Which type of lease involves providing both the aircraft and a crewmember for operation?

A wet lease is a type of leasing arrangement where the lessor provides not only the aircraft but also the crew to operate it. This means that under a wet lease, the lessee, or the entity leasing the aircraft, benefits from an all-inclusive service. The lessor typically retains operational control, as they supply the required flight crew alongside the aircraft.

Wet leases are often utilized in situations where an airline needs additional capacity for a short time, allowing them to meet demand without investing in additional aircraft or crew training. This type of lease is especially beneficial for airlines that may experience fluctuations in passenger load or for special charter operations.

In contrast, a dry lease typically involves the leasing of an aircraft without crew. In a dry lease, the lessee is responsible for providing their own flight crew, maintenance, and operational control of the aircraft. This arrangement provides more operational autonomy for the lessee but requires more resources and management on their part.

Understanding the specifics of these leasing terms is critical in the aviation industry, especially when managing operational costs and capacity effectively. Hence, a wet lease facilitates immediate operational capacity for a lessee by providing comprehensive support in terms of both the aircraft and the necessary crew.