An aircraft can carry one airline’s flight number while another company supplies the aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance.
What ACMI includes
The provider supplies the aircraft, cockpit and cabin crew, maintenance and insurance. The customer usually controls the commercial schedule, sells the seats and pays for fuel, airport charges and handling. Contracts can cover a short disruption, a summer peak or a multi-season capacity gap.
Why airlines use it
Wet leasing can bridge delayed aircraft deliveries, heavy-maintenance periods, crew shortages or fast network growth. It buys speed and flexibility, but the hourly price is only one part of the decision: product consistency, operating approvals and passenger communication also matter.
What passengers should check
The booking must identify the operating carrier when it differs from the marketing airline. Cabin layout, onboard service and baggage handling can vary, while disruption responsibilities depend on the itinerary and legal framework. Operational notices from the carrier remain the authoritative source.
How to identify the service you bought
A ticket can carry the marketing airline’s code while another carrier supplies aircraft and crew. The operating carrier should be identified in booking information and may appear on airport displays or travel documents. If the operator changes, check the current notice for check-in, baggage and assistance instructions. The airline brand on the ticket alone cannot describe every operational detail.
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