Cargo ACMI Lease & Freighter Wet Lease Solutions

ACMI Lease develops cargo ACMI lease solutions for airlines seeking regular, seasonal or replacement freighter capacity. Aircraft selection depends on your routes, payload requirements, operating base and programme dates.

Request cargo ACMI capacity

Capacity for recurring and seasonal cargo programmes

A cargo wet lease can support an airline when it needs additional freighter capacity without separately securing the aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance. We assess programmes for:

• Regular cargo routes: planned rotations between established freight gateways.
• Seasonal demand: additional capacity during peak trading periods or temporary increases in freight volumes.
• Network development: new routes or additional frequencies while demand develops.
• Fleet replacement: cover during maintenance, delivery delays or other gaps in an airline’s own capacity.

The proposed aircraft and operating structure must fit the whole programme, including its schedule, base, utilisation and cargo requirements.

What does a cargo ACMI lease include?

ACMI stands for Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance. The package provides the aircraft and the services needed to operate it within the agreed programme:

• Aircraft: a freighter with the agreed configuration and capability.
• Crew: the operating crew required for the proposed schedule.
• Maintenance: the agreed maintenance support to keep the aircraft serviceable.
• Insurance: the cover specified in the agreement.

Fuel, airport and navigation charges, cargo handling, aircraft positioning and crew accommodation need a clear allocation in the quotation and contract. Do not assume that every operating expense is included in the ACMI rate. For the general definition, see what an ACMI lease includes.

How ACMI Lease provides freighter capacity

Our capacity solutions can involve aircraft we own or manage, aircraft dry-leased to partner AOC holders, or aircraft acquired or financed with our involvement. We also work with established partner fleets and suitable third-party capacity. The proposed solution depends on the aircraft and programme.

ACMI Lease coordinates the commercial capacity arrangement. The responsible Air Operator Certificate (AOC) holder operates the aircraft, retains operational control and confirms operational suitability. An airline programme may use the lessee’s airline designator and flight numbers, subject to the relevant approvals; those flight numbers do not determine which AOC governs the operation.

Planning your cargo wet-lease programme

Aircraft selection requires more than a headline payload figure. We consider cargo volume, loading positions, cargo-door dimensions, floor-loading limits, route length and airport capability. In addition, the operating schedule must allow for crew planning, maintenance and positioning.

Factory-built and converted freighters can have different loading arrangements. Tell us about unusual cargo, pallet or container requirements and any special handling needs at the outset. The operating AOC holder must assess the proposed aircraft against the actual programme.

Cargo ACMI lease rates and utilisation

A proposal may use a block-hour rate together with agreed minimum monthly utilisation. Pricing also depends on the aircraft type, programme duration, base, route pattern, flight-cycle ratio, positioning and support requirements.

We will set out the proposed commercial basis and the allocation of costs. Start with realistic monthly block hours and a draft schedule so that the quotation reflects the operation you need.

Cargo ACMI lease or full cargo charter?

A cargo ACMI lease focuses on an aircraft-and-services package for an airline’s capacity programme. By contrast, a full cargo charter provides dedicated capacity for an agreed flight or series of flights. A recurring schedule can suit either structure; the commercial arrangement and division of responsibilities matter.

If your priority is moving a specific shipment, visit our Air Cargo Charter page. For an airline freighter programme, send us the operating requirements for a cargo ACMI proposal.

Request a cargo ACMI proposal

Please include:

• Operating base, routes, planned frequencies and a draft schedule.
• Start date, contract duration and any flexibility.
• Estimated monthly block hours, sectors and typical sector lengths.
• Preferred aircraft type, payload, cargo volume and loading configuration.
• Required operating areas, airport restrictions and any aircraft-age requirements.
• Budget guidance, special cargo requirements and your company details.

These details allow us to assess suitable capacity and explain the proposed aircraft, commercial terms and operating arrangements.

Can you provide short-term or seasonal capacity?

We assess both shorter requirements and longer programmes. Feasibility depends on aircraft availability, positioning, utilisation, operational review and agreed commercial terms; there is no single minimum term for every aircraft.

Are all the listed aircraft currently available?

No. The aircraft listed above are potential types for assessment, not confirmed inventory. We confirm the specific aircraft, operating AOC holder and proposed availability as part of the enquiry process.

Send your cargo programme. Complete the aircraft request form below with your dates, routes and expected utilisation.

Request cargo ACMI capacity