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Quick Guide: Understanding Block Hour Rates in ACMI Leasing

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ACMIhub Editorial
April 9, 2026 2 min read 204 views
Block hours are the fundamental unit of ACMI pricing. This guide explains what they are, how rates are calculated, what is typically included and excluded, and how to benchmark your next ACMI requirement.

If you are new to ACMI leasing, block hours are the concept you need to master first. Every ACMI quote, contract and performance measurement in the wet lease world revolves around the block hour.

What Is a Block Hour?

A block hour begins when the aircraft wheel chocks are removed (or brakes released from the parking position) and ends when the chocks are replaced (or brakes set) at the destination. Block time is always longer than air time — it includes taxi, take-off roll, climb, cruise, descent and arrival taxi.

What Is Included in a Block Hour Rate?

  • Aircraft: The capital cost of providing the aircraft — financing, depreciation and return on capital.
  • Crew: Flight deck crew costs — salaries, per diem, positioning, training and recurrent checks.
  • Maintenance: All scheduled and unscheduled maintenance costs, CAMO fees, component replacement and AOG recovery.
  • Insurance: Hull and liability insurance premiums.

What Is Not Included?

The lessee always pays for: fuel (the largest variable cost — approximately 25–35% of total cost per block hour), ground handling, navigation and en-route charges, airport fees, and overfly permits.

Typical Rate Ranges by Aircraft Type (2026)

  • ATR 42-600 / ATR 72-600: $1,300–$2,300/bh
  • CRJ-900 / Embraer E175: $1,600–$2,600/bh
  • Airbus A320ceo / Boeing 737-800: $2,800–$3,800/bh
  • Airbus A320neo / Boeing 737 MAX: $3,200–$4,500/bh
  • Boeing 767-300ER: $6,000–$8,500/bh
  • Airbus A330-200 / -300: $6,500–$9,000/bh
  • Boeing 777-300ER: $9,000–$12,000/bh
  • Boeing 747-400F (freighter): $11,000–$15,000/bh
  • Boeing 777F: $12,000–$16,000/bh

Minimum Block Hours

Most ACMI contracts include a minimum guaranteed block hours clause — a floor below which the lessee pays regardless of actual operations. Negotiate minimums carefully to align with realistic operational projections.

Use the ACMIhub Lease Calculator

Use the free ACMIhub Lease Calculator to get a cost estimate for a specific ACMI requirement, including block hour rate benchmarks and a comparison against dry lease economics.

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