Gama changer...

Pressure has been mounting since Dubai’s international airport reacted to increased demand from commercial flights and withdrew 19 hours of slots per day for business jets.

However, Sharjah International Airport has emerged as a preferred alternative for private and business aviation clients facing increasing congestion at Dubai International Airport, where business jet slots are becoming limited. Recently, the airport's authority introduced extensive slot restrictions for general aviation flights.

Step in Gama Aviation’s Sharjah fixed base operation (FBO) which is capitalising on this shift, achieving record passenger growth and positioning the airport as a premier gateway for business aviation in the Middle East.

Gama Aviation received a record number of passengers for 2024.

“Since we began our operations in Sharjah 10 years ago, the business has grown dramatically, and we've identified several main drivers of this growth,” said Tom Murphy, managing director.

“These include the growing familiarity with Sharjah International Airport and the operational efficiencies that it brings, such as the lack of slot restrictions and reduced taxi times, compared to alternative airports in the vicinity.

“In the past, one of the main challenges of Sharjah was the perception of there being heavy road traffic in the emirate at all times of the day. However, over time clients have learnt this is not the case, alongside this road traffic across Dubai and the rest of the UAE increased – so the perception has shifted and lost its weight. A journey to somewhere like Dubai’s downtown or the financial centre can be just 20-30 minutes from Sharjah Airport.”

Gama’s Sharjah FBO has received a growing volume of Asian operators, which Murphy believes is because the unrivalled operational efficiencies it provides.

“Besides the airport having zero slot restrictions, zero airspace congestion, and zero taxiway congestion Our FBO is ISBAH stage 3-approved and offers 30-minute quick turns, making it appealing to Asian operators that require efficient fuel stops and crew changes.”

He added: “Our recent participation at the BAAFEX Show in Singapore was a significant success, with numerous operators managing flights between Asia and Europe expressing strong interest in our services. Many have since chosen to utilise Sharjah as their preferred transit hub, recognising its strategic advantages as a connecting point along their routes.”

So, just what can guests expect from Gama's new FBO facility opening this year?

“Once the facility is completed, we will relocate our business to a new area of Sharjah International Airport. With a total area of over 80,000 sqm, the site will contain a 12,000 sqm hangar and 3,000 sqm two-storey VIP terminal that brings together all services and facilities under one roof. The site will be exclusively operated by Gama Aviation and accommodate solely business jet aircraft, providing access to the airport's runway through a newly-built taxiway,” explained Murphy.

“The proximity of our site to the runway will enhance the existing operational efficiencies provided by Sharjah airport, reducing taxi time to 90 seconds, saving our guests’ time and fuel costs.

“The facility offers a full complement of in-house ground support equipment to support operators, including dedicated fuel bowsers and dedicated immigration, customs, and police counters, as well as having a VIP terminal that contains various high-end amenities that elevate the guest experience.”

Murphy said its hangar can hold up to 20 aircraft of all business jet types, including Airbus ACJs and Boeing BBJs.

Speaking about the future, Murphy said the company is ‘committed’ to expanding in the region.

“This may be through our business aviation (MRO, FBO, AM&C) or special mission business units,” he explained.

“With our strategic location, operational efficiencies, exclusive facilities and bespoke service, we are fast becoming the business airport of choice for travellers coming from or heading to downtown Dubai, Sharjah and the northern emirates.

“Our integrated approach, combined with our operational expertise, delivers cost-effective solutions and seamless guest experiences, setting new standards for operational excellence in business aviation.”