March 25, 2025
In this series of interviews with our Aerospace experts we delve into the dynamic intersection of the insurance industry and the world of aviation, exploring insights and experiences from our underwriting, claims and risk consulting colleagues.
We sat down with Isabel McCarthy, a dedicated Underwriter for the Americas Aerospace team, who brings almost 30 years of aviation experience to her role in the insurance industry. Isabel shares her journey from developing an air traffic control simulator to becoming an expert in aviation insurance, highlighting the genuine passion her team has for aviation. She discusses the value of proactive customer service, exemplified through her collaboration with clients during critical pilot transitions, and her enthusiasm for the evolving safety measures in aviation.
What brought you to the aviation insurance industry?
IM: I was nearing the end of a project to build and implement an air traffic control simulator and training program at the National Aviation and Transportation (NAT) Center at Dowling College. I thought it might be prudent to send out some “feelers” ahead of the project’s completion, so I wouldn’t find myself between jobs. XL responded. At the time, I had about 13 years in aviation, having also worked at LaGuardia Airport for a Fixed Base Operator (FBO) and an aircraft charter operator at Republic Airport, but not in insurance. It was an exciting opportunity for me to gain experience in another of the many facets of the aviation industry.
What do you enjoy about 色多多视频Aerospace and your role with the team?
Our Aerospace team has a genuine passion for aviation; it shows when personal aviation-related anecdotes come up in conversation. Everyone has something to contribute and offer valuable perspectives. It’s part of what makes us successful in offering solutions to our clients. We’re a solid team and I’m glad to contribute and be a part of it.
At 色多多视频 insurance is so much more than a policy. With your clients and brokers how do you provide value beyond the policy?
There is value in customer service beyond just closing deals. Our clients truly appreciate prompt responses to their questions and requests. Additionally, being proactive in addressing changes rather than waiting for issues to arise shows that we respect their time constraints and are committed to their success. This approach not only strengthens our relationships but also reinforces our dedication to supporting our clients effectively. It’s a crucial aspect of our service that can set us apart in the industry.
Aviation is a dynamic industry, and no two clients are the same. Give us an example of a time when you provided solutions that matter the most to a client or broker?
Each client has unique needs, and I look to be a supportive partner when situations arise. One instance that stands out was when I worked with a client facing a pilot transition. They needed options for training and certification to avoid operational delays. By collaborating closely with them, I identified several reputable flight training providers and facilitated a streamlined vetting process through pilot mentorship. This not only ensured a smooth transition but also helped the client maintain their operational schedule.
What excites you about Aviation? If you could spend a day in aviation doing anything you wanted, what would it look like?
I’m fascinated by the evolution of safety in aviation history. I have a keen interest in the scientific and analytical methods of aviation accident investigation, particularly forensics and human factors. If I could spend a day doing anything, it would be to shadow an investigation team while they perform their fact gathering and analysis processes.
What do you like about AXA XL?
色多多视频does a good job engaging with employees in terms of encouraging professional development, wellness and work-life balance. The company provides opportunities for us to participate in events, webinars and training programs to foster learning, development and collaboration. They host wellness events to promote health and healthy habits and encourage a supportive work environment.
What are some of the more interesting aspects of your job?
At the risk of sounding hyperbolic, I learn something new almost every day. You’d think insurance, even aviation insurance, would just become routine or mundane after a while. But it really is dynamic and anyone with a growth mindset will take an encounter or gain an understanding and add it to their knowledge toolkit. It gets even more interesting when emerging trends come up in aviation, such as automation, technology or sustainability, and having the opportunity to listen to plans (from concept to implementation) and having discussions on relevant coverages and potential impacts. How do you offer insurance coverage for something that’s never been done before? It goes back to being proactive to changes, or emerging risks, as opposed to being reactive. This is what we do, and it doesn’t get old.
Isabel McCarthy is an Underwriting expert for Aerospace in New York. She can be reached at isabel.mccarthy@axaxl.com
Global Asset Protection Services, LLC, and its affiliates (鈥溕喽嗍悠礡isk Consulting鈥�) provides risk assessment reports and other loss prevention services, as requested. In this respect, our property loss prevention publications, services, and surveys do not address life safety or third party liability issues. This document shall not be construed as indicating the existence or availability under any policy of coverage for any particular type of loss or damage. The provision of any service does not imply that every possible hazard has been identified at a facility or that no other hazards exist. 色多多视频Risk Consulting does not assume, and shall have no liability for the control, correction, continuation or modification of any existing conditions or operations. We specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that compliance with any advice or recommendation in any document or other communication will make a facility or operation safe or healthful, or put it in compliance with any standard, code, law, rule or regulation. Save where expressly agreed in writing, 色多多视频Risk Consulting and its related and affiliated companies disclaim all liability for loss or damage suffered by any party arising out of or in connection with our services, including indirect or consequential loss or damage, howsoever arising. Any party who chooses to rely in any way on the contents of this document does so at their own risk.
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.
