Championing Diversity: The Impact of DEI Awards

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) have become a focus in many industries, and the aviation industry is no exception. Historically, the aviation field−especially the aircraft leasing sector−has seen an underrepresentation of diverse groups.

The International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading (ISTAT) created the ISTAT Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Award to recognize and celebrate ISTAT member companies, teams, and individuals who have made significant strides in advancing DEI in the aviation industry. Instead of assessing a company’s overall DEI maturity, the award focuses on efforts that have had a tangible and positive impact on DEI. These initiatives can range from creating avenues for underrepresented groups to adopting DEI best practices and nurturing collaboration.

Photo: ISTAT Board Member Mylène Scholnick, SMBC Aviation Capital Head of Human Resources and Head of In-house DEI Committee Gillian Cooney, and SMBC Aviation Capital CEO Peter Barrett. 

For the inaugural DEI Award, SMBC Aviation Capital truly exemplified a dedication to DEI. The selection process involved evaluating several applications to determine the winner. The selected winner must have demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing DEI, shared internal and external strategies and progress, and be willing to collaborate and inspire other companies to improve their diversity efforts.

SMBC Aviation Capital recognized the lack of diversity in aircraft leasing and is addressing it through several initiatives. The company acknowledged the immense value that diversity brings to the industry and made it their mission to lead by example through comprehensive DEI policies and initiatives. SMBC Aviation Capital took proactive steps to offer opportunities for minority groups to thrive in the aviation industry, particularly in roles traditionally limited to select demographics. The company aimed at improving its diversity with a focus on gender, cultural diversity, and socioeconomic background.

To achieve its diversity goals, SMBC Aviation Capital implemented a series of strategic actions, including adapting its recruitment processes; expanding its graduate program to create a comprehensive early careers program that includes internships; focusing on marketing efforts to reach women and underrepresented ethnic groups; targeting existing and emerging talent through leadership development and mentoring programs; and founding a DEI committee to promote diversity and inclusion at all levels of the business.

SMBC Aviation Capital’s commitment to diversity and inclusion has yielded measurable results. In just five years, it has witnessed a significant increase in diversity within the company, with a notable rise in gender and cultural representation. The company’s heads of function and executive teams have achieved 40% female representation, demonstrating the tangible impact of its efforts.

Furthermore, by aligning to the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) 25-by-2025−a global initiative to enhance DEI in the aviation industry−SMBC Aviation Capital has pledged to increase the representation of women in senior positions and underrepresented areas by 25% by 2025. The company has also committed to publishing key diversity metrics annually. The company’s recruitment strategy, through its Early Careers Program, has transformed the gender dynamics in recent years, ensuring a strong pipeline of female talent for the future.

Alexa Schlosser is in Marketing & Communications Services at Smithbucklin.

Alexa Schlosser

(she/her)
Marketing & Communications Services
Smithbucklin