MEBA10: Gama Aviation set to expand

The aircraft join a Challenger 604, 605 and 850 in the regional fleet.

The developments mean that Gama Aviation, based at Sharjah International Airport, has met its targets in its first year, said managing director Dave Edwards.

“Gama Aviation only obtained its UAE GCAA Air Operator’s Certificate in February this year, so we are pleased that this development is very much in line with our first year aims, especially in view of the fact that it typically takes many months for clients to determine an aircraft management partner in the region and it remains a very competitive market,” he said.

Edwards moved from Gama’s Farnborough UK headquarters in summer 2009 to concentrate on establishing the new Middle East business. The operation has since grown to support 21 full-time positions, including pilots. More jobs will be created next year as work progresses on the new hangar and a complementary FBO the company is creating at Sharjah International Airport, he said.

Gama Aviation is applying for its UAE GCAA CAR 145 maintenance approval, which it hopes to achieve in the first half of 2011. It is also working to complete the new 12,000sqm hangar facility at Sharjah, which will provide hangarage and maintenance facilities for business jet aircraft in the region.

Initially, the approval will allow the company to undertake base maintenance support on light jets and business turboprops, such as the Learjet 45 and Beechcraft King Air, thereby mirroring its capabilities in Europe and the USA, as well as line maintenance for all various aircraft types it operates.