The beleaguered aviation market is expected to be hit with further large losses following the tragic crash of a Gulf Air jet last week.

The Airbus A320 crashed into the Persian Gulf on Wednesday with the loss of 143 lives, just four weeks after the Air France Concorde accident. The Gulf Air crash is the eighth fatal air accident this year.

Aviation broker Willis estimates the hull loss at £24m but has no information on compensation being paid to the families of the plane's deceased passengers.

Ace global markets division is the lead insurer in the London market for the Gulf Air plane.

Figures show hull losses reached a record high in 1999, although casualties at 512 were at their lowest for several years. Losses outstripped premiums in the aviation market by £310m in 1999.


The 2025 Insurance Times Awards took place on the evening of Wednesday 3rd December in the iconic Great Room of London’s Grosvenor House.

Hosted by comedian and actor Tom Allen, 34 Gold, 23 Silver and 22 Bronze awards were handed out across an amazing 34 categories recognising brilliance and innovation right across the breadth of UK general insurance.
Many congratulations to all the worthy winners and as always, huge thanks to our sponsors for their support and our judges for their expertise.

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