Skyward Specialty launches aviation unit after Acceleration Aviation Underwriters’ deal

By David Bull

June 3 - (The Insurer) - U.S. carrier Skyward Specialty has entered the specialized aviation market with the launch of a new aviation underwriting unit, following its acquisition of the assets of Acceleration Aviation Underwriters.

In a statement confirming the launch of the unit, Skyward Specialty said it builds on a strategic partnership between the two companies initiated last year and marks a “bold step forward” in its growth strategy, leveraging technology and data-driven underwriting to expand into “highly specialized and underserved markets.”

Acceleration Aviation Underwriters founder Chris Jones said: “For the Acceleration team, this is the culmination of our decades long career, and I am very proud to join Skyward Specialty to see our legacy continue.

“With Skyward Specialty’s growth-driven strategy and our deep underwriting knowledge, we have the backing and scale to realize the full potential of our business. I am very excited to be part of this next phase in Acceleration’s future and establish Skyward Specialty’s place in the aviation market.”

In the statement, Skyward Specialty said it has gained a seasoned team of aviation experts with a proven track record of success in niche, underserved segments, representing an “ideal complement” to its focus on complex and hard-to-place risks.

The insurer’s chairman and CEO, Andrew Robinson, said: “Over the past couple of years, we have built a terrific relationship with the Acceleration team including as a program manager writing on behalf of Skyward Specialty. They’ve carved out a smart, sustainable niche, particularly in smaller, overlooked risks within the aviation market and we find this is fits well within our strategy.

“By combining their deep expertise with our advanced analytics and tech-enabled underwriting capabilities, we are well positioned to scale this business and strengthen our position in the aviation market. This integration further reflects our commitment to our strategy to invest in specialty markets where insights, precision and innovation drive lasting value.”