PropelHer is delighted to welcome SMBC Aviation Capital as a Strategic Partner, marking an important milestone as the organisation celebrates its tenth anniversary and enters its second decade of supporting women across aircraft leasing and aviation.
The partnership reflects a shared ambition to accelerate progress for women across the aviation industry, with a particular focus on developing talent, broadening access to opportunities and strengthening pathways into leadership.
As a Strategic Partner, SMBC Aviation Capital will bring its expertise and support to PropelHer’s work across education, mentoring, leadership development and wider industry engagement. Together, the organisations will build on PropelHer’s established programmes and initiatives, creating further opportunities for women to connect, develop their capabilities and progress their careers.
Pictured (left to right): Annabel Fitzgerald (SMBC Aviation Capital), Fiona Scott (PropelHer), Andrea Wilson (PropelHer), Aisling Kenny (SMBC Aviation Capital), Catharine Ennis (SMBC Aviation Capital), Peter Barrett (SMBC Aviation Capital) and Selene Alford (PropelHer).
The partnership was formally launched with members of SMBC Aviation Capital’s Executive team, including Peter Barrett, Chief Executive Officer; Catharine Ennis, Chief Legal Officer; and Aisling Kenny, Chief Financial Officer. Representatives from the PropelHer Board, alongside SMBC Aviation Capital colleagues who have participated in PropelHer programmes, also attended the launch.
Building on a Decade of Progress
Reflecting on the partnership and PropelHer’s evolution over the past ten years, Fiona Scott, Chairperson of PropelHer, said:
“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.
“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.”
Pictured (left to right): Fiona Scott (PropelHer), Andrea Wilson (PropelHer), Aisling Kenny (SMBC Aviation Capital), Catharine Ennis (SMBC Aviation Capital), Peter Barrett (SMBC Aviation Capital) and Selene Alford (PropelHer).
Aisling Kenny, Chief Financial Officer at SMBC Aviation Capital, added:
“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.”
Looking Ahead
As PropelHer looks towards 2027 and beyond, partnerships with organisations such as SMBC Aviation Capital will play an important role in expanding its reach and strengthening the impact of its programmes.
PropelHer looks forward to working closely with SMBC Aviation Capital to advance shared priorities, support the next generation of female leaders and continue building a stronger, more connected aviation community.
We extend our sincere thanks to SMBC Aviation Capital for its commitment to PropelHer and the women across our industry.
The PropelHer team alongside SMBC Aviation Capital colleagues, including participants in PropelHer’s Altitude and TakeOff programmes.