ACMI Leasing Gains Momentum in African Aviation
Aviation leaders convened in Zanzibar for the AviaDev Africa 2025 conference in June to discuss Africa’s aviation growth and ongoing challenges. Among the key speakers was Linas Dovydėnas, president of Chapman Freeborn IMEA, who highlighted the rising potential of ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) leasing as a strategic solution for the continent’s evolving aviation needs.
Africa is projected to experience a 6.4 percent annual growth in air traffic, more than tripling by 2043. However, many African carriers continue to grapple with high operational costs, aging fleets, and supply chain delays. These conditions have made ACMI leasing an increasingly attractive alternative, allowing airlines to meet demand surges without committing to costly aircraft ownership.
Globally, over 1,500 aircraft are available for ACMI leasing, yet African airlines have been slow to capitalize on the opportunity. Dovydėnas noted that ACMI is still largely viewed as a short-term fix during emergencies, rather than a long-term strategy. This approach often leads to last-minute requests during peak seasons, resulting in inflated leasing prices and limited availability.
He emphasized the importance of proactive planning, recommending that airlines secure ACMI contracts one to three years in advance. This strategy not only ensures better pricing but also supports consistent operational scalability and long-term profitability. Chapman Freeborn is now seeing increased interest in multi-year ACMI partnerships from African carriers—a sign that the market’s mindset is beginning to shift.
One of the major challenges facing African aviation is limited aircraft availability due to global delivery delays. As new aircraft become harder to procure, ACMI’s flexibility offers a critical advantage. With its on-demand access to aircraft, Chapman Freeborn helps African airlines bridge seasonal gaps and respond to sudden spikes in passenger or cargo demand.
Chapman Freeborn, a key player in ACMI and cargo services, has been working closely with African aviation stakeholders. The company supports everything from commercial operations to humanitarian cargo missions, particularly in remote or underserved regions. Its local presence in Johannesburg allows for faster regulatory approvals and stronger relationships across the continent.
Dovydėnas concluded that Africa remains a central focus for Chapman Freeborn, which is committed to enhancing regional connectivity and strengthening aviation infrastructure. By positioning ACMI as a foundational component of fleet strategy, African carriers can navigate current challenges and unlock future growth opportunities.
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