Malaysia: Malaysia is working with regional partners to develop common standards for aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance (ACMI) approval, air operator certificate (AOC) validation, and information sharing, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, CAAM director of flight operations Captain Mohd Nazri stated the aim is to create a clear, coherent, and interoperable ACMI environment across nations that supports seamless cross-border connectivity while ensuring safety remains uncompromised. He highlighted that ACMI operations increasingly cross national boundaries, especially within ASEAN, and emphasized the importance of policy harmonization under the ASEAN Single Aviation Market (ASAM).
Captain Nazri noted that ACMI is a strategic tool that plays a significant role in shaping Malaysia's aviation future. It allows airlines to close capacity gaps, expand networks quickly, and reduce both operational and financial risks. For airlines, it offers agility and rapid expansion without heavy capital investment, providing access to aircraft and crews not readily available within their own fleets.
He further explained that ACMI creates broader economic value for Malaysia by generating high-skill jobs for pilots, engineers, and ground staff. It also attracts foreign investment and reinforces Malaysia's position as an original aviation hub. As airlines increasingly turn to ACMI arrangements that span across jurisdictions, coordinated regional policies are needed to avoid regulatory fragmentation.
Captain Nazri emphasized that while ACMI offers opportunities, it also comes with responsibilities. Regulators must ensure that ACMI growth is safe, compliant, and sustainable. CAAM has developed a comprehensive framework aligned with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards and recommended practices, balancing flexibility for operators with strict oversight to safeguard safety and accountability.
He also mentioned that CAAM is working on a regulation that will include a leasing directive involving ACMI requirements. Additionally, there is a focus on pre-aligning the validity of the expiry date for airlines to streamline the air service permit (ASP) and air operator's certificate (AOC) processes, reducing waiting times.
ACMI is a specific type of aircraft leasing arrangement where the lessor provides an aircraft, flight and cabin crew, all maintenance, and necessary insurance to the lessee airline.