Swiss Re Corporate Solutions at the forefront of aviation safety

NEW YORK, Oct. 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Swiss Re Corporate Solutions signs an agreement with prominent aviation flight simulation and training companies, CAE and Aviation Performance Solutions (APS). The agreement allows General Aviation clients based in North America to increase aviation safety through a combination of an advanced training program and financial incentives embedded into the insurance purchase. The program will be rolled out globally in 2014.

The advanced training program, addressing loss of control in-flight, has been developed by APS, a world leader in upset prevention and recovery training (UPRT), and CAE, a leading provider of full-flight simulation training. Both companies have been collaborating to provide UPRT for business and commercial aircraft pilots.

Paul O'Ryan, Head General Aviation Americas at Swiss Re Corporate Solutions, comments: "The partners in this innovative initiative are each recognized as experts and industry leaders in their fields, similar to Swiss Re Corporate Solutions in commercial insurance. Combining our talents and global reach, we can elevate the importance of advanced training within the aviation industry to help mitigate fatal accidents."

Loss of control in-flight refers to incidents outside of the normal flight procedures that lead to an inability of the pilot to regain control of the aircraft. By focusing on its prevention, Swiss Re Corporate Solutions is launching a program that specifically addresses one of the leading causes of passenger fatalities in general aviation.

As an incentive, Swiss Re Corporate Solutions will offer premium credits to qualifying General Aviation clients, which can be used towards the price of the training courses. Both CAE and APS have discounted these courses especially for participants in this program.

"This initiative is at the leading edge of flight safety and, ultimately, passenger safety as government regulators in the United States, Canada and Europe are developing requirements to mandate this type of training program for pilots. Not only is this important for the aviation industry but it also directly reduces frequency of losses within the insurance industry," adds Mr. O'Ryan.

Nick Leontidis, CAE Group President, Civil Simulation Products, Training and Services, says: "CAE has been championing advanced training courses for years as a way to increase safety. Pilots who have taken our UPRT program have said that this is one of the most valuable manual flying training programs they have ever received. We are pleased to participate with Swiss Re Corporate Solutions and APS in a program that endorses innovative training."

Paul BJ Ransbury, President of APS, former airline pilot and military instructor, comments: "For more than 15 years, APS has been educating the aviation community on loss of control in-flight and providing cutting-edge strategies to reduce this risk and increase safety of flight. It is a privilege to partner with Swiss Re Corporate Solutions and CAE, both forward-thinking organizations motivated by the same genuine interest in improving flight safety and expanding the availability of our unique training services to more pilots worldwide."

For more details about the advanced safety training program, please visit www.swissre.com/aviation_safety.

About Swiss Re Corporate Solutions
Swiss Re Corporate Solutions offers innovative, high-quality insurance capacity to mid-sized and large multinational corporations across the globe. Our offerings range from standard risk transfer covers and multi -line programmes, to highly customised solutions tailored to the needs of our clients. Swiss Re Corporate Solutions serves customers from over 40 offices worldwide and is backed by the financial strength of the Swiss Re Group. For more information about Swiss Re Corporate Solutions, please visit www.swissre.com/corporatesolutions or follow us on Twitter @SwissRe_CS.

About CAE
CAE is a global leader in modelling, simulation and training for civil aviation and defense. The company employs approximately 8,000 people at more than 100 sites and training locations in approximately 30 countries. CAE offers civil aviation, military and helicopter training services in more than 45 locations worldwide and trains approximately 100,000 crew members yearly. The company applies simulation expertise and operational experience to help customers enhance safety, improve efficiency, maintain readiness and solve challenging problems. More information can be found at www.cae.com. Follow CAE on Twitter @CAE_Inc.

About Aviation Performance Solutions
Aviation Performance Solutions (APS) offers specialized advanced flight training to professional pilots of general aviation, corporate and government entities around the world. Our core focus is comprehensive loss of control in-flight mitigation via innovative web-based academic instruction, piston and jet on-aircraft upset prevention and recovery training, and full flight simulator training programs.  APS has trained more pilots than any other organization in extensive upset recovery skill development and is the only Part 141 flight school certified in the delivery of complete upset recovery, stall/spin and instrument recovery training courses.  Currently located in Arizona, Texas and the Netherlands, APS continues to expand accessibility to clients seeking best-in-class industry/regulatory-compliant specialty training. More information can be found at www.apstraining.com. Follow APS on Twitter @apstraining.

SOURCE Swiss Re Corporate Solutions