The trial of multi-billion dollar aviation insurance claims commenced today in the Commercial Court before Mr Justice Butcher. The trial is one of The Lawyer’s Top 20 trials of 2024.
The claims arise in the context of market-wide insurance litigation concerning the non-return of Western-owned aircraft by Russian airlines in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The present trial concerns claims for in excess of USD 3 billion by Lessor owners on their contingent and possessed insurance policies in relation to 145 aircraft on lease to Russian airlines at that time.
The Court has directed a concurrent trial of six actions brought by different Lessors, which is scheduled to last until Christmas.
David Railton KC, Simon Atrill KC, Ian Bergson and Joseph Leech act with various other counsel for a number of war risks insurers (including Lloyds Insurance Company SA), instructed by Kennedys Law LLP.
Akhil Shah KC, James Duffy KC, Nick Daly and Max Kasriel act for Tokio Marine Kiln and HDI Global Specialty in their war risks capacities, instructed by CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP.
James Cutress KC, Adam Sher, Simon Paul and Ian Bergson act for AIG Europe SA in its war risks capacity, instructed by Stephenson Harwood LLP.
Ben Lynch KC, Nathalie Koh and Daniel Schwennicke act with various other counsel for Chubb European Group SE, instructed by Clyde & Co LLP.
David Murray (led by Gavin Kealey KC of 7 King’s Bench Walk, and with various other counsel) acts for the HFW All Risks Insurers, instructed by Holman Fenwick Willan LLP.
A number of other members of Chambers have also been involved in different aspects of the case.
