Experts met at Aviadev Africa 2025 in Zanzibar to address urgent challenges and explore new solutions for the continental aviation sector. Among the focus was the growing role of ACMI (aircraft, crew, insurance, insurance) leasing. This is a flexible approach that makes airlines essential to navigate supply chain constraints, cost pressures and fleet update challenges.
In the panel session, “Beyond Headwinds: Navigating rising costs, financial hurdles and supply chain challenges,” industry leaders shared insights on how ACMI can help African careers overcome limitations and plan for long-term growth. Participants discussed opportunities, misconceptions and strategies that transform ACMI from an emergency measure into a core component of African aviation strategy.
ACMI leases gain traction in Africa
Air traffic in the region is projected to increase by 6.4% per year than triple by 2043, as the growing young and rapidly growing population of Africa will drive demand for increased air connections. ACMI leases have emerged as a practical response, offering carriers the flexibility to expand operations without the serious burden of aircraft ownership.
ACMI, also known as wet leases, offers not only aircraft but crew, maintenance and insurance, allowing airlines to expand peak seasons and bridge gaps when the aircraft becomes unavailable. Globally, over 1,500 aircraft operate under ACMI contracts, with half fully dedicated to this model. However, African Airlines is slow to fully embrace ACMI, often treating it as a last-minute solution rather than a strategic planning tool.
Linas Dovydėnas, an industry veteran who is president of Chapman Freeborn Imea, emphasized that sourcing habits remain reactive while demand for ACMI is rising across Africa. This reactive approach will cause airlines to complete ACMI transactions a few weeks before their peak travel period, often resulting in higher costs and limited availability, and undermine the enormous benefits of making ACMI leases attractive.
Changes to mindsets for long-term planning
Panelists highlighted the need for African airlines to move from short-term revisions to long-term plans when it comes to ACMI. By viewing leases as a strategic tool rather than an emergency option, airlines can ensure better pricing, safety and increase operational flexibility. Dovydėnas advocates signing ACMI contracts one to three years ago, allowing airlines to scale up during busy seasons without committing to fixed costs all year round.
“A proper planning allows airlines to flexibly scale their fixed costs throughout the year without committing to the peak season,” explained Dovydėnas during the discussion. Chapman Freeborn, working closely with African Aviation and authorities, positions ACMI solutions as an integral part of capacity planning, with early stage discussions about multi-year partnerships showing a promising change in the approach.
This kind of future-looking strategy is essential in environments where fleet updates are complicated due to aircraft supply, delays in OEM delivery, and competition for second-hand aircraft with mature markets. Embedding ACMI into its business model allows Africa Airlines to navigate these challenges more effectively, ensuring consistent service and growth potential even in turbulent market conditions.
Address harsh aircraft supply and supply chain disruptions
One of the key themes of the Aviadev panel was the growing challenge of aircraft availability. Disruptions in the global supply chain and delays in manufacturing have put pressure on airlines around the world, making it difficult for African airlines to protect new or used aircraft for expansion or fleet updates. This shortage makes ACMI's on-demand availability even more attractive, providing a lifeline for airlines that need to respond quickly to changing market dynamics.
The panelists said the African market often faces additional hurdles such as regulatory complexity, funding constraints and infrastructure restrictions that could further complicate fleet growth. ACMI leases can mitigate these challenges by providing instant flexibility without the need for the long lead times associated with large upfront investments and traditional aircraft purchases.
Chapman Freeborn, part of the Avia Solutions Group, is actively supporting African Airlines to overcome these barriers. The company provides ACMI services to passenger and freight operations, helping airlines manage seasonal peaks, operational disruptions and unexpected surges in demand. Their local presence, with offices in Johannesburg, allows close cooperation with airlines and aviation authorities to streamline approval and operational logistics.
Supporting freight and humanitarian operations
Beyond passenger services, ACMI leases play an important role in supporting freight operations across Africa. The continent's vast geography, limited transport infrastructure, and frequent humanitarian crises require reliable and flexible air cargo capacity. The freight division of Chapman Freeborn specializes in moving from commercial goods to emergency humanitarian goods, offering customized ACMI solutions that ensure critical delivery reaches even the most distant areas.
This capacity is particularly important given the vulnerability of the region to natural disasters, health emergencies and political instability. ACMI's flexibility allows operators to respond quickly, provide life-saving aid and maintain supply chains even in challenging circumstances.
As part of the world's largest ACMI group, Chapman Freeborn is uniquely positioned to provide these services on a large scale, leveraging its global fleet and operational expertise to meet Africa's evolving aviation needs. Their involvement shows that ACMI is not just a commercial tool, but also a key component of the continent's broader development and resilience strategy.
Working with airlines and authorities
Aviadev panelists agreed that an effective partnership between ACMI providers, airlines and aviation authorities is important to maximize the benefits of leasing solutions. The regulatory approval process for foreign aircraft is complex and time-consuming, and sometimes hinders the speed and efficiency that makes ACMI attractive. Chapman Freeborn has worked with stakeholders to simplify these processes and promote a more agile and responsive operational environment.
“We are working with both airlines and aviation authorities to make it easier and faster for foreign aircraft to obtain approval for operation in Africa,” said Dovydėnas during the event. A strong relationship with local offices helps providers navigate regulatory requirements, address concerns and provide solutions tailored to both operational needs and safety standards.
This joint approach is essential to transform ACMI from an emergency fallback to a reliable strategic option for African Airlines. By creating a trust and streamlining process, providers and authorities can maximize the potential of ACMI leases, foster sustainable growth, improve connectivity and enhance the continent's aviation infrastructure.
The discussion of the Aviadev panel highlighted the need for a change in thinking across the aviation industry in Africa. Beyond the decision to reactive lease to aggressive years of planning, ACMI can be transformed from a cost burden to a strong growth enabler. By leveraging ACMI strategically, airlines can maintain service levels, manage peak demand and remain competitive in rapidly changing markets.
As Africa's economy continues to grow and consolidate regionally, air connections are essential for trade, tourism and development. Flexible leasing models like ACMI help airlines provide on this promise, ensuring their ability and ability to meet evolving passenger and cargo needs. For providers like Chapman Freeborn, this represents both business opportunities and opportunities to contribute to the continent's progress.
With increasing awareness, early stage planning and joint partnerships, ACMI leases are ready to become the basis for Africa's aviation strategies. By embracing this approach, airlines can navigate uncertainty, manage costs, and build the resilience they need to thrive decades ago.
