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SMBC Aviation Capital Announced as Strategic Partner of PropelHer
02/11/2026
SMBC Aviation Capital are pleased be announced as a Strategic Partner of PropelHer, the not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting the development of the next generation of female leaders in aircraft leasing and aviation.
The launch was attended by members of SMBC Aviation Capital’s Executive team including Peter Barrett, CEO; Catharine Ennis, CLO; and Aisling Kenny, CFO, alongside representatives from the PropelHer Board; Fiona Scott; Andrea Wilson and Selene Alford, as well as SMBC Aviation Capital colleagues who have participated in PropelHer programmes.
The partnership reflects a shared ambition to accelerate progress for women across the aviation industry. Through collaboration and joint initiatives, PropelHer and SMBC Aviation Capital will focus on developing talent, broadening access to opportunities and strengthening pathways for women to progress into leadership roles.
As the world's leading global aviation platform, SMBC Aviation Capital will bring its valuable expertise to support PropelHer’s work in education, mentoring, leadership development and industry engagement.
“When PropelHer was founded ten years ago, our ambition was to create a space where women could connect, share experiences and feel part of a wider industry community. While that sense of connection remains at the heart of what we do, our focus has evolved towards delivering practical initiatives that make a real difference to women's careers,” said Fiona Scott, Chairperson of PropelHer. “We know that lasting progress requires action from across the industry, and we're delighted to have SMBC Aviation Capital alongside us as we enter our second decade. Their commitment is a strong endorsement of our work and the role we can collectively play in helping more women reach the most senior levels of our industry.”
Marking the launch of SMBC Aviation Capital’s strategic partnership with PropelHer in Dublin, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion through talent development and broader access to leadership opportunities across aviation.
Aisling Kenny, Chief Financial Officer at SMBC Aviation Capital said, “Supporting a more inclusive aviation industry is a core part of our sustainability strategy, reflecting our focus on social impact, talent development and the long-term resilience of the sector. This partnership is about turning ambition into action and proving that meaningful progress is possible when organisations work together. We are proud to partner with PropelHer as it enters its second decade and to create opportunities for women at every stage of their careers.”
Main article image: SMBC Aviation Capital and PropelHer mark the launch of their strategic partnership in Dublin, supporting talent development and pathways to leadership across the aviation industry. Pictured at the launch (L-R): Annabel FitzGerald, SVP Sustainability & Corporate Affairs; Fiona Scott, Chair of PropelHer; Andrea Wilson, Director of PropelHer; Aisling Kenny, CFO, SMBC Aviation Capital; Catharine Ennis, CLO, SMBC Aviation Capital; Peter Barrett, CEO, SMBC Aviation Capital and Selene Alford, Director of PropelHer.
About PropelHer
Founded in 2016, PropelHer supports the development of the next generation of female leaders in aircraft leasing and aviation. Through education, mentorship, leadership development and industry collaboration, PropelHer creates opportunities for women to build connections, grow their capabilities and progress their careers. Its vision is to inspire, motivate and empower women to become confident leaders who help shape the future of the aviation industry.
For more information: www.propelher.ie
About SMBC Aviation Capital
Headquartered in Ireland, SMBC Aviation Capital is the leading global aviation finance platform, servicing a fleet of over 1,850 aircraft with more than 170 airlines globally. Benefiting from the strong support of its shareholders, Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group and Sumitomo Corporation, SMBC Aviation Capital has a high-quality global airline customer base with an owned portfolio comprising 80% new technology aircraft (by net book value). Sustainability is integral to SMBC Aviation Capital’s long-term strategy, with a focus on supporting aviation’s transition, investing in new-technology aircraft and contributing to a more resilient and inclusive industry. SMBC Aviation Capital has a strong capital position and holds an A- and BBB+ rating with S&P and Fitch respectively, reflecting the long-term strength of its business.
For more information, please visit: www.smbc.aero
Media Contacts
PropelHer
Selene Alford
Director
Email: info@propelher.ie
SMBC Aviation Capital
Dara O’Sullivan
SMBC Aviation Capital
+353 86 021 0135
FGS Global
Richard Webster-Smith
Partner
FGS Global
+44 7796 708 551
“Supporting a more inclusive aviation industry is a core part of our sustainability strategy, reflecting our focus on social impact, talent development and the long-term resilience of the sector."
Aisling Kenny, Chief Financial Officer at SMBC Aviation Capital