Aerlytix had the pleasure of visiting UCD Michael Smurfit Business School last week to host the first-of-its-kind Aviation Asset Management Challenge for students of the MSc in Aviation Finance programme.

The initiative introduced a new and interactive approach to aviation finance education, complementing academic theory with practical hands-on experience analysing a real-world aircraft acquisition while offering students exposure to the technology used by industry professionals.

Following a guest lecture and demo, the students competed in a gamified, hands-on challenge designed to simulate a real-world aircraft investment decision making scenario. 

The challenge aimed to:

• Bridge academic theory with real-world technology applications

• Develop industry-ready analytical and financial modelling skills

• Strengthen strategic decision-making capabilities

• Increase exposure to digital transformation in aviation finance

Students were provided with exclusive Aerlytix platform access and a spec sheet containing an aircraft with a mix of lease structures and operating scenarios. Working collaboratively under time pressure, they were tasked with evaluating the potential acquisition of the asset and determining whether the transaction would represent an attractive investment opportunity.

Using the Aerlytix platform, the teams analysed the aircraft’s lease profile, projected cashflows, and financing structure. They were also required to consider how the transaction could be leveraged through debt financing and assess the financial performance of the investment under different assumptions.

The goal of the challenge was to determine the overall attractiveness of the investment, with the winning team producing financial metrics closest to the target values set for the exercise.

Speaking about the event, Alec Byrne, UCD Smurfit alumni and VP, Customer Relationship Management at Aerlytix said: 

“Our objective was to show students a real-world application of what they’ve been learning about in the classroom and provide first-hand visibility of how the technology landscape is transforming the sector.

The gamified format encouraged critical thinking, pressurised decision making and created an interactive way for the students to apply their knowledge. It was fantastic to see such strong engagement and thoughtful discussion from the students throughout.”

Many thanks to Emmanuel Eyiah-Donkor, Academic Director MSc Aviation Finance, the UCD Smurfit team, and to the students for their engagement in the challenge.