It is boom time again for the airline industry, with the International Air Transport Association forecasting global airline net profits of US$36bn in 2025, an improvement on $32.4bn in 2024. Passenger demand has surged, cargo revenues remain strong, and airlines are investing heavily in sustainability and digital transformation. Against this backdrop of resurgence, finance professionals have a central role to play in steering an industry that is at once global, complex and uniquely exposed to external volatility.
For Shahroz Asif FCCA, country finance and administration manager for Emirates in Bangladesh, this makes aviation finance one of the most dynamic career choices within the profession.
‘Finance here is a vital enabler of business growth’
‘Airlines operate on tight margins and are exposed to frequent volatility, from fuel price fluctuations to shifts in demand and currency risks,’ he explains. ‘Accurate forecasting, scenario planning and real-time cash visibility are critical. Finance here functions not only as a control mechanism but as a vital enabler of business continuity and growth.’
Career scope
Working in aviation finance requires much more than number management. At Emirates, Shahroz leads all financial and administrative activities in-country, ensuring compliance with group policies and local regulations, supporting operational teams, and managing risks such as currency volatility. A critical part of the role is strategic: providing financial insights that shape route planning, investment and commercial decisions.
What sets aviation apart is its global complexity. Cross-border finance involves navigating foreign exchange controls, bilateral agreements, tax laws and repatriation of funds, often across multiple jurisdictions and time zones. This demands agility, foresight and the ability to operate in a highly international environment.
Technical expertise is a given. Finance professionals in aviation need a strong grounding in financial planning and analysis, treasury and liquidity management, regulatory compliance and data interpretation. The sector’s exposure to shocks – from fuel prices to geopolitical tensions – makes robust forecasting and risk management indispensable.
The ability to influence without authority is central to success
But soft skills are equally valued. ‘Stakeholder management, adaptability, curiosity and resilience are critical,’ Shahroz points out. ‘The airline sector is highly operational, and disruptions – whether due to weather, regulation or politics – are not uncommon. Finance professionals must respond quickly, maintain composure and support the business with timely solutions.’
This requires collaboration across a wide range of functions, from airport operations and engineering to procurement and global finance. The ability to influence without authority, communicate clearly and build trust across diverse teams is central to success.
Getting in and getting on
Finance careers in aviation are open to professionals from a range of backgrounds. Shahroz himself entered the sector after more than a decade in audit, advisory, banking and healthcare, including roles at KPMG and Citibank. What drew him was the scale, complexity and international exposure.
Employers typically look for candidates with strong commercial acumen, business partnering experience and the ability to navigate ambiguity. Audit, financial planning and treasury backgrounds are particularly valuable, especially when combined with international exposure.
No two days are the same, with constant strategic thinking required
Professional qualifications remain a cornerstone. Shahroz credits ACCA with shaping his career. ‘The qualification emphasises ethics, strategic insight and global relevance – all critical in aviation,’ he says. ‘The ACCA network and resources have also helped me stay updated with best practices and connected with peers across the profession.’
Aviation finance offers both professional and personal rewards. The scope of finance roles covers everything from cost optimisation and revenue management to enabling digital transformation and sustainability initiatives. No two days are the same, with external variables requiring constant strategic thinking.
Leadership launchpad
From a career perspective, aviation finance provides a launchpad for broader leadership roles. The mix of strategic, operational and technical expertise is highly transferable. Professionals often progress to regional or global finance leadership, commercial strategy, procurement or transformation roles. Growing opportunities also exist in digital finance, automation and sustainability projects, which are areas of increasing priority for airlines.
For many, the lifestyle benefits are also appealing. Global networking, cross-cultural exposure and travel opportunities come as part of the territory of an industry that connects people and economies worldwide.
The outlook for aviation finance is one of both challenge and opportunity. Airlines are investing in sustainability initiatives (such as low-carbon jet fuel), digital innovation and premiumisation. Emirates, for instance, posted a record full-year profit after tax of AED19.1bn (US$5.2bn) in the year to 31 March 2025, reflecting its successful premium strategy, extensive cabin retrofit programme, and network expansion despite ongoing fleet delivery constraints. Finance professionals will be central to funding and enabling such strategies and transformations.
‘It’s a challenging space, but the rewards are substantial’
‘What I enjoy most about the airline industry is the combination of scale, complexity and meaningful impact,’ Shahroz says. ‘Finance here is integral to the business and contributes to shaping the future of travel, from sustainability to digital efficiency. It’s a challenging space, but the rewards, both personal and professional, are substantial.’
For ACCA members and students seeking a career that blends technical rigour with strategic influence, global exposure and constant variety, aviation finance offers a compelling pathway. As the industry continues its recovery and reinvention, demand for skilled finance professionals who can combine analysis with agility, and control with commerciality, will remain strong.
More information
Read our interviews with Matt Dolphin FCCA, FD of Stansted Airport, and Shahnawaz Mirza FCCA, partner and aviation finance expert at Grant Thornton Dublin, and our article on airport development.
Visit the ACCA Careers website for news and advice on your next career move.
