Bishop Street Underwriters, owned by RedBird Capital Partners, has strategically entered the aviation insurance market by acquiring Aerospace Insurance Managers (AIM). This acquisition represents a significant expansion of the group’s managing general agent (MGA) platform, enabling the company to offer specialized personal aviation insurance products across the U.S. The move positions Bishop Street in a growing niche market and enhances its underwriting capabilities.
Building the Bishop Street MGA Platform with Aviation Expertise
The acquisition of AIM strengthens Bishop Street’s differentiated MGA platform, known for its tailored underwriting and disciplined risk selection. Entering the general aviation segment—a market with unique risk profiles and specialized insurance needs—allows the group to diversify its specialty lines. AIM brings decades of aviation insurance experience, providing aircraft hull, aircraft liability, and airport liability coverage to clients including private pilots, hangar owners, flight schools, charter operators, fixed-base operators (FBOs), and municipal airports across 47 states.
How Bishop Street Enhances AIM’s Capabilities and Reach
Post-acquisition, AIM will continue to operate under its established brand but with full access to the group’s capital, infrastructure, and strategic resources. This partnership aims to improve underwriting efficiency, broaden distribution channels, and elevate customer service quality. AIM’s 16-person team, led by Vice Presidents Sean Kelley (Chief Underwriting Officer) and Randy Kasen (Business Development and Operations), will remain in place to ensure service continuity and sustained client relationships.
Bishop Street Leadership Collaboration Signals Growth and Alignment
Sean Kelley expressed optimism about the acquisition:
“AIM is entering a new phase, empowered by access to Bishop Street’s strategic partners and capital. This alliance strengthens our capabilities, broadens our reach, and enables business growth while maintaining top-tier service.”
Randy Kasen highlighted the cultural fit and shared vision:
“The group offers a strong foundation for specialist operators like us, with access to greater resources and growth opportunities. Their commitment to innovation aligns perfectly with AIM’s goals for the future.”
Their comments emphasize the mutual benefits and future growth potential created by the Bishop Street-AIM partnership.
Bishop Street’s Strategic Focus on Specialty and Aviation Markets
Bishop Street’s acquisition of AIM reflects a broader trend of MGAs and specialty insurers expanding into high-margin, underserved niche markets. The general aviation insurance sector requires specialized underwriting knowledge and localized market insight—strengths that AIM brings to the group’s platform. RedBird Capital Partners’ backing supports the group’s expansion into tech-enabled, scalable insurance solutions, creating a diversified specialty underwriting portfolio attractive to brokers, investors, and reinsurers.
Market Impact and Bishop Street’s Enhanced Position
With AIM integrated, Bishop Street solidifies its position as a more diversified, agile specialty insurer. The acquisition provides:
Proven distribution networks across nearly all U.S. states
Experienced underwriting professionals
Specialty insurance lines with steady demand
Greater geographic reach and client diversification
For AIM, the partnership grants access to capital, operational efficiencies, and business development opportunities that fuel sustainable growth.
This deal underscores the group’s ambition to lead in specialized markets requiring focused underwriting and client-centric service.
Conclusion: Bishop Street’s Strategic Leap into Aviation Insurance
Bishop Street’s acquisition of Aerospace Insurance Managers is a strategic move combining its capital strength and MGA platform with AIM’s aviation insurance expertise. Together, they are poised to deliver innovative, customized insurance solutions tailored for the growing personal and general aviation markets in the U.S.
As the demand for aviation insurance expands—driven by recreational pilots, charter operators, and evolving aviation infrastructure—this partnership is well-positioned to shape the future of specialty aviation insurance with agility, expertise, and client-focused innovation.
