Wet Lease vs Dry Lease
Understand wet lease vs dry lease in aviation: what they mean, how they work, and their impact on pilot careers and airline operations.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Pricing
Wet Lease (ACMI)
$2,000-5,000 per flight hour
Dry Lease
$200,000-600,000/mo for narrow-body
Pros & Cons
Wet Lease (ACMI)
Pros
- +Quick capacity addition
- +No crew hiring needed
- +Flexible duration
- +Lessor handles maintenance
- +Good for seasonal demand
Cons
- –More expensive per hour
- –Less operational control
- –Different crew standards possible
- –Brand consistency challenges
Dry Lease
Pros
- +Lower long-term cost
- +Full operational control
- +Own crew standards
- +Brand consistency
- +Flexible financing terms
Cons
- –Must provide own crew
- –Maintenance responsibility
- –Longer commitment (2-12 years)
- –Crew training costs
- –Registration complexity
Best For
Wet Lease (ACMI)
Airlines needing temporary capacity increases, covering seasonal peaks, or replacing grounded aircraft
Dry Lease
Airlines planning long-term fleet growth with their own crew and operational control
Our Verdict
Dry lease is standard for fleet planning. Wet lease is for temporary needs. For pilots, understanding both is important: wet lease pilots may operate under different airlines, while dry lease means flying for the operating carrier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ACMI stand for?
Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance. An ACMI (wet) lease includes all four elements, so the lessee only needs to provide fuel, airport fees, and ground handling.
How do wet leases affect pilots?
Pilots employed by wet lease operators may fly under different airline brands depending on contracts. It can offer variety but may mean less stability than direct airline employment.
Why would an airline choose wet lease over hiring?
Speed and flexibility. Hiring and training pilots takes months; a wet lease can add capacity in days. It's ideal for seasonal peaks, aircraft delivery delays, or covering grounded fleet.
Free Practice Test
Test your aviation knowledge with our free 10-question quiz. No signup required.
Take Free Quiz