If you’re thinking about flying without buying your own plane, leasing might be the way to go. But when people start talking about wet lease vs dry lease, things can get confusing fast. Don’t worry—we’re here to make it simple.

In this guide, we’ll explain what these terms mean, why they matter, and which one might work best for you. No matter if you’re a business looking to fly new routes or just exploring aviation leasing for the first time, this will help you understand the differences between dry leases and wet leases—clearly and confidently.

What Is an Aircraft Lease and Why Does It Matter?

An aircraft lease is a deal where someone (called the lessee) uses an airplane that belongs to someone else (called the lessor). The lessee pays for the use of the aircraft, but doesn’t own it. This setup is common in the aviation industry.

Why do people lease aircraft?

There are many reasons to lease an aircraft instead of buying one:

• It’s cheaper than purchasing aircraft outright.
• It’s faster than waiting for a new aircraft to be built.
• It lets airlines or companies try out new routes without long-term commitments.

Leasing also helps companies avoid the risks that come with owning an aircraft, like maintenance and market changes.

How does it work?

There are two leasing styles that matter most: dry leasing and wet leasing.

• In a dry lease, the lessor provides the aircraft to the lessee without crew, insurance, or support. The lessee is responsible for all aircraft operations.
• In a wet lease, the lessor provides the aircraft and crew, along with insurance and maintenance. The lessor retains operational control in this case.

These two lease types offer very different levels of support, cost, and responsibility.

Knowing the type of lease you’re getting is key. It affects the lease agreement, the lease term, the lease payments, and who’s in charge of operational control over the aircraft.

Which Type of Lease Is Better for You?

So, wet lease vs dry lease—which is better? Well, it depends on your needs and what role you want to play in aircraft operations.

Choose a dry lease if:

• You already have your own pilots, crew, and insurance.
• You want full operational control of the plane.
• You’re an operator with experience managing aircraft.
• You plan for a longer lease duration.
• You want to reduce costs over time.

This is common for large airlines, leasing companies, and experienced aircraft owners. In this case, the lessor provides the aircraft, and the lessee handles everything else, including maintaining the aircraft.

A dry lease aircraft deal often comes with lower lease rates—but more responsibility.

Choose a wet lease if:

• You need a plane fast, fully ready to go.
• You don’t have your own crew or license.
• You need short-term help for aircraft capacity or seasonal demand.
• You’re trying out a new service or market.
• You don’t want to manage aircraft and crew yourself.

With a wet lease, the lessor maintains operational control of the aircraft. The leased aircraft operates under the lessor’s FAA or international approvals. The lessee pays to lease the aircraft, but the lessor provides all support.

This setup is often used by airlines or for aircraft charter services needing flexible leasing options.

Dry Lease vs Wet Lease: A Clear Comparison

Now that you know the basics, let’s break down the difference between wet and dry leases side by side. Understanding how each lease arrangement works will help you choose the right one for your needs.

What’s Included?

• Dry Lease: The lessor provides an aircraft only. No crew. No insurance. No maintenance.
• Wet Lease: The lessor supplies the aircraft, plus the crew, maintenance, and insurance. It’s a full-service deal.

In a dry lease, the lessee operates the aircraft and handles all the work. This includes hiring pilots, getting insurance, and taking care of maintenance. With a wet lease, the aircraft is operated under the lessor’s control.

Think of it like this: dry lease = DIY; wet lease = all-in-one package.

Who’s in Control?

• Dry Lease: The lessee maintains full operational control.
• Wet Lease: The lessor retains operational control.

This matters because whoever controls the plane also carries legal responsibility. For example, in the U.S., the FAA watches over who holds operational control of the aircraft. That affects what rules must be followed.

Cost and Timeframe

• Dry leases often come with lower lease rates, but require more work and upfront planning.
• Wet leases are more expensive, but much easier and faster to set up.

Duration of the lease can also vary. Wet leases are often short-term, while dry leases are usually longer—sometimes lasting several years.

Wet, Dry... and Wait, What’s a Damp Lease?

Yes, there’s one more to know about! It’s called a damp lease—a middle ground between wet and dry.

What is a Damp Lease?

In a damp lease, the lessor provides the aircraft and partial crew (like pilots), but the lessee provides cabin crew or other services. It’s not as common, but still used in various leasing situations.

This type of leasing arrangement whereby an aircraft is partly managed by both parties helps with flexibility—especially when two airlines want to share resources.

More to Think About When Choosing a Lease

There are lots of types of aircraft leases, but most fall into a few types of leasing arrangements:

• Operating lease: Short or mid-term. The aircraft lessors keep aircraft ownership, and the lessee returns the aircraft after the lease term.
• Finance lease: A longer leasing model where the lessee may end up owning the aircraft at the end.

These leasing choices are useful for anyone involved in aircraft management—whether you're planning aircraft transactions, want to lease their aircraft to others, or need a specific aircraft for a season or route.

Also, aircraft financing plays a big role. Leasing lets companies fly planes without the financial burden of buying one. It’s an arrangement whereby an aircraft can be used, tested, or added to a fleet with less risk.

Still Unsure? Think About These Final Points

• What type of aircraft do you need?
• How long will you need it?
• Do you want to provide aircraft services yourself?
• Are you managing a startup airline or expanding an existing one?
• Do you want the aircraft permanently or just for a while?

Some companies prefer to lease to test out the market before selling an aircraft later. Others might lease to get an aircraft back into the air quickly after a repair or replacement.

Leasing is flexible. Whether you’re an aircraft owner looking to earn from idle planes or a buyer trying to avoid big upfront costs, there’s a setup that fits.

Conclusion

Both wet leasing and dry leasing are useful ways to access a plane without the high cost of buying. But the best lease situation depends on what you need.

• Want more freedom and control? A dry lease agreement might be best.
• Need a ready-to-fly plane with support? Go with a wet lease aircraft deal.

Whichever lease structure you choose, remember to work with trusted leasing companies who understand the aircraft leasing market.

Need help picking the right lease? Flying411 is here to guide you through aviation leasing and help you lease a private jet or commercial aircraft that fits your needs. Get in touch today!

FAQs

1. What is the main difference between wet and dry leasing? 

A wet lease includes crew and services, while a dry lease only includes the aircraft.

2. How long does an aircraft lease typically last? 

It depends, but dry leases often last years. Wet leases are usually short-term.

3. Can private individuals lease an aircraft? 

Yes! Individuals can lease a private jet for personal or business use.

4. Do wet leases include maintenance? 

Yes, the lessor usually handles maintenance in a wet lease.

5. Is leasing cheaper than buying an aircraft? 

Yes, leasing allows access to planes without the financial burden of buying.