Aviation Capital Group LLC (ACG), a premier global full-service aircraft asset manager, together with the International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading Foundation (ISTAT Foundation), announced today the third recipient of a grant 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.
Maria Restrepo, who is pursuing a Bachelor in Aeronautical Engineering at Pontifical Bolivarian University, was awarded a scholarship that will be applied to her tuition and other educational and developmental costs. Maria has shown exceptional dedication to both her academic success and her passion for the aviation industry. This scholarship will provide her with vital support and greater financial stability as she continues pursuing a career in aviation.
“We are proud to support Maria and students like her who are pursuing careers in aviation and aerospace,” said Gordon Grant, Vice President and Head of ESG at ACG. “Through our partnership with the ISTAT Foundation, the Diversity and Inclusion Fund is helping to reduce barriers and expand access to meaningful opportunities for underrepresented talent across the globe. Maria’s dedication and passion for the industry are truly inspiring, and we look forward to seeing all she will accomplish.”
“Maria stood out to the Committee with her passionate advocacy for greater inclusion of Colombia in the global aviation network,” said Dr. Mohamed El- Boraï, ISTAT Foundation Scholarship Committee Chair. “She articulated clear objectives for her career in aviation, while also emphasizing the importance of social work and community engagement. In 2025, out of 77 total applicants, 29 were female, a figure ISTAT is proud to highlight as it continues to support promising candidates like Maria, in partnership with ACG, in their pursuit of aviation careers.”
About Aviation Capital Group
Aviation Capital Group is one of the world’s premier full-service aircraft asset managers with approximately 500 owned, managed and committed aircraft as of March 31, 2025, leased to roughly 80 airlines in approximately 45 countries. It specializes in commercial aircraft leasing and provides certain aircraft asset management services and aircraft financing solutions 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.
About the ISTAT Foundation
The ISTAT Foundation is the charitable arm of the International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading (ISTAT). Founded in 1994, the ISTAT Foundation invests in and fosters the future of aviation across the globe by supporting individuals and institutions that promote the advancement of commercial aviation and humanitarianism. Annual grants from ISTAT itself, and contributions from individuals and companies, support the ISTAT Foundation’s four programs — Scholarships, Grants, Internships and Education. For more information, please visit www.istat.org/foundation.
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