In recent years, the global aviation industry has been operating in an environment of constant uncertainty. Fluctuating passenger demand, seasonality, geopolitical developments, disruptions in aircraft supply chains and rising costs are reshaping traditional airline planning models. In this context, the ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, Insurance) model is becoming not only an operational solution but also an important strategic tool, enabling airlines to maintain competitiveness and operational stability.
At its core, the ACMI model allows carriers to utilise aircraft together with the full supporting infrastructure: crew, maintenance and insurance. This solution enables airlines to scale capacity up or down within a short timeframe, ensure continuity of operations, open new routes or cover temporary disruptions without long-term capital investment. This is particularly relevant in a market where new aircraft delivery timelines are extending, and financial uncertainty is encouraging a more cautious approach to fleet expansion.
Globally, ACMI is becoming an integral part of airline business strategies. Both traditional and low-cost carriers are increasingly using ACMI not only as a seasonal solution but also as a long-term component of their operating model. This approach enables more efficient cost management, reduced operational risk and the maintenance of high service quality even amid sudden market changes. At the same time, major ACMI providers such as Avia Solutions Group are developing global platforms that allow services to be delivered across multiple regions, adapting to local regulatory and market conditions.
Today, Lithuanian-owned aviation groups operating under ACMI and MRO models collectively manage more than 142 aircraft, hold 11 AOCs across different jurisdictions, employ over 11,000 professionals and generate approximately USD 2.9 billion in annual revenue, with operations spanning Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, the Americas, the Middle East, Australia and Africa.
Within the context of Lithuania’s aviation sector, the ACMI model carries even greater significance. Without a traditional national carrier, Lithuania has, over recent decades, succeeded in building a strong, export-oriented aviation services ecosystem. ACMI operators, maintenance (MRO) companies, pilot and crew training centres, and other aviation-related services have become a significant part of the national economy, generating high value-added jobs and international revenue streams.
The aviation sector in Lithuania generates more than €1 billion in economic value annually, supports around 15,000 direct and indirect jobs, operates in more than 25 countries and contributes over €100 million in taxes to the state budget. The average salary in the sector is approximately €4,000 per month, significantly exceeding the national average.
ACMI operators based in Lithuania are integrated into global aviation value chains and serve airlines across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and other regions. One Lithuanian-owned airline operating under the ACMI model currently manages a fleet of more than 50 aircraft, operates across more than 17 bases worldwide, and is supported by a team of over 1,200 crew members and more than 450 administrative specialists.
These figures demonstrate that Lithuanian aviation companies are not only participating in the global market but are also establishing competitive and sustainable positions within it.
At the same time, the Lithuanian-owned MRO segment operates on a global scale, creating jobs both domestically and internationally. Its maintenance infrastructure includes more than 93,000 square metres of facilities across 37 hangars, supported by a global network of over 100 line maintenance stations. This infrastructure is maintained by more than 4,000 technical specialists, delivering over 2.1 million man-hours of qualified base maintenance annually, ensuring the highest safety and reliability standards.
As highlighted by Aleksandras Nemunaitis, Chairman of the Lithuanian Aviation Association (LAVIA):
“ACMI in Lithuania is not a niche activity – it is a mature, internationally competitive business segment that enables our aviation sector to be visible and valued in the global market. The success of this model demonstrates that Lithuania is capable of creating high value-added aviation services without a traditional national carrier.”
From a strategic perspective, ACMI also contributes to the resilience of the wider aviation system. When airlines face sudden fleet shortages, technical issues or unexpected demand surges, ACMI operators become a critical stabilising element. This is particularly important today, as the aviation market operates under constrained capacity while passenger expectations for reliability remain high.
Looking ahead, the importance of the ACMI model will only continue to grow. Sustainability requirements, increasing regulatory pressure and the need to optimise costs will drive airlines to seek more flexible, less capital-intensive solutions. For Lithuania, this represents an opportunity to further strengthen its position as a reliable aviation services hub, capable of adapting to global changes and delivering long-term value to international partners.
Today, ACMI is not merely an operating model but a strategic instrument shaping the future of modern aviation. Lithuania’s experience in this field demonstrates that flexibility, expertise and international orientation can form a strong foundation for sustainable growth in the global aviation industry.