A Certificate in Aviation Finance, Trading & More
For 10 years, the International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading (ISTAT) Certificate has provided a specialized graduate credential designed to launch and accelerate your career in aviation finance, leasing and aircraft trading.
Developed in partnership with ISTAT industry practitioners and awarded by , this six-credit-hour program delivers focused, real-world coursework covering aircraft valuation, leasing structures, trading strategies and the financial fundamentals that drive the global aviation marketplace. As a student, you'll gain practical insight from expert faculty while building connections with professionals across the industry.
To make this high-impact credential even more accessible, exclusive scholarships are available to certificate students — including multiple $20,000 scholarships awarded annually.
Program Details
This program is tailored for individuals with backgrounds in business or transportation who aspire to pursue careers in aircraft financing, leasing or related industries associated with ISTAT.
In-person at the Daytona Beach Campus, your certificate can be woven into your master's program of choice, while at the Worldwide & Online Campus, you can pursue this certificate as a standalone credential. At both campuses, you'll benefit from an education from the world's oldest and largest aeronautical university and boost your resume with a certificate from a widely recognized professional organization.
You'll also benefit from , which includes opportunities for professional development, access to the online ISTAT community and opportunities to attend conferences and more. Each first-time attendee is paired with an industry mentor, offering invaluable guidance as they navigate aircraft leasing and financing. From engaging panel discussions to insightful fireside chats and industry dialogue, our students gain firsthand exposure to the people and perspectives shaping aviation today.
Pictured are Embry-Riddle students and faculty with John Vitale, ISTAT’s 2026 Person of the Year — an inspiring moment for our future industry leaders.
You can earn your within any graduate degree program which allows this certificate as an elective, through the David B. O'Maley College of Business.
The one-year, six-credit-hour program consists and is specifically tailored to prepare you for internship and career opportunities in aviation finance, leasing and trading. You’ll gain specialized, industry-relevant expertise, build valuable professional connections and graduate with a credential recognized across the global aviation marketplace.
Scholarship support is available through a highly competitive process— three $20,000 scholarships are awarded to students pursuing this certificate, offering substantial financial support to select students.
Combined with Embry-Riddle’s strong reputation in aviation and aerospace education, the Daytona Beach Campus experience positions you at the intersection of business expertise and industry access — giving you a clear edge in the global aviation marketplace.
International students (degree and non-degree seeking) must meet all applicable .
If you need further information about the online or residential ISTAT certificate program, please contact:
Dr. Sunder Raghavan
David B. O' Maley College of Business
1 Aerospace Boulevard
Daytona Beach, Florida 32114
ragha8d6@erau.edu
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Credits6
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Methods of Study
- In-Person
Explore This Campus
This one-year, six-credit-hour consists of three courses taught by expert faculty and delivered online through Embry-Riddle’s Worldwide & Online Campus — giving you opportunities to connect with peers, mentors and professionals around the globe.
Scholarships are exclusively available to students in this certificate program, with up to 80% of program costs eligible for coverage — including two prestigious $20,000 scholarships awarded each year.
You can choose to pursue this certificate within your degree program or as a non-degree seeking student— you must apply and be vetted on the and meet ISTAT admission requirements in addition to Embry-Riddle admission requirements. Applications open at the end of August of each year.
International students (degree seeking) must meet all applicable .
Non-degree seeking ISTAT applicants with educational experience outside the United States will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the program chair after completing the ISTAT application process. Enrollment will be limited to the ISTAT courses only (FIND 695A, FIND 695B and FIND 695C).
Note: Certificate programs are not eligible for Title IV Federal Financial Aid unless taken as part of a degree program.
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Credits6
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Methods of Study
- Online
Explore This Campus
Career Opportunities
As global aviation finance and aircraft leasing continue to play a key role in the industry, professionals with specialized knowledge in aircraft trading, funding and risk management are needed to support complex transactions and help organizations make informed financial decisions.
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