AIM and HDI Global Expand into California's Aviation Insurance Market

CHICAGO, Jan. 20, 2026 – Aerospace Insurance Managers (AIM), a prominent aviation managing general agent (MGA), and international insurer HDI Global Insurance Company have officially launched an expansion into California, bringing increased capacity and new product offerings to one of the nation’s largest and most complex general aviation markets.

The move, announced today, licenses AIM to provide aviation coverage throughout the state, backed by HDI’s A+ rated financial strength. This strategic entry aims to serve a wide spectrum of the aviation community, from private pilots to municipal airports, signaling a significant reinforcement of the companies' U.S. market position.

Navigating a Competitive and Complex Landscape

California represents a critical, yet challenging, territory for aviation insurers. The state boasts one of the highest numbers of registered aircraft and pilots in the country, with a general aviation sector that is a vital economic engine. However, this vibrant activity takes place within a uniquely demanding risk environment. The market is already served by a host of established, specialized brokers and carriers, creating a highly competitive landscape.

Insurers entering the Golden State must contend with more than just competition. The region's unique geography and climate present substantial operational risks. Frequent and intense wildfire seasons lead to widespread Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs), airport closures, and hazardous visibility conditions from smoke. Aircraft operating in these conditions face increased maintenance demands from ash and particulate contamination, adding another layer of risk.

Furthermore, California’s dense airspace, particularly in the corridors around major metropolitan centers like Los Angeles and the Bay Area, elevates the potential for accidents and liability claims. The state’s regulatory environment, overseen by the California Department of Insurance (CDI), includes specific statutes such as the Uniform Aircraft Financial Responsibility Act, which can mandate proof of financial responsibility following an accident. Many airports also impose their own distinct and often stringent insurance requirements for tenants and operators, creating a complex compliance puzzle that demands specialized expertise.

A Strategic Alliance Takes Flight

The California expansion is a deliberate and calculated step in the strategic partnership formed between AIM and HDI Global in June 2024. The collaboration was designed to leverage AIM's specialized underwriting expertise and extensive broker network with HDI’s formidable financial capacity and global reach. With this latest move, AIM now writes business in 48 states through a network of more than 150 brokers and agents.

This synergy is central to HDI’s North American growth strategy. “Our continued partnership with AIM fits perfectly into our U.S. market strategy,” said Marco Hensel, Chief Underwriting Officer at HDI Global Insurance Company. “As a trusted partner in transformation, we are expanding our coverage footprint and are offering clients holistic, innovative solutions to meet their evolving insurance needs.”

By entering California, the partners are not just planting a flag in a new territory; they are providing local brokers and agents with a new, robustly capitalized alternative. This gives them greater flexibility and capacity to place coverage for a wide range of aviation risks, from single-engine pleasure craft to complex commercial charter operations.

New Coverage for a Diverse Aviation Community

AIM and HDI are rolling out a comprehensive suite of products designed to address the specific needs of California’s diverse aviation ecosystem. The offerings focus on aircraft hull, aircraft liability, and airport liability coverage. The target clientele includes owners of small aircraft flown for pleasure or business, hangar owners, Fixed Base Operators (FBOs), private and municipal airports, as well as flight schools and charter operators.

The expansion promises to deliver not just policies, but localized support and underwriting consistency. This is a crucial differentiator in a market where responsiveness and deep industry knowledge are highly valued. By establishing a direct presence, AIM aims to better serve its existing broker relationships while building new ones.

“Entering in California allows AIM to directly support one of the largest and most active aviation markets in the country,” stated Randy Kasen, Vice President of Business Development and Operations at Aerospace Insurance Managers. “It strengthens our ability to serve existing brokers and agents, respond quickly to local needs, and deliver consistent underwriting support across the region. This launch expands our national footprint and reinforces our long-term commitment to the aviation community.”

Fueled by Acquisition and Long-Term Vision

This expansion is also the first major strategic initiative for AIM following its acquisition by Bishop Street Underwriters on July 1, 2025. Bishop Street, a portfolio company of private investment firm RedBird Capital Partners, acquired AIM to serve as its platform for entering the aviation insurance sector. The acquisition provided AIM with significantly enhanced resources, infrastructure, and the robust financial backing of RedBird, which manages approximately $12 billion in assets.

The move into California demonstrates the tangible results of this new ownership structure. It reflects a multi-faceted growth strategy built on three pillars: the foundational partnership with HDI, the financial and strategic power gained from the Bishop Street acquisition, and now, aggressive organic expansion into a key market. This “triple play” positions AIM not just as an MGA, but as a rapidly growing national player with a clear, well-funded vision for the future. The combined strength of AIM's underwriting team, HDI's capacity, and Bishop Street's strategic backing creates a formidable competitor poised for sustained growth in the specialized U.S. aviation insurance sector.