GAMA AVIATIOn AT SHARjAH InTeRnATIOnAl AIRPORT
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t the beginning of 2012, Gama Aviation, the global leader in business aviation services, took responsibility for all business aircraft handling at Sharjah International Airport. Gama Aviation provides SIA with a dedicated team that works round-the-clock, 365 days a year to manage business aviation traffic. Though Gama has been operating at Sharjah since 2004, this is its first foray into the Middle East and
North Africa region for FBO (Fixed Base Operation) management. Gama brings to SIA the expertise needed for Executive Jet Handling. Gama’s tie-up with SIA highlights the advantages and potential of Sharjah as a business Jet hub. Echoing these sentiments, Dave Edwards, Managing Director of Gama Aviation FZE said, “We are delighted to be providing our FBO services at Sharjah International. The opportunities for business aviation at the airport are
GAMA’S AIRCRAFT HAnDlInG SeRVICeS InCluDe: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Complete aircraft and passenger arrival and departure services Direct ramp access to aircraft by passengers own transportation On-site customs On-site Immigration and visa eye scan services when required Fast and convenient passenger and baggage screening 10 minutes to Sharjah city and 20 minutes to Dubai business district by car, 5 minutes by helicopter transfer. Variety of local hotels at preferential rates Chauffeur and crew transport options available Private Majlis and First Class lounges On-site restaurants for crew Flight Planning Services Fuelling services GCAA CAR145 approved maintenance support Aircraft parking Hangar facilities for transient and based aircraft Interior and exterior aircraft cleaning services Oxygen refill Catering services Toilet and water services Passenger steps Push back services and air start capabilities
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superb and the infrastructure lends itself to a quick and efficient service – meaning that passengers don’t waste valuable time hanging around in departure lounges. The airport’s location is very convenient for Sharjah, the Northern Emirates and particularly for passengers travelling to Dubai. With the ability for clients to drive directly to their aircraft like most European and American business airports it’s a very good option. Sharjah also has less capacity restraints and no slot restrictions, perfect for the specific demands of business aviation”. Gama Aviation has been instrumental in expanding the airport’s business aviation activity. This was evident by the significant growth in business aviation activities posted by Gama’s Sharjah FBO in May 2012. Key highlights include: • A 25% increase in the number of business jet movements in the first quarter of 2012 versus the first quarter of 2011 • A doubling of movements during April 2012, compared with April 2011. • A further 20 operators and flight support agencies have signed up for handling agreements with Gama’s Sharjah FBO • Since taking over the facility five months ago Gama is consistently achieving average 30 minute aircraft turnaround times • Landing to chocks’ time has been reduced to an average six minutes. August 2012 was also a fruitful month for Gama. Expansion of its services at SIA continued apace with Gama Support Services FZE (GSS FZE) of UAE being awarded
the GCAA CAR Part 145 Approval, initially supporting Challenger and King Air operations. This Approval built on the achievement of GSS FZE’s sister company, Gama Aviation FZE, becoming one of the first UAE based business jet operators to achieve CAR Part M Maintenance Management Approval. Gama Aviation FZE is one of the first UAE based business jet operators to achieve this certification. CAR Part M is the latest continued airworthiness management requirement designed to ensure the highest level of safety and quality, which is overseen by the Operator themselves, rather than the Regulatory Authority. The approval comes following an in-depth and detailed application and audit process. “This significant change in legislation came into effect throughout the United Arab Emirates on the 1st of July and I view it as strong recognition from the GCAA demonstrating its faith in the skills and experience of the team here at Gama in the Middle East,” said Dave Edwards. Future investment by Gama at Sharjah International Airport includes the further development of hangar facilities, additional maintenance approvals and an increase in the number of locally employed engineers. A slew of significant achievements combined with ambitious development plans have helped Gama’s Sharjah FBO establish itself as a ‘stress-free’ gateway for business and private visitors to Sharjah, Dubai and the Northern Emirates and the first choice technical stop for business jet operators through the Middle East.