Aviation Capital Group and the ISTAT Foundation Announce Recipients of Diversity and Inclusion Fund Grants

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aviation Capital Group LLC (ACG), together with the International Society of Transport Air Trading (ISTAT) Foundation, announced today the second recipients of grants from their Diversity and Inclusion Fund. The Fund, which is managed by the ISTAT Foundation and funded by ACG, provides scholarships, internships, and other resources to aviation-focused students in Africa and female aviation-focused students in South America. Universities and nonprofit organizations in these regions developing STEM-related programs to support students toward an entry into aviation can also benefit from this Fund.

Alex Katuso Kilwaya, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering at Kenyatta University in Kenya, was awarded a scholarship that will be applied to his tuition and other educational and developmental costs. The second recipient is African Leaders in Aviation, a non-profit organization based in Gauteng, South Africa. African Leaders in Aviation will receive a grant to support its “2024 Avi-STEM Summer Camps” program. The program introduces children, specifically girls, in Sub-Saharan Africa to aviation and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines and provides skill development towards aviation-related careers. This program also aims to advocate for diversity and inclusivity in the aviation workforce.

“The aviation industry thrives on innovation and diversity. Through our partnership with the ISTAT Foundation, we're committed to supporting the next generation of aviation leaders from underrepresented regions. By providing scholarships and grants, we're not just opening doors, we're building runways for these talented individuals to take flight,” said Gordon Grant, Vice President and Head of ESG at ACG.

“This partnership continues to support impressive grants and scholarship recipients while expanding the transport aircraft trading industry network. We are confident that these inspiring recipients will make positive impact in the industry for years to come,” said Tracey O’Brien, ISTAT Foundation Grants Committee Chair and Andy La Stella ISTAT Foundation Scholarship Committee Chair.

About Aviation Capital Group

Aviation Capital Group is one of the world’s premier full-service aircraft asset managers with approximately 480 owned, managed and committed aircraft as of March 31, 2024, leased to roughly 90 airlines in approximately 45 countries. It specializes in commercial aircraft leasing and provides aircraft financing solutions and asset management services for third parties. It was founded in 1989 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tokyo Century Corporation. Follow ACG on LinkedIn, and for more information, visit www.aviationcapitalgroup.com.