ACMI Operations
ACMI stands for Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance—a comprehensive leasing solution where one airline (the lessor) provides these four key components to another airline or operator (the lessee) under a fixed-rate agreement, typically billed per block hour. This arrangement allows the lessee to handle operational aspects such as fuel, ground handling, and route planning, while the lessor ensures that the aircraft is airworthy, crewed, and fully insured. ACMI is commonly used by airlines to quickly add capacity during peak seasons, cover aircraft downtime, or explore new markets with minimal risk.
Types of Leases and the Benefits of ACMI
There are several types of aircraft leases in aviation. A wet lease is the core form of ACMI, where the lessor provides the aircraft along with crew, maintenance, and insurance. A damp lease is similar but excludes the cabin crew. A dry lease, on the other hand, provides only the aircraft—typically without any operational support—making it suitable for airlines that have their own infrastructure and personnel in place.
ACMI leasing offers several advantages, particularly for airlines needing flexibility, speed, and cost control. It eliminates the need for long-term capital investment in aircraft and allows airlines to meet short-term demand or operational gaps with ease. Additionally, it provides peace of mind with full maintenance and insurance coverage handled by the lessor, reducing operational complexity. Whether facing unexpected aircraft downtime or looking to scale up during high-demand seasons, ACMI is a strategic and efficient solution in today’s dynamic aviation environment.
White Tail Aviation’s ACMI Solutions
At White Tail Aviation, we are proud to offer reliable and responsive ACMI services tailored to the needs of airline clients around the world. With a flexible fleet of modern aircraft and a skilled virtual operations team, we simulate real-world ACMI partnerships that reflect the challenges and standards of the aviation industry. Whether it's short-term seasonal coverage, backup capacity during maintenance, or longer-term strategic support, our ACMI solutions are designed to help partner airlines maintain smooth, uninterrupted operations with minimal overhead and maximum reliability.
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