ISTAT Jetrader - Winter 2021 - 11

company. It was the single largest M&A deal in TC history, and my team and I
worked tirelessly over many months to bring the transaction to fruition. I have been
on the board of ACG since 2017 and became the executive chair upon closure of the
acquisition at the end of 2019.
Jetrader: What part of your career best prepared you for your role as
executive chair an aircraft lessor?
MH: I have had the privilege of working with great professionals over the last
decade who have helped me gain knowledge and understanding of the complexities
and fascinating aspects of the aircraft leasing business. My prior career in banking
provided me with a strong finance background and a broad perspective on risk and
organizational management. Also, being a woman and having worked in various
cultural and organizational settings, I believe I have a deep understanding of the true
importance of diversity and hope to be a force in promoting diversity and inclusion
in aviation.
Jetrader: Your ACG base is California. How easily can you get back to family in
Tokyo or to the head office?
MH: The pandemic has unfortunately prohibited me from frequently traveling back
to Tokyo to see my family and colleagues. I am eagerly waiting for the quarantine
requirements in Japan to be lifted. Life here in Southern California is very much
family-oriented, so I do miss my family and friends, although it is a beautiful place
to live.
Jetrader: How do you feel being one of the most prominent women in the
aircraft leasing industry? What would you like to change in the industry?
MH: I wouldn't say I am the most prominent women in the industry since there are
other wonderful professional women who have had successes in the industry over
a longer period of time. It is also true, however, that the industry has for a long
time been male-dominated. Although the situation has improved over recent years,
we do need to make continuous efforts at both the company level and the industry
level to remove unconscious biases
( " airplanes are for boys " ) and elevate
women based purely on merit. ACG
is fortunate to have some extremely
talented women who are passionate
about aviation and excel in their
roles, so it makes me optimistic that
women will become a key part of our
industry's future. Also, there are now
organizations pushing these efforts
forward across the industry, and I am
fully supportive.
Jetrader: How do you view diversity and inclusion within the global aircraft
industry, and particularly in Japan?
MH: One of the reasons that it has been difficult for women to advance within an
organization in Japan is because Japanese companies have traditionally required
people to experience a variety of jobs within an organization (to be a " generalist " ),
often times working in different locations/countries in order to advance into a
management role. This has not been easy for women, since it makes it difficult
to plan a family life while also pursuing a career. I have always felt that Japanese
companies need more " true professionals " in a given field in order to compete in a
fast-changing competitive world, and
it is generally much easier for women
to excel as professionals rather than
generalists. In this respect, the global
aviation industry provides a perfect
opportunity to excel, as one can focus
on becoming a professional in the
field, whether it be on the engineering/
technical, financial, marketing side of
the business or otherwise. At Tokyo
Century, a position in the aviation
division is now one of the most
popular for female college graduates
to apply for when seeking a job with
the company.
Needless to say, the aviation
industry is truly borderless, and it is
essential for companies to engage
people of different backgrounds and
with diverse perspectives in order to
remain competitive.
Jetrader: What is your view on the
recovery of the airline industry?
MH: COVID-19 variants have
unfortunately delayed the recovery
of air traffic. Although we are seeing
strong recovery in some parts of the
world (e.g., United States, China,
Europe, Mexico), it may take a while
longer for markets such as Southeast
Although the situation has improved over recent
years, we do need to make continuous efforts at both the
company and industry level to remove unconscious biases
and elevate women based purely on merit.
Asia to recover. So, overall, I think
the recovery will be along the lines of
what the International Air Transport
Association is projecting, which is early
2023 for domestic and short-haul and
2024 for long-haul travel. Airlines,
lessors and OEMs all play a vital role
in the recovery of the industry, so we
will have to continue to work together
Jetrader * WIN TER 2021 * 11
ISTAT Jetrader - Winter 2021

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