IUA urges legal reform to enable growth of aviation technologies

The International Underwriting Association (IUA), which represents London Market insurers and reinsurers, is urging legal reform to support the safe and effective introduction of next-generation aviation technologies.

The group says that while insurers are already developing new coverage solutions for innovations such as air taxis and drone delivery systems, progress depends on a clear, updated legal framework that gives confidence in the safety and accountability of these systems.

In its submission to a consultation by the Law Commission, the IUA emphasised the need for a robust regulatory structure, including a thorough certification process, to support both testing and commercial rollout of autonomous and remotely piloted aircraft.

Tom Hughes, the IUA’s Director of Underwriting, commented: “Insurers have a strong history of supporting the uptake of new technology, and our members are already embracing the growing use of unmanned aerial vehicles.

“Safety must be the paramount focus. Early-stage incidents could undermine public trust and deter insurers from participating in the market. A clear and enforceable regulatory regime will help mitigate risks and support the development of insurance products, whether through adaptation of existing policy wordings or the creation of new ones.”

The Law Commission’s review was launched following a request from the Civil Aviation Authority and the Department for Transport, aiming to assess whether existing laws are fit for autonomous flight. The IUA welcomed the move and highlighted that current aviation law—largely built around human pilot responsibility—needs to be revised to address the involvement of multiple stakeholders, including software developers and manufacturers.

The association stressed that legal certainty is vital for insurers to accurately assess risk. Without it, the potential for disputes increases, along with the likelihood of higher premiums.

The IUA also pointed to the rising influence of artificial intelligence in aviation, from aircraft control systems to air traffic management and predictive maintenance. It noted parallels with changes in the automotive industry, where liability rules are evolving in response to driverless technology.

Hughes added: “Software developers could bear responsibility for incidents that would previously have been attributed to human pilots. Product liability law must evolve to reflect the growing role of artificial intelligence in aircraft operation, air traffic management, route planning, weather forecasting, and maintenance.”

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