief Financial Office (CFO)
- Chief Operations and Sustainability Office (COSO)
What to Expect on a Graduate Programme with SMBC Aviation Capital
Your exciting journey on the graduate programme starts with a meaningful and engaging onboarding experience.
Upon commencement of the graduate programme, you will undergo a comprehensive company-wide induction programme and attend our Technical Ground School to learn about the nuts and bolts of aviation.
Graduate Programme Outline
Year 1
- Dedicated people manager and buddy from your team – ensuring you have all the supports, guidance, and tools to help you achieve your potential.
- Meaningful work and experience of a culture grounded in our values of respect, trust, integrity, connect, adapt, and achieve.
- Focussed on growing our people, we create an environment of continuous learning to encourage you to be at your best and to deliver excellence.
- You will engage in regular and ongoing dialogue on performance and development - through quarterly check ins with your people manager.
- Regular check ins with the HR team and with the Early Career’s Group Senior Sponsors, your views and feedback will be heard.
- Opportunity to build connections across the business - get involved in our CSR, Mosaic (EDI), Sports and Social committees.
Year 2
- Building on your learnings and previous experience gained in year one, you will deepen your technical expertise and enhance your professional capabilities through formal training, which will broaden your skillset.
- Be matched with a mentor who will provide new knowledge, expanded networks and moments of connection, playing a key role in your workplace growth.
- As the programme concludes, you will be considered for any permanent vacancies that may exist across the business. While ongoing employment is not guaranteed, it is a real reflection of the potential this programme unlocks to see so many of our Early Careers Group go on to enjoy permanent roles with us.
What We Offer
| Competitive starting salary |
| 24 days’ annual leave |
| Comprehensive health insurance scheme |
| Pension |
| Fully subsidised restaurant serving breakfast and lunch each day |
| Complimentary barista coffee service |
| Wellness facilities including a fully equipped gym with weekly classes |
| Impactful CSR programme with local and internal volunteering opportunities |
| Active sports and social programme including team sports, social events, and networking opportunities |
| An active EDI committee promoting diversity and inclusion for all |
| Over the course of the programme, you will be connected with and keenly supported by: Your Buddy, Your Mentor, People Manager and Early Careers Group Senior Sponsor |
Graduate Testimonials
| Team CCO |
“Since joining the Graduate Programme as part of the Procurement team at SMBC Aviation Capital, I've been given countless opportunities to work with the major airframe and engine OEM's alongside several airlines from across the globe, allowing me to get a sense of not only the aircraft leasing industry but the wider aviation industry." Lorcan Robinson |
| Team CFO |
“I joined the Graduate Programme in July 2024 as part of the Commercial Analysis team. In my time on the programme so far, I have gained valuable knowledge on the commercial side of the industry, by working closely with both the Marketing and Trading teams. Working in this team immerses you in a fast paced and dynamic environment, where you get a chance to develop the ability to think both analytically and strategically.” Ross Fitzpatrick |
| Team COSO |
“As a member of the Strategic & Market Analysis team, I support the business in making strategic decisions in a timely manner by providing market analysis to the business on various topics. The graduate programme at SMBC Aviation Capital has offered me the chance to build experience in the aircraft leasing industry, by interacting with not only the different functions within the company, but also external counterparties. Working closely with colleagues has afforded me great learning opportunities, where I have gained first-hand intel and insights from professionals in the commercial world.” James Park |
Our Selection Journey
Our recruitment and selection process has been carefully thought out to allow you to demonstrate your experience, abilities and interest in working with us. We carry out shortlisting and selection through a combination of methods including online psychometric assessments, virtual interviews and a final in-person interview at our headquarters in Dublin 2. This process is completed by our HR team and business colleagues without the use of AI to screen or assess candidates.
Virtual Applicant Insight Webinar - 23rd of September
This year we are excited to launch our Virtual Applicant Insight Webinar which will take place on 23rd September at 3pm (IST). This insightful webinar is aimed at students and recent graduates planning to launch a career in aircraft leasing. You will learn about SMBC Aviation Capital, who we are and what we do, alongside discovering the aircraft leasing industry and insights into our graduate programme. We’ll also provide practical tips to put you in the best position ahead of submitting your application and preparing for interviews.
We accept applications from all disciplines, however an interest in the aviation sector coupled with corporate work experience would be beneficial.
Key Stages of the application process
| Stage 1 | |
| September 5th | Graduate Programme Applications open |
| September 23rd | Optional Applicant Insight Webinar to learn more about our Graduate Programme and the recruitment process |
| October 17th | Graduate Programme Applications close at midday |
| October 21st | Deadline to complete numerical reasoning by 11.45pm |
| Stage 2 | Online verbal reasoning assessment and video interview |
| Stage 3 | First round virtual interview in December |
| Stage 4 | Online personality assessment and final in person interview in January |
| Late January | Offers made |
| September 2026 | Successful Graduates begin |
Team Descriptions
| Area | Team | Team Description |
| CCO | Commercial Negotiation & Execution | The Commercial Negotiation & Execution team has a broad remit from leading the negotiation, project management and execution of the various contracts for all transactions undertaken by SMBC Aviation Capital including leasing, trading, restructuring, OEM procurement and capital markets, managing post-delivery activity and customer relationships through to managing closings and document management. |
| CCO | Portfolio & Risk Management | The Portfolio & Risk Management team manage portfolio risk including credit, asset and market risk analysis and restructuring activities. The team drive commercial decision making, including investment in aircraft assets and everchanging appropriate allocation of the portfolio based on our specialist understanding of our global customer base and the aviation industry. |
| CCO | Procurement | The Procurement team are responsible for all of our interactions with the supply chain from purchasing aircraft from the manufacturers through BFE (Buyer Furnished Equipment), modifications, materials and the consumables that may be required on aircraft transition projects, to managing the commercial discussions with the OEMs Within the team, the OEM (Original equipment manufacturer) Relationships group handle the commercial discussions with the OEM’s, the associated purchase agreements and the contractual side of new aircraft deliveries. |
| CCO | Technical | The Technical team are responsible for all aspects of the aircraft post the initial delivery including managing the transition of the aircraft from one lessee to the next, as well as our relationships with customer technical representatives and counterparties across the aviation industry. The team is split into two separate disciplines, Project Management and Asset Management. |
| CFO | Corporate Finance | The Corporate Finance team comprises of the Funding, Treasury, and Investor Relations functions. The team has overall responsibility for all external payments, the business’ liability management, including treasury risk management, liquidity management and fundraising, together with managing the relationships with our financiers. The team is responsible for raising 3rd party debt financing at most efficient pricing levels available, accessing a diverse range of funding sources as well as formulating the SMBC Aviation Capital credit story to optimally position the company to the market. |
| CFO | Financial & Commercial Analysis | The Financial & Commercial Analysis team is responsible for business planning activities, as well as analysing, structuring, and pricing transactions. The team is comprised of two main workstreams - Commercial Analysis, which evaluates the commercial viability of deals, and Business Planning, which prepares rolling budgets and forecasts for the business with associated updates and insights for senior management and shareholders. |
| CFO | Customer Operations | The Customer Operations team provides industry leading customer service primarily through the implementation of innovative technology solutions. The team has a broad remit; day-to-day activities include ensuring the integrity and completeness of up-to-date aircraft and lease contract data held in our systems, timely and accurate Accounts Receivables billing and associated reporting, resolving customer and internal stakeholder queries and Accounts Payable activity. |
| COSO | Corporate Affairs & Communications | The Corporate Affairs & Communications team is primarily concerned with communication, reputation, risk, and relationships and acts as a key enabler within SMBC Aviation Capital in the delivery of its business objectives. They align purpose driven internal messaging, pursue an ESG strategy that centres on credible ambition, and deliver impact in our external communications allowing us to be understood, esteemed and supported in our efforts to influence our operating and policy environment. |
| COSO | Strategic & Market Analysis | The Strategic & Market Analysis team has the primary responsibility for the development, maintenance and governance of a number of SMBC Aviation Capital’s proprietary asset models. While also being the main interface with the appraisal community, the team provides industry and competitor analysis, as well as supporting the business with asset selection, portfolio risk management and reporting. |
Our Early Careers Group Senior Sponsors
Our Early Careers Group are supported by two Senior Sponsors from the business. Diarmuid Healy (Head of Procurement) and Meabh Whelan (Head of Finance) both have a wealth of experience within the aircraft leasing industry. Here's what they have to say on our Graduate Programme.