Gama's Learjet Fleet Manager Captain Tim Watts says goodbye after 21 years' flying

He flew his last flight on a Learjet 45 from Geneva, to be greeted with congratulations from Farnborough Airport air traffic controllers, water cannons on arrival, and a surprise champagne reception at Gama’s offices.  “I was just thinking, I wonder if the boss knows it’s my last flight,” said Tim.  “I was completely overwhelmed.”

Previously running his own double glazing company, Tim caught the aviation bug late.  He learned to fly at Fairoaks Airport in Chobham, where Gama has its roots and acquired his own aircraft, a Piper Cherokee, G-TIMW.   

After becoming a flight instructor he joined Gama to fly the Beechcraft Super King Air in 1989. He has only ever flown commercially for Gama and quickly became an integral part of the team.  “It’s the end of an era,” commented Paul Cremer, Gama’s Commercial Manager.  “It’s always sad to say goodbye to an individual who has been so dedicated to the company, but we all wish him well in his retirement.”

Tim is now looking forward to spending time with his wife at his new home in Murcia, Spain and enjoying lots of swimming.  “I really loved flying with Gama.  Every day was varied and I flew some very interesting clients, but the highlight was the annual flight for the aviation charity fly2Help and seeing those delighted children’s faces.  I was made to feel very much part of the Gama family and I have huge admiration for Gama Aviation, the team and terrific company they have created.”

Gama was, founded in 1983 by Marwan Khalek and Stephen Wright. The group employs over 300 staff at bases in Europe, North America and the Middle East and operates more than 75 business jet aircraft. The group’s affiliated companies hold EU-OPS, FAA Part 135 and UAE GCAA Charter Certificates, EASA Part 145 Maintenance Approvals, Part 21 Design and Manufacture Approvals and offer business aircraft charter, management, FBO, maintenance, valeting and aviation software services. It is headquartered at Farnborough Airport in the UK, with regional headquarters at Sharjah in the UAE and Stratford Connecticut in the USA.  Sales offices are located in Dubai  and Teterboro near New York.