ACC Aviation Market Analysis Reveals Q2 ACMI Downturn but Continued Widebody Strength
The global ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance) market experienced a notable slowdown during Q2 2026,
Also known as wet or damp leasing, ACMI leasing is an agreement between two airlines in which the lessor provides the lessee with an aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance in return for payment based on the number of block hours operated.
ACMI provides the lessee with additional or replacement capacity, even at short notice.
Airlines face operational disruption on a daily basis. Capacity requirements can change at a moment’s notice. Adapting accordingly is vital. ACMI leasing can provide a flexible solution to immediate and strategic capacity requirements.
ACC Aviation provide expert advice and actively manages our clients’ aviation assets, offering a range of services with the primary goal of maximising value and minimising risk across aviation portfolios.
Aircraft and crew can be wet leased in on a short-term basis. A fully-crewed aircraft is provided, minimising service disruption in the event of sudden unforeseen issues (such as an aircraft suffering a technical fault or a lack of available crew).
Even when planned, maintenance can take an aircraft out of commission for anywhere between two weeks and three months – potentially leading to service cancellations. Longer-term leasing solutions ensure that scheduled flights continue to operate for the duration of planned maintenance periods. Aircraft manufacturers are currently operating significant outstanding order backlogs, leading to aircraft delivery delays. Airlines can avoid scheduling issues brought about by delayed deliveries with leasing.
Ensure consistent service across all routes with dependable aircraft coverage.
Aircraft and crew can be wet-leased on a short-term basis. A fully crewed aircraft is provided, minimising service disruption in the event of sudden, unforeseen issues, such as an aircraft developing a technical fault or a shortage of available crew.
Even when scheduled, maintenance can take an aircraft out of service for anywhere between two weeks and three months, potentially resulting in flight cancellations. Longer-term leasing solutions ensure scheduled flights continue to operate throughout planned maintenance periods.
Aircraft manufacturers are currently managing significant order backlogs, resulting in delivery delays. Airlines can avoid scheduling issues caused by delayed aircraft deliveries through leasing.
When planning for seasonal peaks or testing new markets and routes, operators need the flexibility to lease additional capacity for as long as required. ACMI provides additional or replacement aircraft quickly, allowing operators to maintain a seamless service without compromising their schedules.
Airlines face operational disruption every day, and capacity requirements can change at a moment’s notice. Adapting accordingly is essential. ACMI leasing provides a flexible solution for both immediate and strategic capacity requirements.
ACC Aviation provides expert advice and actively manages clients’ aviation assets, offering a range of services with the primary aim of maximising value and minimising risk across aviation portfolios.
The main advantage of wet leasing is flexibility. Subject to availability, lease operations can begin quickly to meet immediate capacity requirements.
Alternatively, a wet lease can be used over a longer period to provide supplementary seasonal capacity. Wet leasing is also ideal for testing new routes and markets without first making a substantial investment in new aircraft and crew.
An operating or finance lease, also known as a dry lease, typically requires a minimum-term commitment. Purchasing an aircraft represents a significant capital investment that may not be practical for some operators.
Wet leasing is highly flexible and can be used only when required. ACMI allows lessees to supplement fleet capacity without committing to an investment that may not produce a return.
ACMI allows the lessor to achieve greater fleet efficiency with reduced risk. By leasing surplus capacity during quieter operating seasons, lessors can continue generating revenue without the commercial exposure associated with selling tickets.
The income generated through ACMI provides a more consistent revenue stream than variable ticket sales and generally avoids compensation liability under EU Regulation 261/2004.
By taking advantage of counter-seasonal demand in other international markets, fleet capacity can be utilised throughout the year. This spreads operating costs across a greater number of flight hours and reduces hourly operating rates.
A damp lease is similar to a wet lease, but the lessee has sufficient cabin crew to operate the leased flights. Damp leasing is tailored to an airline’s specific operational requirements to maximise efficiency by removing the costs associated with all or part of the cabin crew and HOTAC.
Access a pre-qualified database of operators worldwide, ensuring every aircraft meets stringent safety and operational standards.
Our experts guide airlines through the regulatory, operational and commercial considerations of long-term ACMI leasing across global markets.
We manage the entire lease lifecycle, leveraging our global volume to negotiate highly competitive rates, from initial sourcing and commercial contracting to ongoing contract management.
A dedicated ACMI desk provides round-the-clock monitoring and support throughout the duration of the lease.
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