The International Underwriting Association has called for legal reforms to support the safe development and insurance of emerging aviation technologies including air taxis and drone deliveries.

Responding to a Law Commission review of autonomous flight law, the IUA said insurers are already beginning to offer innovative cover for unmanned systems but need stronger legal foundations so as to accurately assess and price risk.

“Safety must be the paramount focus,” said Tom Hughes, the IUA’s director of underwriting. “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 IUA said the current legal framework, which centres on human pilot error, needs to be updated to reflect modern technological realities. It welcomed efforts to clarify liability and called for distinct responsibilities across operators, manufacturers and software developers.

“Software developers could bear responsibility for incidents that would previously have been attributed to human pilots,” Hughes added. “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.”


Pictured: The Volocopter VoloCity air taxi promises “whisper-quiet and emission-free” transit in the lower airspace, VanderWolf Images / Shutterstock.com


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