Aircraft ACMI Leasing Market, By Type (Wet Lease and Dry Lease), By Plane Type (Private/Business Jets and Commercial Jets), By Body Type (Narrow and Widebody), and By Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa) - Trends, Analysis and Forecast till 2034

Aircraft ACMI Leasing Market was valued at USD 5.8 Billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.2% to reach USD 11.8 billion by 2034.

An aircraft ACMI leasing arrangement known as ACMI leasing is unique to two airlines; under it, the lessor gives the aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance (ACMI) to the lessee, who then reimburses the lessor for the hours the aircraft is used. Fuel is provided by the lessee, who also pays for any additional duties, taxes, and overflight fees. There are two primary forms of ACMI leasing: damp leasing, in which the lessee supplies their cabin crew, and wet leasing, in which a supplier airline (the lessor) offers all four of these aspects to a client airline (the lessee). Lessees organize their ground services, including gasoline, handling, and catering, and pay according to the number of block hours used in both scenarios. ACMI leases are a reasonably priced substitute for purchasing a new aircraft, with typical terms of 12 to 18 months.

The worldwide aircraft leasing industry is growing due to several causes, including a rise in freight volume, an increase in air travelers, and advancements in aircraft and airport infrastructure in less developed nations. Additionally, the market for leasing aircraft is growing due to several variables, including the growing need for low-cost airlines, cheap loan and lease rates, lower crude oil costs, and travel convenience. Nonetheless, during the projected period, the target market's expansion is anticipated to be restrained by strict and ambiguous tax and leasing rules.

The possibility of asset recovery associated with airline bankruptcy is another element that might impede the expansion of the worldwide industry. Nevertheless, investments in leasing programs for airline-operated aircraft are anticipated to open up profitable expansion prospects for the prominent participants in the global industry.

Increase in global air travel

• Across continents, aircraft travel is one of the most important means of connecting people, cultures, and businesses. A fast worldwide transportation network is one of the many benefits of the airplane. In addition, as emerging countries rapidly urbanize and expand economically, the demand for airplanes is rising due to growth in business and pleasure travel. According to statistical information from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), air travel increased by 36.9% in 2023 over 2022. The traffic for 2023 was 94.1% of the pre-pandemic (2019) levels worldwide.

• The rising number of aircraft deliveries globally is also driving the demand for aircraft ACMI leasing services. The mobility of freight, the increase in passenger air travel, and military requirements are other factors driving the necessity for leasing. As a result of these important factors, the market for aircraft ACMI leasing is expanding quickly.

Aircraft ACMI Leasing Market Restrains:

Fluctuations in economic conditions

• Airlines are less likely to lease aircraft during recessions or periods of lower air travel demand. As a result, the status of the economy has a substantial influence on the market for leasing aircraft with ACMI. Economic downturns or interruptions in the market may lead to a decline in the demand for ACMI leasing services and increased competition between ACMI lessors.

• In addition, intense rivalry exists among the leading lessors in the aircraft ACMI leasing sector. This might drive up costs and affect the lucrativeness of ACMI's leasing services. Disruptive developments or the introduction of new rivals may also affect the market, which might provide difficulties for the industry leaders.

Aircraft ACMI Leasing Market is segmented based on Type, Plane Type, Body Type and region:

Type Insights:

• Wet Lease:

In wet leases, the lessor, who owns the aircraft, is responsible for providing the aircraft, crew (including pilots and cabin staff), maintenance, and insurance (ACMI) under this lease. Of the three forms of leases, ACMI leases are often the costliest and run for at least a month. When capacity is temporarily increased or there is a shortage of equipment, ACMI leases are frequently considered.

• Dry Lease:

A dry lease is a more affordable option to ACMI longer-term leases. In addition to providing aircraft registration and adding the aircraft to its air operator's certificate (AOC), the lessee also supplies its crew. Depending on variables like depreciation, upkeep, and insurance, dry lease agreements normally run for at least two years.

Among the segments mentioned above, the one that dominated the market is the wet lease segment, as lease operations may be initiated rapidly, contingent on availability, to satisfy urgent capacity requirements. In contrast, a wet lease can be utilized for extended periods of time to supplement seasonal supplies.

Plane Type Insights:

• Private/Business Jets:

Private/Business Jets serve the business aviation industry, where well-off people and businesses use private aircraft for sporadic or on-demand travel. Numerous causes, including the growing need for efficient and customized air travel, the expansion of worldwide e-commerce, and technological improvements in private jet design, contribute to the segment's growth in popularity.

• Commercial Jets:

Larger passenger aircraft employed by airlines for regular commercial flights are called commercial jets. Airlines operate commercial planes through ACMI leasing mainly for short-term capacity increases, changes in routes, and operational flexibility.

Among the segments mentioned above, the one that dominates the market is the private/business jets segment because private aircraft are often more efficient for chiefs, for whom time is almost as crucial as money. Better personalized amenities are available to passengers on private aircraft than on premium aircraft.

Body Type Insights:

• Narrow:

These single-aisle aircraft are usually utilized on high-frequency flights with minimal passenger demand or shorter regional itineraries. Their operating efficiency and cheaper expenses compared to widebody aircraft make them a popular option for ACMI leasing.

• Widebody:

These bigger, double-aisle planes have a higher passenger capacity and are intended for long-haul travel. They work exceptionally well in ACMI leasing for routes that see seasonal increases in passenger traffic or for special occasions where many people must be transported on a single flight.

Regional Insights:

Aircraft ACMI Leasing Market Regional Insights

• The North American market is estimated to witness a significantly high revenue share over the forecast period because of the strong presence of the aircraft industry, high demand for air travel, and seasonal adjustments for large crowds.
• Asia Pacific market is estimated to witness the largest revenue share because of the rapid expansion of air traffic, growing population, and increasing disposable income of the public in this region.
• Europe market finds lucrative market opportunities because of the increasing demand for ACMI leases for long-haul flights, shortages of pilot and operational flexibility needs.
• The Latin America market is gradually increasing due to growing economic developments, advances in aircraft infrastructure, and increasing disposable incomes.
• Middle East and Africa market is an emerging market due to growing aviation infrastructure, demand for air cargo, and rising disposable incomes in the region.

Aircraft ACMI Leasing Market Report Scope:

Attribute	Details
Market Size 2024	US$ 5.8 billion
Projected Market Size 2034	US$ 11.8 billion
CAGR Growth Rate	8.2%
Base year for estimation	2023
Forecast period	2024 – 2034
Market representation	Revenue in USD Billion & CAGR from 2024 to 2034
Market Segmentation	By Type - Wet Lease and Dry Lease. By Plane Type - Private /Business Jets and Commercial Jets. By Body Type - Narrow and Widebody.
Regional scope	North America - U.S., Canada Europe - UK, Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Russia, Rest of Europe Asia Pacific - Japan, India, China, South Korea, Australia, Rest of Asia-Pacific Latin America - Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Rest of Latin America Middle East & Africa - South Africa, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Rest of Middle East & Africa
Report coverage	Revenue forecast, company share, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends

Segments Covered in the Report:

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2024 to 2034. For the purpose of this study segmented the Aircraft ACMI Leasing Market report based on Type, Plane Type, Body Type and region:

Aircraft ACMI Leasing Market, By Type:

• Wet Lease
• Dry Lease

Aircraft ACMI Leasing Market, By Plane Type:

• Private /Business Jets
• Commercial Jets

Aircraft ACMI Leasing Market, By Body Type:

• Narrow
• Widebody

Aircraft ACMI Leasing Market, By Region:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Russia
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • Israel
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa

The key players operating the Aircraft ACMI Leasing Market include GE Capital Aviation Service, AerCap, BBAM, SMBC Aviation Capital, Air Lease Corporation, ALAFCO Aviation Lease and Finance Company K.S.C.P, Boeing Capital, ICBC Leasing, Ansett Worldwide Aviation Services, CIT Commercial Air, and International Lease Finance Corporation.

• In November 2021, General Electric's GE Capital Aviation Services division ("GECAS") was successfully acquired by AerCap Holdings N.V. ("AerCap"), the world leader in aircraft leasing. AerCap is now the global market leader in all segments of aviation leasing, including engines, aircraft, and helicopters,. As the largest customer of both Airbus and Boeing, the merged entity will service over 300 clients globally.

• GE Capital Aviation Service 
• AerCap
• BBAM
• SMBC Aviation Capital
• Air Lease Corporation
• ALAFCO Aviation Lease and Finance Company K.S.C.P
• Boeing Capital
• ICBC Leasing
• Ansett Worldwide Aviation Services
• CIT Commercial Air
• International Lease Finance Corporation