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Survey Report

Insurance Marketplace Realities 2026 – Aviation & space

October 2, 2025

The aviation and space insurance market faces pressure from rising claims, inflation, and geopolitical uncertainty. Rate increases are widespread, but capacity remains available with oversight.
Aerospace
N/A
Rate predictions: Aviation & Space
Favorable risks Challenging risks
Airline Hull & Liability +10% to +15% +15% and up
Airline Hull War -5% to -10% Flat
Airline Excess War Liability -5% to Flat -5% to Flat
Aircraft Lessors & Banks -5% to Flat +5% to +10%
Products Manufacturers & Service Providers -5% to Flat Flat to +5%
Airports -5% to Flat Flat to +5%
General Aviation Hull & Liability Flat +5% to +10%
General Aviation Hull War Flat +5% to +10%

Key takeaway

The insurance market is facing a period of heightened pressure as profitability is challenged by rising claims, inflation and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty. Rate increases are becoming more widespread as insurers seek sustainable pricing, while capacity overall remains available but under closer management oversight. Competitive dynamics still exist in certain areas, with some organizations able to achieve stable or reduced terms, but this is balanced against the potential for volatility if further large industry losses emerge. Broader economic trends, including inflation and higher asset values, are driving up repair and replacement costs, while liability awards are becoming more severe. At the same time, insurers are adopting new technologies and structures to refine risk assessment but they are also subject to greater internal scrutiny, making underwriting decisions more cautious. To secure the best outcomes, organizations should engage early, present clear risk data and approach negotiations strategically to maintain access to capacity.

  • Due to the volume and size of recent major claims, it is expected that all insurers will struggle for profitability in 2024 / 2025.
  • Rating increases have become widespread across all airline renewals irrespective of risk profile.
  • Healthy market capacity competing for share on airline renewals and unit cost advantages possible for airlines with strong exposure growth and positive claims performance.

  • Abundant capacity creating downward pricing pressure
  • Double-digit rate reduction now achievable depending on context (e.g., scale, geography)
  • The geo-political environment remains challenging with the on-going conflicts

  • Market conditions continue to stabilize, and signs of marketplace competition are returning to this class.
  • The impact of sanctions on Russia remains unresolved. Although the Butcher report was released over two months ago and many hoped it would provide clarity, the judgment applied only to a handful of lessors and a limited proportion of the aircraft withheld.
  • There are more court cases still pending in various U.S. states for which the Judgement from the English Commercial Court may not influence, so an entirely different allocation may occur.
  • However, we are seeing insurers release their Q2 or H1 figures and many are showing deteriorated numbers now that their share of the Russia/Ukraine withheld aircraft losses are being accounted for.

  • The market for product manufacturers & service providers remains generally healthy, with strong capacity supporting competitive pricing, multiyear deals and facility structures that improve efficiency for both insurers and insureds.
  • Exposure levels have risen back to pre-COVID activity, driven by high demand in air travel and aircraft manufacturing, though premiums haven't increased at the same pace due to ample market capacity.
  • At the same time, insurers are integrating new technologies like AI and data analytics to enhance underwriting and risk management.
  • These factors create a more complex landscape where aerospace companies must engage proactively with insurers.

  • Overall industry loss events continue to impact the broader portfolio in aviation and reinsurance.
  • Though airports remain stable, those large industry losses may spill over to the airport space and impact on the rating and capacity levels over time.
  • Events like the beginning of 2025 initially place a spotlight on aviation and airports in particular.

  • The major losses occurring in the Airline sector in 2025 have not yet impacted the General Aviation sector, where competitive capacity is still abundant in the market.
  • Insurers are now looking to grow their portfolio with well-managed general aviation risks having a profitable loss record, experienced pilots and a strong safety culture.

  • When obtaining space insurance, insureds should consider three factors: capacity requirements, premium rating and coverage criteria.
  • Insurer appetite varies for each risk and is manifested through these three variables.
  • The amount of insurance available in the market has stabilized in 2025 following reductions in 2023 and 2024.

Disclaimer

WTW hopes you found the general information provided here informative and helpful. The information contained herein is not intended to constitute legal or other professional advice and should not be relied upon in lieu of consultation with your own legal advisors. In the event you would like more information regarding your insurance coverage, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. In North America, WTW offers insurance products through licensed entities, including Willis Towers Watson Northeast, Inc. (in the United States) and Willis Canada Inc. (in Canada).

Contact


Jason Saunders
Head of Global Aviation & Space – U.S.

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