The supplier remains the operating airline
The wet lessor generally provides the aircraft under its own air operator certificate and is responsible for the flight crew and operational control defined by the contract.
ACMI describes the core package
The abbreviation refers to aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance. Fuel, airport handling and commercial costs are commonly handled separately by the customer, depending on the agreement.
Airlines use wet leases for flexibility
They can cover seasonal peaks, delayed aircraft deliveries, maintenance shortages or sudden network needs without permanently expanding their own fleet.
Passengers may see another airline's aircraft
The flight can be marketed by one airline but operated by a wet-lease provider, sometimes with mixed branding and crew uniforms.
Regulators can restrict or approve the arrangement
Authorities may require specific approvals, especially for long-term wet leases or when the operating airline is based outside the customer's jurisdiction.
Cost depends on utilization and contract terms
Wet leasing can be expensive per hour, but it may still be cheaper than leaving a schedule uncovered or owning surplus aircraft for short periods of demand.
Wet leasing buys an operating package
The provider supplies aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance, allowing the customer airline to sell capacity without operating that aircraft itself.
It solves problems faster than fleet integration
Delivery delays, seasonal peaks or grounded aircraft can be covered without qualifying the customer's pilots and engineers on another type.
Passengers may notice a different onboard product
Cabin layout, uniforms or service procedures can reflect the wet-lease operator even when the ticket carries another airline's brand.
Regulatory approval can be required
Authorities examine who has operational control and may place limits on foreign or long-term wet leasing.
The buyer often keeps the commercial relationship
The marketing airline typically sells the tickets and controls the route schedule while purchasing the actual flying capacity.
Long-term wet leasing can reshape the business model
Some airlines use external operators for a meaningful share of their network, trading operational control for flexibility.
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