Chad is the editor of AINalerts, AIN's daily business aviation newsletter, and is also the news editor at AIN Media Group.&nbsp;He has been writing about aviation, with an emphasis on business aviation, since 1994. Chad started his writing career at The Avion,&nbsp;the&nbsp;student newspaper at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, serving as editor-in-chief before graduating with a bachelor's in aeronautical science. After a stint as managing editor at Professional Pilot&nbsp;magazine, he joined&nbsp;AIN in late 1998. Chad holds a commercial pilot certificated with instrument and multi-engine ratings, and he also is a CFI/CFII. He lives and works from his home in Venice, Florida.

Online Editor

Chad Trautvetter

The aircraft insurance market has swung from a soft to hard market “in just a few short months,” according to Matt Drummelsmith of Aviation Specialty Insurance. “What was once a process of sourcing competitive quotes from several carriers has now turned into a matter of hoping the incumbent carrier doesn’t pass off an unjust rate increase.”

 


Aircraft operators should expect to see their insurance rates rise at renewal, he said, noting universal increases ranging from 5 percent to 30 percent or more, with loss history, industry, and aircraft type among the factors affecting where policyholders will fall within that range. These increases are the result of “massive losses—in both severity and frequency—in a short stretch of time,” including the East River helicopter crash, Grand Canyon helicopter tour incident, Leicester City corporate helicopter accident, and Lion Air Boeing 737 crash this year.

 


“The vast majority of aviation operators are safe and accident free, which makes it a harder conversation when explaining their rate increases,” Drummelsmith explained. “However, at this point, we have an industry issue, not an individual policyholder issue. It’s like a town or community coming together to support a common cause.”

Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

Broker: Aircraft Insurance Rates To Climb 5% to 30%

A recent spate of accidents has turned the aircraft insurance market from soft to hard in just a few months. Expect rate increases, said one broker.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Charles Alcock

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

AIA chief warns budget swings still threaten suppliers

U.S. Aerospace Chases Supply-chain Stability

Amy Wilder

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Transition involved nearly 100 aircraft since early 2024

Wheels Up Fleet Transition Completed Early by 5x5

Matt Thurber

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

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Dutch start-up failed to raise the €20 million it needed to continue

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New Series C investment to support 2027 certification goal

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