Supporting Sharp Airlines with aviation expertise for over 30 years
Aviation is a complex, high-stakes environment – and it takes real-world experience to navigate it well. With almost 65 years in the industry, QBE’s specialist team understands the unique risks operators face and works closely with them to help manage those challenges.
“Our team is full of engineers, pilots and aviation enthusiasts – we’re deeply passionate about this industry and committed to helping our customers succeed,” said Sara Smith, Underwriting Manager, Aviation at QBE.
It’s this experience that has shaped our long-standing relationship with Sharp Airlines. For more than 30 years, they’ve trusted QBE to help protect their people, planes and operations.
From a single aircraft in 1990, the regional airline has grown to a fleet of 23, operating across five states. Over the years, we’ve worked closely with their team to refine cover to their evolving needs, while sharing in their strong commitment to pilot training and safety.
See how QBE’s long-standing relationship with Sharp Airlines supports aviation safety. Scroll down to watch the full story.
Supporting a culture of safety through UPRT awareness
One of the ways Sharp Airlines continues to prioritise safety is through the rollout of Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT). This specialised program helps pilots recognise and recover from unexpected in-flight situations – a key factor in reducing the risk of loss of control, which remains one of the leading causes of aviation fatalities worldwide.1
While UPRT isn’t mandatory for smaller regional operators, Sharp Airlines saw the value in going beyond the minimum.2 It’s a proactive step that reflects a strong safety culture and a commitment to continuous improvement – an approach QBE’s Aviation team sees as important in strengthening safety standards across the aviation industry.
“QBE and Sharp Airlines work really closely together to ensure that we understand their business and the challenges that they face,” said Ms Smith. “Sharp Airlines will be the first regional aviation operator to implement a comprehensive upset prevention and recovery training program.”
Video: Hear from QBE, Sharp Airlines and UPRT Australia
Discover how our aviation expertise supports safer operations and long-term resilience for our customers.
Navigating risks together for over 30 years
Like QBE, Sharp Airlines takes a proactive, people-first approach to managing risk. That shared mindset has helped maintain a strong relationship through everything from severe weather events to COVID-19 disruptions and complex claims.
“At Sharp, one of our principles is to always do business in good faith – and we’ve found QBE to be excellent in that regard,” said Malcolm Sharp, CEO and Founder of Sharp Airlines.
We’re proud to have supported Sharp Airlines for more than three decades and are looking forward to continuing our relationship into the future.
Explore aviation insurance with QBE
Whether you operate a regional airline, helicopter service or recreational aircraft, QBE’s specialist team can provide specialised cover to suit your needs.
Learn more about QBE’s Aviation insurance
1 UPRT Australia, About Us
2 Australian Government Civil Aviation Safety Authority, Advisory Circular: Upset prevention and recovery training (AC 121-03 v1.1 March 2025). Check the CASA website for developments and updates.