Gama Aviation Plc has
released the architectural concept for its proposed business aviation
facility in Sharjah.
The facility, the first
purpose built location of its type in Sharjah, will replace its existing
facility and is a cornerstone to the company's continued expansion in the
region.
Once completed, mid-2018, the
facility will comprise world class passenger and crew facilities; one 100
metre hangar with an option to add a second in due course; hangars able to
accommodate all business aircraft including Airbus ACJ & Boeing BBJ
aircraft; approximately 20,000m˛. of external aircraft parking and 150m˛. of
commercial office space for tenants.
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Gama Aviation's Sharjah
concept |
Sharjah International has
seen business aviation traffic rise due to its proximity to the financial
districts of Dubai. Capacity restrictions at Dubai International and the
driving distance to Dubai South have also helped Sharjah International
develop as a business aviation destination with traffic rising by 12%.
Martin Ringrose,
General Manager, Gama Aviation commented: "We have made excellent progress
this year; our Air business growing the fleet by 33% and the Ground business
benefiting from increased traffic and an adjusted pricing model. So to close
the year at MEBAA with our concept for Sharjah is exciting. As the model and
renders show, we'll have an outstanding facility that mirrors the high
standard of our existing lounge. With ground works starting shortly, that
reality will not be so very far away."
Marwan Khalek,
Group Chief Executive, Gama Aviation Plc added: "To see our Middle East
business maturing in this way is very satisfying. Martin and his team have
had a good year in what remains a tricky market. Consolidating our position
allows us greater latitude to continue develop our scale, breadth and depth
in other regional markets that we have yet to fully penetrate as we look to
double the scale of the Group's business over the next two years."
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FBO concept |
According to Gama Aviation,
the Middle East has a business aviation fleet of about 800 aircraft, with
Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates accounting for 24 percent,
20 percent and 17 percent of the market respectively. The business aviation
leader announced that it planned to invest in constructing new facilities
following the opening of its private terminal at Sharjah airport in 2014.
The current Gama Aviation terminal offers world-class executive lounge and
crew facilities, in close proximity to key destinations in Sharjah city and
Dubai, such as Dubai International Financial District (DIFC).
Gama recently secured UAE
General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and European Aviation Safety Agency
approvals to provide line maintenance for a wide range of business aircraft,
including the Beechcraft King Air, Bombardier Challenger, Bombardier Global,
Embraer Legacy , Gulfstream and Boeing Business Jets. The company also
introduced new rates for ‘Category Zero’ handling for its Sharjah FBO
earlier this year, to encourage the region’s light aircraft users to use its
facilities. Gama Aviation began handling all business aviation services at
Sharjah International Airport in early 2012 via a partnership with Sharjah
Airport Authority and opened its own private aviation terminal in 2014.
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