Gama Aviation saw a 70% increase in the number of business aviation movements at its Sharjah base in 2013 compared with the previous year, and expects further improvement as the UAE site cements its position as the leading business aviation hub in the Middle East.
Gama has been instrumental in expanding the airport’s business aviation activities, and is on schedule to unveil its new dedicated business aviation terminal this year.
"We now handle around 200 movements a month, up from 160 last year," says Richard Lineveldt, Gama’s general manager for the Middle East, Europe and Africa.
Gama Aviation and Sharjah International airport will handle a considerable amount of additional traffic when Dubai International’s extensive runway works begin from 1 May.
"A number of business jets have already committed to move over to Sharjah during that period, and we are working with industry partners and airport stakeholders to prepare for the increased demand," Lineveldt says. He notes that Sharjah is closer to Dubai International than Dubai World Central, which is being promoted as the official alternative during the period.
Gama Aviation took over the responsibility for all business aviation handling at Sharjah International in early 2012, in a partnership with Sharjah Airport Authority. However, the company has been present in Sharjah as a charter operator since 2006.
Its Sharjah facility is large enough to accommodate a Boeing BBJ or Airbus ACJ, both of which are already present in the company’s managed fleet. The firm is also working to secure more hangar space at the airport.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
