Canopius offers new capacity in aviation reinsurance launch

Speciality insurer and reinsurer Canopius has entered the aviation reinsurance market after appointing Andrew Hartley from Axis Capital. Canopius said it launches the new line “with the ambition to quickly establish it as a lead market”. It will initially write non-proportional aviation reinsurance.

Alois Rouffiac, UK chief underwriting officer and active underwriter, said the aviation reinsurance market is “primed for new entrants” offering new capacity after a difficult few years.

Hartley has been named head of aviation treaty, London. He joins Canopius from Axis Capital, where he was head of aviation.

Rouffiac said: “Andrew is a recognised leader in the aviation reinsurance market. He brings exceptional experience and is the ideal candidate to launch our new aviation treaty class to complement our reinsurance offering.”

Hartley said: “[Canopius] has firmly established itself as a Lloyd’s market leader, with deep technical understanding of risk and a strong reputation across underwriting classes. Canopius are committed to building an aviation business for the long term and I am looking forward to working with the team to realise the significant opportunities in the market.”