The company, which has operated in the UAE since 2009, is constructing a 14,000 square meter hangar and a VVIP FBO (Fixed-Base Operator) terminal in Sharjah. This expansion comes as business aviation traffic in the UAE has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, with new aircraft owners entering the market.

Middle East private jet market boom

Tom Murphy, Head of Gama Aviation’s FBO division, told Arabian Business in an exclusive interview, “If it’s just been a snapshot of pre-pandemic volumes that we’ve seen in the Middle East, the market is now 100 percent in terms of flights in and out of the UAE. That’s comparing the volumes last year to 2019, pre-pandemic volumes.”

Murphy added that growth has maintained a steady pace over the last couple of years, creating significant opportunities for expansion in the region.

Sharjah: The new hub for business aviation in the UAE?

Gama Aviation’s decision to invest heavily in Sharjah, rather than the more well-known Dubai or Abu Dhabi airports, is strategic.

Murphy explained the unique advantages, he said, “Sharjah is unique in the sense that the airspace is not as congested as the other major airports in the UAE. Clients can arrive and depart anytime they want. It’s not so restricted. In other airports, you could ask for a 10 o’clock departure. It might be issued at 12:00 or 13:00 departure.”

This flexibility, combined with reduced taxi times and proximity to Dubai and the northern emirates, positions Sharjah as an attractive alternative for business jet travellers.

New facility to cater to growing demand for luxury air travel

The new Gama Aviation facility in Sharjah will significantly increase the company’s capacity to handle larger aircraft and provide high-end services to discerning clients.

“Until now, we’ve got an established client base, we’ve got a certain amount of aircraft that are based in Sharjah full time,” Murphy said. “What this project will enable us to do is increase our hangar capacity. We can accept aircraft that we have not been able to accommodate previously.”

The air-conditioned hangar space is particularly valuable in the UAE’s “harsh weather conditions”, where aircraft owners seek to protect their valuable assets.

While Gama Aviation’s initial client base in Sharjah consisted primarily of UAE nationals, the company has diversified its customer profile.

“With a lot of work into our marketing, a lot of work into increasing the relationships we have with business jet operators to give them education on the operational benefits of Sharjah, we’ve increased our market share,” Murphy stated. “It has captured some leisure traffic, it has captured expats that live here, but also passengers that are travelling to the UAE for leisure as well.”

The Sharjah project is just the beginning of Gama Aviation’s ambitious plans for the region. Murphy revealed, “We’ve got ambitions to open an FBO network in the GCC. Obviously, we’re heavily invested in the UAE, and we can make it to the GCC.”

This expansion strategy aligns with the company’s global growth plans, which include the recent announcement of its intention to acquire Tyrolean Jet Services, an established business jet operator with two European AOCs (Air Operator Certificates).

The investment in Sharjah comes at a time when the business aviation sector is experiencing a renaissance following the COVID-19 pandemic. Murphy noted, “We saw a lot of new aircraft owners off the back of COVID. A lot of them remained as aircraft owners or were chartering aircraft for the first time and decided that that’s the way that they like to travel.”

As Gama Aviation expands its presence in the Middle East, it faces the challenge of maintaining its personalised service while growing its operations. Murphy emphasised the company’s commitment to tailored customer experiences.

“If we treated everybody the same, it’s not the way to retain customers. That’s sort of the heartbeat of our business and has remained that way considering the ownership has been the same for over 40 years.”

Additional certifications, steadily increasing flight hours and deliveries around the world along with continued city-pair speed records demonstrate unparalleled program maturity for the G700.

To date, the G700 has also earned European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) type certification along with type certificate validations from eight nations, including Mexico, and the growing fleet has exceeded 700 flight hours.

“We planned for a seamless entry into service for the G700, and this incredible start is a testament to both the maturity of the programme and the dedication of the Gulfstream team,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. “Thanks to the investments we made across our business, from research and development to manufacturing and completions, the G700 programme is exceeding customer expectations – they are flying their aircraft around the world immediately upon delivery, and the feedback we are hearing is outstanding.”

Powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada engines, both aircraft feature the award-winning Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck, with safety enhancing technology, including the industry’s first active control sidesticks and most extensive use of touch-screen technology, along with Phase-of-Flight intelligence.

Both aircraft are recognised for their industry-leading cabin comfort, with award-winning seating and interior design.

“Our award-winning G500 and G600 continue to demonstrate impressive performance,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. “This achievement is a result of the strong demand and high flight activity we’re seeing from customers around the world. Having exceeded 100,000 flight hours further reiterates the durability and dependability of the G500 and G600.”

The event was formally opened by Dr Vandana Aggarwal, former senior economic advisor, ministry of civil aviation for the Indian Government.

Conference Chair, Alan Peaford MBE, gave his opening speech by saying: “With a commercial aviation history going back some 113 years, India is hardly an emerging market, I would argue it is re-emerging.

"No wonder too, as many of the ingredients are right to stimulate a growth for the air transport and the aviation support business. The growth is attributed to increased per capita income levels; increase in urban migration numbers and a shift of customers from other modes of transport. Increased spend on consumables has seen eCommerce boom that feeds down to the air freight sector."

He added: "Indians will quite rightly point to the achievement of moving to a third place spot for domestic connectivity behind the United States and China. However, there are significant issues facing the business in this renaissance.  Is MRO up to scratch? Is the government creating the right environment to support this industry or are government charges and taxation restricting growth?

“There are some world class airports here, or in the pipeline, but away from the main metropolitan first-tier cities are there sufficient landing and parking places for the business aircraft industry.

“And to get business jets, do we have the right MRO support, landing strips and freedom to support?  Are the country’s own HNWI’s able to base an aircraft here with ease?

"Airlines, GA, maintenance and other aviation services all face a similar challenge.  Retaining staff and training new ones

“Poaching is prevalent, not just from domestic competitors but from the nearby Gulf States as well. At the same time, we are facing pressures brought about by global warming both for the impact on operations and the future regulatory restrictions."

Peaford concluded: "These issues, and others, will be addressed here on the platform over the next two days.”

Already the inaugural event has attracted over 500 registered delegates.

Mark Brown, managing director of Times Aerospace Events, said of the conference: “This may be the first of the Aviation India events but it won’t be the last.”

Launched in 2015, the UAS Outstanding Suppliers of the Year Awards celebrate UAS’ top-performing industry partners on every continent it serves.

The awards reinforce the stringent global quality assurance processes UAS utilises throughout its supply chain to its international client base of heads of state, VVIPs, Fortune Global 500 companies, commercial airlines, and business jet operators. 

This year, to reflect the business aviation industry's commitment to innovation and sustainability, UAS has added two additional awards: The UAS Sustainability Award and the UAS Innovation Award. 

The Outstanding Suppliers of the Year Award winners include UAS' best performing and consistently excellent strategic partners from all over the globe.  

The UAS Outstanding Supplier of the Year Award winners:

•           UAS Commercial Handler of the Year – DNATA Group 

•           UAS GA Handler of the Year – ExecuJet Middle East 

•           UAS Cargo Handler of the Year – Saudi Arabian Logistics 

•           UAS Fuel Supplier of the Year – TotalEnergies Aviation

•           UAS Customer Service Award – Quick Aviation Services 

•           UAS Sustainability Award – Harrods Aviation 

•           UAS Innovation Award – Jet Aviation

“Great flight support solutions rely on consistency and sustained operational excellence and we are lucky to have cultivated an impressive network of excellent global partners over the past 24 years," UAS Co-Founder and CEO, Omar Hosari said.

"It's vital for us to take this opportunity each year to celebrate our incredible global partners who empower us to support our clients in all operational environments, whether they are on a tight schedule, encountering unforeseen challenges, or simply trying to get the best flight experience possible under normal circumstances."

“My heartiest congratulations and gratitude to all our outstanding partners, without whom we wouldn't be capable of providing the excellent level of global support that we are renowned for,” he added.   

The partnership will see UAS offer award-winning sustainable aviation solutions to its global clientele of Heads of State, VVIPs, Fortune Global 500 companies, commercial airlines, and business jet operators. This partnership supports UAS’ goal to provide its clients with end-to-end aviation solutions and become a one-stop shop for all aviation needs.

4AIR's dedication to aviation sustainability is evident through its comprehensive suite of programs, covering voluntary sustainability initiatives, regulatory monitoring & compliance , and sustainable aviation fuel inventory management. Engaging with industry stakeholders including fuel producers, suppliers, FBOs, end-users, as well as environmental and industry associations, 4AIR's commitment to reducing the cost of decarbonising aviation reinforces their aim of making sustainability accessible and cost-effective for industry stakeholders.

“Decarbonising the aviation sector is a key challenge to solve. And this is central to UAS’ mission to revolutionise the travel experience. We want to set a new standard for sustainable aviation and play our part in the achievement of our industry’s carbon neutrality goals. Therefore, we are delighted to now offer award-winning sustainable aviation solutions to our clients and to enter a partnership with 4AIR, a globally renowned leader in the field. We are continuing to embrace sustainability and help to reshape the future of aviation,” said Omar Hosari, UAS Co-Founder and CEO.

UAS customers will have facilitated access to 4AIR programs, including access to regulatory monitoring & compliance, carbon offsetting, SAF book and claim, and even their Aviation Climate Fund, aimed at supporting research for future aviation technologies.

“4AIR is proud to embark on this partnership with UAS. By integrating our award-winning sustainability solutions into UAS' comprehensive aviation offerings, we aim to empower UAS customers with the knowledge and tools they need to more easily integrate sustainability into their operation and make meaningful strides towards long term sustainability goals,” said Nancy Bsales, COO of 4AIR.

The company said at during EBACE, taking place in Geneva,  that the Falcon 6X ‘is a welcome addition’ to the diverse range of aircraft it already offers.

The aircraft features a spacious cabin in its class, ultra-efficient Pratt & Whitney PW812D engines.

The first Falcon 6X worldwide is scheduled for delivery to Turkey in the coming weeks.

AMAC Aerospace Turkey has also successfully completed a comprehensive C- Check on a Falcon 2000 Classic series aircraft.

In addition to the standard maintenance, the Falcon 2000 Classic underwent a significant interior upgrade. The project was expedited through a seamless collaboration with JCB Aero, the French company of the AMAC group.

The C-Check, a critical inspection and maintenance procedure, ensures the aircraft’s continued airworthiness and optimal performance. AMAC Aerospace Turkey's skilled technicians completed the check efficiently, demonstrating their expertise and commitment to minimising aircraft downtime for their clients.

AMAC Aerospace Bodrum has also been awarded a significant project involving the end-of-lease inspection for seven narrow-body Airbus aircraft.

The programme is set to commence in July 2024 and will keep the team engaged for the next twelve months. The project involves three aircraft staggered with this client, ensuring a continuous workflow over the period. The aircraft in question are of the type A320-214, powered by CFM56-5B engines.

The project encompasses seven re-delivery to lessor projects, each including exterior paint work. The detailed work scope for these projects includes comprehensive inspections and maintenance checks, such as 12-year, 6-year, 2-year, 1C, 2C, 3C, and A-checks.