A recent UK High Court judgment has delivered a landmark decision for the aviation and insurance sectors as it ruled in favour of Western lessors seeking multi-billion dollar insurance payouts for aircraft stranded in Russia. Following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Russian airlines failed to return hundreds of leased aircraft, prompting a legal battle over 'war risk' and 'government perils' insurance claims.

Vedder Price partner Helen Biggin explains that the court’s findings, particularly on the proximate cause of loss, scope of insurance coverage, and application of the ‘grip of peril’ doctrine, set key precedents for lessors, insurers, and operators navigating politically unstable regions.

For aviation clients, this judgment underscores the critical importance of proactive risk management, careful policy interpretation, and documented repossession efforts when geopolitical events disrupt asset control. Read the full article in Corporate Jet Investor: HERE