In the fast-paced aviation industry, flexibility is paramount, and Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance (ACMI) leasing companies are stepping up with unmatched adaptability. These providers have the unique ability to modify and customize aircraft to meet the specific needs of any airline, often achieving what might initially seem impossible. Whether it’s installing specialized equipment like jungle kits or making bespoke in-cabin adjustments, ACMI leasing is about versatility and delivering tailored solutions, no matter how unique the client’s requirements.
Market leaders like Avion Express—a leading narrow-body ACMI operator and part of the Avia Solutions Group—illustrate how they adapt to diverse needs while operating across five continents. They share their methods for fostering flexibility within their teams and reveal the key priorities that enable them to respond swiftly to any challenge.
“When we talk about how ACMI can adapt and what it depends on, the key word is safety,” said Aistis Urbonas, Vice President of Technical Operations at Avion Express. “To uphold the highest safety standards, we implement a range of modifications to every aircraft before it is delivered for ACMI leasing. These changes are driven by client requirements, location and cultural factors, and other considerations.”
Adaptation depending on location: Meeting regional requirements
In ACMI operations, aircraft modifications must adhere to regional safety standards and regulatory requirements, which often vary significantly across different markets. Customizations can range from essential safety equipment to specific adjustments tailored for local compliance or passenger needs.
“For example, in Brazil, airlines are required to have a jungle emergency kit on board—a regulation that does not apply in Europe,” explained Aistis Urbonas, Vice President of Technical Operations at Avion Express. “When we deploy an aircraft to a new region, we make numerous modifications, such as changing the language of safety placards in the cabin, ensuring that all passengers can easily understand the safety information provided.”
These regional adaptations ensure that ACMI aircraft are fully compliant with local regulations and safety standards, no matter where they operate.
Adapting to passengers: Meeting diverse cultural needs
Beyond regulatory requirements, ACMI operators like Avion Express also tailor the cabin interiors and cargo compartments to meet the specific needs and preferences of different passenger demographics. These adaptations can be influenced by cultural expectations, market demands, or the unique business model of the airline.
“In markets with an older demographic, we make adjustments like increasing the availability of wheelchairs and enhancing oxygen accommodations for improved accessibility,” Urbonas noted. For airlines with multi-class configurations, we adjust aspects such as seat spacing, and interior segregations for passenger privacy.”. These customizations ensure a more comfortable and suitable environment for passengers, enhancing the overall travel experience.
Exterior customization: Aligning with brand identity
Customization in ACMI leasing isn’t limited to the aircraft’s interior. Exterior modifications, such as repainting the livery, play a vital role in maintaining an airline’s brand identity. Each aircraft’s exterior and interior branded details are tailored to reflect the unique branding of the airline it serves.
“In the ACMI industry, where aircraft may serve multiple airlines over their lifetime, livery changes are a regular and essential task. Unlike traditional airlines that may only repaint an aircraft a few times, ACMI providers like Avion Express — operating a fleet of over 50 Airbus A320 family aircraft — often go through the livery process multiple times a year, changing its paint for each new customer. This high frequency of livery changes requires meticulous planning and execution to ensure that each aircraft meets the specific needs and branding requirements of different clients”- shares Urbonas.
Flexibility starts with the mindset
By focusing on flexible customization—whether to meet local regulatory requirements, enhance passenger comfort, or align with brand identities—ACMI operators like Avion Express are well-positioned to support airlines in an evolving aviation landscape.
Urbonas emphasized that proactive planning and responsiveness are crucial: “We have the right facilities, trusted partners, and a client-centric approach that enables us to provide tailored solutions for any requirement. This adaptability is the hallmark of what ACMI companies do best.”
Through a commitment to customization and safety, ACMI providers continue to offer valuable solutions that help airlines operate efficiently and meet the dynamic needs of the global aviation market.