Exploring ACMI Dynamics: Key Takeaways from the AviaDev Africa Discussion

A recent publication by AviaDev highlights the gathering of aviation experts in Zanzibar this past June,where they tackled the pressing challenges and opportunities facing African aviation.Linas Dovydėnas, President of Chapman Freeborn IMEA, shared valuable insights during a panel discussion titled ‘Beyond the headwinds: Navigating rising costs, finance hurdles and supply chain challenges,’ focusing on how ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance) solutions can revolutionize air travel across the continent.

With Africa’s youthful population eager for travel options, air traffic is projected to grow at an remarkable rate of 6.4 percent each year—potentially tripling by 2043. Though, airlines in Africa are grappling with escalating costs and disruptions in their supply chains that require them to be nimble and responsive to market shifts.

This is where ACMI leasing comes into play as a smart solution for airlines looking to meet increasing demand without incurring the hefty expenses associated with owning aircraft. This model allows carriers to lease not just planes but also crews during peak seasons or when maintenance issues arise.

Globally, ther are over 1,500 aircraft available for ACMI leasing; however, many African airlines have yet to fully tap into this resource. Dovydėnas notes that while interest is growing among these carriers due to supply chain issues and aging fleets—often leading them to seek out ACMI solutions last minute—it’s still frequently seen as a temporary fix rather than a strategic option.

This mindset leads many airlines to approach ACMI providers just weeks before high-demand periods which results in inflated prices—a situation that ultimately negates some of the cost benefits associated with these agreements.

The Importance of strategic Planning

Dovydėnas emphasizes that while more African airlines are recognizing the value of ACMI arrangements, there’s still a need for them to transition from reactive decision-making towards proactive planning. He suggests viewing ACMI not merely as an emergency measure but as part of long-term strategy aimed at profitability:

“By planning ahead,” he explains, “airlines can adjust their capacity flexibly during busy times without locking themselves into fixed annual costs. We recommend securing ACMI contracts one to three years ahead for better pricing and availability.”

Chapman Freeborn is actively collaborating with various African carriers and regulatory bodies on integrating ACMI solutions into long-term capacity strategies. Encouragingly enough, early discussions about multi-year partnerships are starting up—a trend Dovydėnas sees as promising.

Meeting Aviation Demands

The panel also discussed another significant issue: aircraft availability remains critically low due largely to global OEM delivery delays affecting even established markets’ access to new planes—this has made second-hand aircraft less accessible in Africa too. Consequently, traditional acquisition methods become increasingly difficult while making on-demand services like those offered through ACMI notably appealing for local operators.

Chapman Freeborn supports African airlines not only through its cargo services but also by providing additional aircraft capacity when needed—be it during peak travel times or unexpected surges in demand—and plays an essential role in transporting humanitarian aid across challenging terrains within the continent.

“We’re working closely with both airline operators and aviation authorities,” says Dovydėnas. “Our Johannesburg office enables us quick responses tailored specifically for this market while fostering strong regional relationships.” He adds that Africa continues being a focal point for Chapman Freeborn’s growth strategy as they explore ways further enhance their partnerships throughout the region.