HDI Global Belgium, the Belgian business of international commercial and industrial insurer HDI Global, has created a dedicated Aviation underwriting team to serve brokers and clients across the Benelux and Southern European markets.
Based in Brussels and led by Stijn Keppens, the new team sits within HDI Global’s Specialty aviation business and is intended to provide regional market access to the company’s wider aviation underwriting capabilities.
The team will combine local knowledge and multilingual service with the resources and expertise available through its international aviation network.
The Brussels operation forms part of HDI Global’s Aviation Centre of Excellence. According to the company, its underwriting activities will cover a broad range of general aviation business, including private and business aviation, flying clubs, flight schools, helicopter operations and unmanned aerial vehicles.
The team will also work with businesses involved in aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul, as well as airfields, hangarkeepers and other associated aviation risks. HDI Global said its regional structure is designed to respond to the requirements of both specialist aviation brokers and generalist brokers with smaller or developing aviation portfolios.
The new team will also address insurance requirements associated with developments across the aviation sector. These include fleet renewal, electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, alternative propulsion systems and other emerging aviation technologies.
“The launch of this team marks an important step in strengthening HDI’s specialist aviation capabilities across Europe,” commented Jamie Bowes, Global Head of Aviation at HDI Global. “By bringing together technical expertise, deep local market knowledge, multilingual service and HDI’s global aviation platform, we are well positioned to become a trusted long-term partner for brokers and aviation clients throughout the region.”
HDI Global said the establishment of the team further develops its broker-focused approach in the region. The company will use the new structure to develop specialist relationships while offering additional underwriting support to brokers seeking to expand or manage aviation-related business.
