October 21, 2025
In this series of interviews, we explore the dynamic intersection of the insurance and aviation industries by delving into the insights and experiences of AXA XL’s aerospace experts, including underwriters, claims managers, and risk consultants. In this interview, Mark Sacco, Executive Underwriter, Aviation, Americas, shares his journey into aviation insurance, his excitement about technological advancements in the aerospace sector, and his passion for providing value to clients.
Q: What brought you to the aviation insurance industry?
Mark: Growing up, I always dreamed of becoming a pilot. In 1994 I began flight training and within two years I had earned a Commercial Pilot’s License along with an Instrument Rating and Certified Flight Instructor License. In 1997, a family friend introduced me to the insurance industry, and I interviewed for an underwriting position at US Aviation Underwriters (USAU) in San Francisco. During the interview process, it struck me that as an underwriter I could support many aspects of the aviation industry beyond flying. That sounded like a fantastic opportunity and in September 1997, I began my career in the aviation insurance industry.
Q: What do you enjoy about AXA XL Aerospace and your role with the team?
AXA XL has an excellent aerospace team, and it has been an honor to contribute as an underwriter and manager in North America. As a leader within the aerospace group, I enjoy mentoring and supporting my colleagues, blending aviation’s technical insights with underwriting expertise. In 2024, I took on the responsibility of guiding our airline strategy in the U.S. My new role has been an exciting opportunity to build on my General Aviation experience, develop new relationships and tackle new challenges unique to the Airline industry.
Beyond risk transfer, we provide direct financial support to many safety initiatives implemented by our insureds.
Q: At AXA XL, insurance is so much more than a policy. With your clients and brokers how do you provide value beyond the policy?
Beyond risk transfer, we provide direct financial support to many safety initiatives implemented by our insureds. Our support for those initiatives facilitates internal and external training programs that further cultivate the strong safety culture within the aviation industry. Our commitment and support for training helps make aviation one of the safest forms of travel in the U.S. and worldwide.
Q: Aviation is a dynamic industry, and no two clients are the same. Give us an example of a time when you provided solutions that matter the most to a client or broker?
Every day I leverage my aviation and underwriting experience to deliver rapid turnaround on requests from our insureds. From approvals of new pilots and training providers to contract reviews and certificate issuance, our service levels directly impact our insureds' ability to operate their aircraft safely and efficiently.
Q: If you spend a day in aviation doing anything you wanted, what would it look like?
In 2024, I completed initial flight training for the Embraer 145, a 30- to 50-seat twin-engine jet used by many commuter and charter operators. I would love to pilot the Embraer 145, conducting flights across the U.S. — and of course, continue underwriting.
Q: What do you like about AXA XL?
AXA XL places a great deal of underwriting authority with the individual underwriter. Maintaining that level of responsibility with the individual underwriter is our strongest asset and a key competitive advantage in the insurance industry. It also presents a compelling challenge that makes the underwriting role at AXA XL both interesting and rewarding.
Q: What are some of the more interesting aspects of your job?
In addition to the daily underwriting duties, I have enjoyed helping to enhance our product offerings. In 2018, I developed a new policy form for Unmanned Aircraft (drones), adapting wording from an existing insurance form with input from our teams in the U.S. and the UK. The form has been filed and accepted in almost all 50+ U.S. states and territories, and I hope it will become the basis for underwriting unmanned aircraft in the near future.
