Interview with a contemporary witness
How long have you been with Delvag and what has your career path with us looked like so far?
I've been with Delvag since 2003, so 21 years. My career path has been different than usual. Many underwriters start in the "general aviation" area, i.e. with the smaller aircraft, to learn the "basics" of aviation insurance and later switch to the "fleet area“, i.e. the area in which airlines are insured. For me, it was the other way around.
What are your tasks and the tasks of your department?
We mainly insure small private aircrafts - including those used for sport flying. However, we also often insure small business jets from medium-sized companies. One of our larger customers operates a fleet of ambulance jets. These are aircrafts that are specially equipped for medical purposes and are used to transport patients from abroad.
Has there been an insurance case in recent years that has particularly stuck in your memory?
When the war in Ukraine broke out, one of our customers wanted to take action and fly relief supplies to Ukraine on his private plane. However, the transportation of goods to a crisis region was excluded from his insurance coverage. We wanted to support his project at all costs. After checking the customer's planned destination airports, we agreed on an airport in Poland near the Ukrainian border, and that the aircraft would fly back immediately after unloading. The relief supplies were then transported by road from the airport in Poland to Ukraine. In this way, we were able to support the project while keeping the risk for the pilot and ourselves manageable.
What challenges is your department likely to face in the coming years?
It is often predicted that the general aviation market will decline in the future. However, we see a rather contrary trend here, as it is not only aspects such as sustainability factors and high kerosene prices that play an important role in the development of the market. On the contrary, we are seeing an increase in the number of private aircrafts. The rising number was particularly noticeable in times of high inflation rates. We assume that this is due to the fact that private aircraft are often bought as an investment, as they are very stable in price - provided they are well maintained and serviced. Over a few years, there is hardly any loss in value or in some cases even an increase in value. The demand for certain models is simply greater than the supply at the moment.
What is special about Delvag compared to other insurers?
What makes Delvag special is that it is part of the Lufthansa Group. This gives us a closer connection to aviation than other insurers. This captive function makes us special and was the reason for me to come to Delvag.
Another advantage is that we are a relatively small insurer. We still have a very informal atmosphere and everyone knows everyone else. Interpersonal relationships are very strong here and the working methods are very progressive. During the pandemic, we were technically well-equipped and well-networked. The working environment and the opportunity to work from home anywhere in Germany is a great benefit for me.
What advice would you give to young colleagues?
At Delvag, you always have the opportunity to develop yourself further and get a taste of different departments and areas. This is very much encouraged here. That's why I always advise our apprentices to stay with Delvag even if they are not taken on directly by their preferred department. There are still plenty of development opportunities with us afterwards.
Thank you very much for the interview, Jörg.
The interview was held by Tamara Gmelin, Corporate Communications.