Comparison of EASA ACMI

[viloader]

I have a steady gig on the bus in Europe, LHS, 1500h PIC and counting and am taking sabbatical leave for a couple of years for personal/family reasons to move some place where I'd like to fly for one of the ACMI operators that have NIA/positioning base concept.

You may call me nuts, but one of my previous gigs was a holiday charter that was structured very much like ACMI (positioning base, stay away for a while and then have extended blocks off at home) and I actually enjoyed the challenge. I realise that most would want the gig I currently have, not go the other way, but it's what I want.

Is there an overview (not sure how up to date ppjn is) of length of work blocks, unpaid leave arrangements in winter, possible part time options about the usual suspects such as Smartlynx, Avion, Getjet, Heston etc? I'd prefer shorter work blocks and more time off at home and the possibility to take months off in winter (paid or unpaid) over a better salary. Haven't found such a comparison and it would help out my decision which one of these to go with. Looking at a start date in spring 2026.

[nickler]

Originally Posted by viloader

I have a steady gig on the bus in Europe, LHS, 1500h PIC and counting and am taking sabbatical leave for a couple of years for personal/family reasons to move some place where I'd like to fly for one of the ACMI operators that have NIA/positioning base concept.

You may call me nuts, but one of my previous gigs was a holiday charter that was structured very much like ACMI (positioning base, stay away for a while and then have extended blocks off at home) and I actually enjoyed the challenge. I realise that most would want the gig I currently have, not go the other way, but it's what I want.

Is there an overview (not sure how up to date ppjn is) of length of work blocks, unpaid leave arrangements in winter, possible part time options about the usual suspects such as Smartlynx, Avion, Getjet, Heston etc? I'd prefer shorter work blocks and more time off at home and the possibility to take months off in winter (paid or unpaid) over a better salary. Haven't found such a comparison and it would help out my decision which one of these to go with. Looking at a start date in spring 2026.

Considering that the usual suspects are hunting for pilots 365 days a year you are pretty much in a position to ask them what you want, especially when it comes down to be off for the winter unpaid. They will love that unless you are "kindly asked" to cover operations in non-EU countries during the winter and be away from home a month or so. Most important is to discuss everything beforehand during the interviews.

[viloader]

Any idea about one of them offering some sort of part time, or is it all negotiations? My ideal case would be 15 on, 15off and some unpaid leave months in winter.

[maxed-out]

If you want 15/15 consider coming over to the dark side of Business Aviation. Maybe an ACJ operator will consider you. No winter off though.

[tiredofwalking]

amongst all the ACMI you can forget Avion Express, we often fly more in the winter than in the summer due to big contracts in Mexico and Asia. Of course given the chronic instability of the sector it might be different next year

[FlightDetent]

The idea of negotiating your roster in advance before joining the ACMI circuit makes this a perfect fit for the Friday Jokes thread.

Oh, and the nicer and helpful you are, the more screwed over you will be. High competence and agency also dutifully rewarded with all shades of grey.