In this series of interviews, we explore the dynamic intersection of the insurance and aviation industries by delving into the insights and experiences of AXA XL’s aerospace experts, including underwriters, claims managers, and risk consultants. In this interview, Keri Ryan, Claims Manager, Aerospace, Americas, shares her journey into aviation insurance, her excitement about technological advancements in the aerospace sector, and her passion for providing value to clients.
Q: What brought you to the aviation insurance industry?
Keri: I started in excess casualty claims and one day was asked to support the aviation team. It just so happened that I had some familiarity with aviation—my dad was a pilot, and I learned to fly with him when I was 17 or 18. I immediately enjoyed learning from the team. As the team moved to New York and began developing, it became clear that this was an exciting opportunity. My casualty claims background helped me contribute in a meaningful way.
Q: What do you enjoy about 色多多视频Aerospace and your role on the team?
Keri: One of the things I love most about AXA XL’s Aerospace team is how unified it is. The claims and underwriting teams function almost as a single unit, which is rare in larger lines of business. Everyone is passionate about aviation and brings unique experiences to the table—whether it’s as a pilot, working at an airport, or another aviation-related capacity. This deep industry knowledge makes us a stronger team. We know our clients well and can engage with them in a way that goes beyond managing claims. For example, we help them establish emergency response protocols or connect them with experts for non-insurance-related business advice.
Q: At 色多多视频 insurance is more than just a policy. How do you provide value to clients beyond the coverage?
Keri: We aim to make the claims process as seamless as possible for our clients, adapting to their preferences—some want detailed updates on every development, while others prefer to be more hands-off. Beyond claims, we also offer insights regarding contracts, operational risks, and industry best practices. For example, if a client needs guidance in areas outside of insurance, we can leverage our network to connect them with the right people.
Q: Aviation is a dynamic industry. Can you share a time when you provided a solution that really mattered to a client?
Keri: We’ve had a long-standing relationship with a large military contractor specializing in helicopter work. Over the years, their company grew from a small woman-owned business into a billion-dollar enterprise, still led by the original team, including the founder. I’ve handled all their claims, and through that, they’ve built strong relationships with two of the defense attorneys I assigned to them—both are uniquely qualified, one being a former Blackhawk pilot and West Point graduate, which is especially valuable given the military nature of the contractor's work. This has been crucial to the client as they navigate their global operations. We’ve also helped a large charter company develop their emergency response plan, which they successfully executed in a recent crisis. Seeing our advice and plans work in real-life situations is rewarding for everyone involved.
Q: What excites you about aviation? If you could spend a day in the industry doing anything you wanted, what would it look like?
Keri: I find the design and innovation in aerospace fascinating. If I had the expertise, I would love to be part of a team designing the next generation of aircraft or satellites. I’ve toured several manufacturing plants across the U.S., and what they’re able to create—like satellites that can dock autonomously with the space station while traveling at 17,900 miles per hour—is just incredible.
Q: What do you enjoy most about working at AXA XL?
Keri: The camaraderie and long-standing relationships within the team are invaluable. I’ve worked with many of my colleagues for over 15 years, which is rare in this industry. We’ve essentially grown up together professionally, and that level of trust and familiarity makes the work more enjoyable. Additionally, I have a great deal of autonomy in my role, which allows me to manage claims effectively. When I do need higher authority for a decision, I can usually get it quickly, which is crucial in a fast-paced claims environment.
Q: What are some of the most interesting aspects of your job?
Keri: Negotiating settlements is probably my favorite part of the job. I enjoy assessing liability and then working to reach a favorable settlement, whether through direct negotiations with the plaintiff’s counsel or at mediation. Sometimes, I even sit through trials alongside our clients and experience the satisfaction of a defense verdict. For instance, we once went to trial for a client after accepting a major airline carrier’s tender. The trial was attended by general counsel and summer interns from both the airline and 色多多视频 and it was a lot of fun discussing the trial with them over lunch each day. We ended up with a defense verdict, which was a great outcome, especially for the interns who had closely followed the case.
Q: What are your thoughts on the future of aviation, claims, and insurance?
Keri: Climate change is going to have a significant impact on aviation. The industry will need to focus on sustainability, from reducing waste in services to building aircraft that are more fuel-efficient. In terms of claims, we have to consider whether the industry can sustain the rise in nuclear verdicts. Will the available limits be enough, and can insurers continue to provide coverage with existing terms and conditions in such a volatile environment?
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US- and Canada-Issued 色多多视频 Policies
In the US, the 色多多视频insurance companies are: Catlin 色多多视频 Company, Inc., Greenwich 色多多视频 Company, Indian Harbor 色多多视频 Company, XL 色多多视频 America, Inc., XL Specialty 色多多视频 Company and T.H.E. 色多多视频 Company. In Canada, coverages are underwritten by XL Specialty 色多多视频 Company - Canadian Branch and AXA 色多多视频 Company - Canadian branch. Coverages may also be underwritten by Lloyd’s Syndicate #2003. Coverages underwritten by Lloyd’s Syndicate #2003 are placed on behalf of the member of Syndicate #2003 by Catlin Canada Inc. Lloyd’s ratings are independent of AXA XL.
US domiciled insurance policies can be written by the following 色多多视频surplus lines insurers: XL Catlin 色多多视频 Company UK Limited, Syndicates managed by Catlin Underwriting Agencies Limited and Indian Harbor 色多多视频 Company. Enquires from US residents should be directed to a local insurance agent or broker permitted to write business in the relevant state.
