Aircraft leasing can change how an operator manages pilots and cabin crew. The staffing requirements depend on whether the operator receives only the aircraft or an aircraft together with crew and operational support.

Understanding the difference between dry leasing and wet leasing is important before planning recruitment, scheduling, and compliance responsibilities.

What is a dry lease?

A dry lease provides the aircraft without crew. The lessee is generally responsible for arranging qualified pilots, cabin crew, operations, and other requirements.

The operator may need to manage:

• Pilot and cabin crew recruitment.
• Crew scheduling.
• Training and checking.
• Medical and license verification.
• Duty and rest compliance.
• Insurance requirements.
• Operational control.

A dry lease can provide greater control, but it also creates more staffing responsibility.

What is a wet lease?

A wet lease generally provides the aircraft with at least one crewmember. In an ACMI-style arrangement, the lessor may provide the aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance.

Because the lessor supplies the crew, the lessee may not need to recruit or schedule pilots and cabin crew for the leased aircraft. The lessor usually retains operational control, subject to the specific agreement and applicable regulations.

How dry leasing affects staffing

Dry leasing can increase staffing requirements because the operator must build or expand its own crew structure.

This may include:

• Hiring captains and first officers.
• Recruiting flight attendants.
• Arranging recurrent training.
• Creating reserve coverage.
• Managing vacation and sick leave.
• Supporting ferry and repositioning flights.
• Coordinating crew travel.

The operator should confirm that its staffing plan is ready before the aircraft enters service.

How wet leasing affects staffing

Wet leasing can reduce the operator’s direct recruitment burden. The lessor provides the required crew and may manage training, scheduling, and operational support.

This can help when an operator:

• Needs aircraft capacity quickly.
• Lacks qualified crew for a specific aircraft.
• Is entering a new market.
• Is managing seasonal demand.
• Is waiting for permanent recruitment.
• Needs temporary operational support.

However, the lessee must still understand how crew coordination, passenger service, communication, and operational responsibilities are divided.

Operational control matters

Lease structure should not be based only on contract labels. The parties should clearly identify who controls flight decisions, crew selection, scheduling, maintenance coordination, and operational approval.

Under a genuine dry lease, the lessee supplies or independently engages the crew and exercises operational control. A wet lease involves the provision of the aircraft and at least one crewmember, with the lessor generally retaining operational control.

Operators should obtain advice from aviation counsel and compliance specialists before finalizing a lease arrangement.

Staffing during aircraft transitions

Aircraft deliveries, fleet changes, and lease transitions can create temporary staffing gaps. Operators may need contract pilots or cabin crew before permanent employees are fully trained or available.

Contract staffing can support:

• Aircraft acceptance flights.
• Ferry and repositioning missions.
• Initial operational deployment.
• Crew leave coverage.
• Training periods.
• Temporary fleet expansion.

This allows the operator to keep the aircraft moving while building a long-term staffing plan.

Compliance and documentation

Before operations begin, operators should confirm:

• Pilot licenses and aircraft ratings.
• Medical certificates.
• Training and checking status.
• Cabin crew qualifications.
• Insurance requirements.
• Crew duty and rest compliance.
• International travel documentation.
• Operational control responsibilities.
• Lease and staffing records.

A clear division of responsibility helps prevent confusion between the lessor, lessee, staffing provider, and operating certificate holder.

How staffing partners help

Aviation staffing partners can support dry-lease operators by sourcing pilots and cabin crew based on aircraft type, location, availability, and mission requirements.

They may also help with:

• Contract pilots.
• Crew leasing.
• Permanent recruitment.
• Qualification screening.
• Document verification.
• Temporary transition coverage.
• Urgent staffing requirements.

Crew leasing can be especially useful when an operator needs qualified personnel for a defined period without immediately building a permanent crew team.

How CrewLocator helps

Crewlocator helps operators identify available aviation professionals based on location and availability. This can support faster crew sourcing for leased aircraft, ferry flights, and temporary operational needs.

The platform is also available on Android and iOS. All crew members must still meet the operator’s qualification, training, insurance, and compliance requirements.

Conclusion

Dry leasing generally requires the lessee to arrange and manage its own crew, while wet leasing can include aircraft and crew as part of one operating arrangement.

The best option depends on the operator’s staffing capacity, operational control structure, timeline, and long-term business plan. Clear lease terms and early crew planning can help prevent delays when an aircraft enters service.

FAQs

Does a dry lease include pilots?

No. A dry lease generally provides the aircraft without crew, so the lessee must arrange qualified pilots and other required personnel.

Does a wet lease include crew?

Yes. A wet lease generally includes the aircraft and at least one crewmember. ACMI arrangements may also include maintenance and insurance.

Who controls the flight under a wet lease?

The lessor generally retains operational control, but the exact responsibilities depend on the agreement and applicable regulations.

Can staffing agencies support dry-lease operations?

Yes. Staffing providers can help source contract pilots, cabin crew, and permanent employees for dry-lease operations.

Why do operators use wet leases?

Wet leases can provide aircraft capacity and crew support quickly. They may be useful during fleet expansion, seasonal demand, or recruitment delays.

Can contract pilots support leased aircraft?

Yes, provided they meet the aircraft, insurance, training, currency, and regulatory requirements of the operation.

How does Crewlocator help?

Crewlocator helps operators find available aviation professionals based on location and availability, supporting faster staffing for leased aircraft and temporary assignments.