ACMI Seasonal Shifts: How Chapman Freeborn Meets Global Passenger Demand

Travel peaks shift with the seasons on each continent and airlines need to stay agile, so they don’t underutilize aircraft and bear the strain of long-term fixed ownership costs. This is where Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance (ACMI) leasing solutions can be extremely effective for airlines and tour operators, offering flexibility when they need it most.

At the forefront of these adaptive leasing solutions is Chapman Freeborn, whose global aviation network and access to a diverse aircraft portfolio, make us a trusted partner for navigating seasonal demand.

What Are ACMI Seasonal Shifts?

ACMI is a leasing model widely used to boost airline capacity on a fixed-term basis and for short- or longer-term periods. But during seasonal peaks, such as summer holiday surges or winter migration patterns, the role of ACMI becomes even more crucial for airlines.

These ACMI seasonal shifts are the fluctuations in leasing demand airlines face as they ramp up or scale back operations to match seasonal travel trends. For example:

• A European carrier might need extra narrow-bodies in summer to serve holiday routes.
• A Middle Eastern airline could seek long-haul support during religious pilgrimage seasons.
• Charter operators often rely on ACMI during ski season or for major global events (FIFA World Cup).

Without a strategy for seasonal capacity management in aviation, carriers risk overextending or underdelivering — both costly outcomes in a margin-tight industry.

Chapman Freeborn’s Global Reach & Aircraft Access

When time is short, and the stakes are high, global access to aircraft is essential.  With more than 50 years of aviation leasing expertise, Chapman Freeborn offers true on-demand access to a wide range of aircraft spanning nimble turboprops to popular narrowbody aircraft such as the Airbus A320 or Boeing 737 families.

What sets us apart?

• A global aviation network that spans every region.
• Real-time responsiveness backed by a dedicated team of ACMI specialists.
• A fleet mix that includes private jet charters, wide-bodies, narrow-bodies, and cargo aircraft.
• As part of Avia Solutions Group, Chapman Freeborn has a network of 14-sister company ACMI airlines to work with, as well as the ability to work with external providers — offering clients an array of options to suit all briefs.

Whether the requirement is a last-minute charter in Asia, a long-term lease in Africa, or seasonal support in Europe, Chapman Freeborn can deliver — on spec, on time, and on budget.

Wet Lease vs Dry Lease: Understanding ACMI Leasing Options

ACMI leasing isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution and understanding the key lease types helps carriers align solutions with their operational needs. Let’s explore what kinds of aircraft lease are available — you’ll notice they in the most part referred to on a scale of dry to wet, which essentially means how much of the services the lessor is receiving from the lessee.

Wet Lease (ACMI)

Think of a wet lease as a full-service package. You get the aircraft, the crew, the maintenance, and the insurance — all handled by the lessor. Meanwhile, you take care of things like fuel, ground handling, and landing fees.

Wet leases are perfect when you need to act fast. Maybe demand suddenly spikes, you’re launching a new route, or you’re facing regulatory hurdles. Whatever the case, a wet lease gives you a ready-to-go aircraft without the headaches, letting you stay flexible and keep your schedule on track.

Dry Lease

A dry lease is a bit more DIY. Here, you’re leasing just the aircraft. You’ll be responsible for hiring the crew, handling maintenance, and setting up your own insurance. Plus, you’ll need an Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) to legally operate the aircraft.

Dry leases usually make sense if you’re thinking long-term. If you’re expanding your fleet or looking for a smart way to manage costs without buying new planes outright, a dry lease offers the control and flexibility you need to grow on your terms.

Damp Lease & Hybrid Models

Sometimes you need a little bit of help, but not the full package. That’s where damp leases and hybrid models come in.

With a damp lease, the lessor typically provides the pilots but leaves the cabin crew to you. It’s a great middle ground if you have part of a team ready but still need some support.

Hybrid leasing takes flexibility a step further. It’s fully customized—mixing and matching services like maintenance, insurance, and crew based on what your operation requirements are. If your needs don’t fit neatly into a wet or dry lease, hybrid models are a smart way to build the perfect solution.

Long-Term Leases

If you’re thinking bigger, such as growing your fleet, replacing older aircraft, or planning for the future, a long-term lease could be the right move.

Structured over one to five years (or more), long-term leases give you access to aircraft without the massive upfront investment of buying them outright. They’re often designed with flexible terms to fit your strategy, whether you’re expanding routes, boosting capacity, or upgrading your fleet for newer, more efficient models.

Choosing between wet lease vs dry lease hinges on more than just aircraft, it’s about timing, compliance, and capability. Chapman Freeborn supports operators in selecting the most efficient model for their goals.

Why Flexible Aircraft Leasing Matters During Seasonal Peaks

Flexibility is especially important in the aircraft leasing industry during seasonal peaks, when demand can change almost overnight. The ability to adapt quickly can make the difference between capitalizing on opportunity and struggling to keep up. Here’s how flexible aircraft leasing solutions can completely transform the way airlines and operators plan for high-demand periods.

Fast Response to Spikes

When passenger numbers or cargo volumes suddenly surge, you don’t have weeks or months to react, you need solutions within days. Flexible leasing gives airlines the power to scale their operations up or down quickly, ensuring they can meet rising demand without missing a beat. Whether it’s adding extra flights for a holiday rush or covering new routes for a limited-time event, having access to additional aircraft at short notice is a game-changer.

Cost-Effective Fleet Management

Buying or maintaining a larger fleet just in case demand increases isn’t financially sustainable. Flexible leasing offers a smarter alternative: operators can access extra capacity exactly when they need it, without carrying the heavy costs of owning idle aircraft during quieter

Avoid Disruptions

In an ideal world, new aircraft deliveries would always be on time, and maintenance schedules would never overrun. But in reality, delays happen. Flexible leasing provides a safety net, bridging gaps caused by delayed deliveries, unexpected maintenance (MRO) cycles, or even sudden operational challenges. With the right lease agreements in place, airlines can maintain service levels without compromising their schedules or customer satisfaction.

Access to Specialized Aircraft

Sometimes standard passenger planes aren’t enough. Seasonal peaks can bring diverse demands: VIP charters for major events, urgent medevac needs, or seasonal cargo surges. Leasing gives airlines the ability to tap into a wide range of aircraft tailored for specific missions, without the long-term commitment of owning specialized fleets.

In a volatile market, the ability to pivot with demand protects revenue and maintains service standards.

Adapting with Confidence

As ACMI seasonal shifts reshape airline operations each year, staying ahead means having the right partner by your side. Chapman Freeborn’s unmatched combination of experience, aircraft access, and global agility positions it as a leader in tailored aircraft leasing solutions.

Whether you’re managing a seasonal influx or preparing for long-term growth, Chapman Freeborn offers the insight and resources to define your strategy.

Contact us today at acmi@ChapmanFreeborn.aero to explore ACMI leasing options designed around your future operations.