Page 16 - AAA JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2012 Online Magazine

Headline News

Gama set for Sharjah expansion

troduction of Gama, His
Excellency Abdulwahab Al
Roomi, Director General, De-
partment of Civil Aviation
said: “We are pleased to have
as reputed an organization
as Gama operating at Shar-
jah International Airport.
Their presence will bring in
the expertise that we were
seeking with regard to Ex-
ecutive Jet Handling. We are
confident that through Gama
the advantages and potential
of Sharjah as a business Jet
hub will be highlighted and
utilised to the maximum,
and we see this partnership
Dave Edwards, managing director Gama Aviation reaping rich dividend to both
FZE and His Excellency Abdulwahab Al Roomi, organizations.”
Director General, Department of Civil Aviation
These sentiments were
echoed by Gama officials:
Gama Aviation, the global opment relationship with movements each year. Its “We are delighted to be
business aviation and ser- the Sharjah International ease of access makes it one of providing our FBO services
vices company, announced Airport management team. the most efficient and easy to at Sharjah International.

in late January that it will Sharjah, the oldest airport use airports in the region. The opportunities for busi-
take responsibility for all in the Emirates, can trace its Sharjah is closer to the ness aviation at the airport
business aircraft handling heritage back to 1932, but the business district of Dubai are superb and the infra-
at Sharjah International existing airport was built in than the new World Central structure lends itself to a
Airport with the creation the 1970s. Throughout all of Airport (43 minutes by road) quick and efficient service
of a brand new FBO (Fixed this, Sharjah’s efficiency and which is scheduled to be- – meaning that passengers
Base Operation). ease of use has been promi- come Dubai’s main business don’t waste valuable time
The news follows on from nent, which means that the airport this year. As such, hanging around in depar-
a commitment made with average landing to chocks Gama says Sharjah Interna- ture lounges. The airport’s
the Sharjah Department on time is an enviable aver- tional Airport is already be- location is very convenient
of Civil Aviation with the age of just six minutes. ing recognised as an excel- for Sharjah, the Northern
aim of encouraging and fa- Its appeal is the availabil- lent practical alternative by Emirates and particularly
cilitating business aviation ity of slots and its location - base customers and overseas for passengers travelling
growth. Gama Aviation is conveniently located just 20 business and private visitors to Dubai. With the ability
providing a dedicated team minutes by road from down- to Dubai and the Northern for clients to drive directly
24/7, 365 days a year, to man- town Dubai, or five minutes Emirates. to their aircraft like most
age business aviation traffic, by helicopter. Gama Avia- The FBO team is to be European and American
in a move that will see the tion has been instrumental headed by Jeremy Mitch- business airports it is a very
company expand into FBO in expanding the airport’s ell, who joins Gama having good option,” said Dave
management for the first business aviation activity been Manager, Operations Edwards, Managing Direc-
time in the Middle East and with a number of its UAE for Sharjah Aviation Ser- tor of Gama Aviation FZE.
North Africa region. fleet based there and to- vices and, prior to moving to ‘’Sharjah has less capacity
Gama has been operating day, together with LCC and Sharjah, as a senior manager restraints and no slot re-
at Sharjah since 2004 and freight activity, the airport with a number of handling strictions, making it perfect
during that time has built handles growing and sub- agent companies in the UK. for the specific demands of
up a strong business devel- stantial business aviation Speaking about the in- business aviation.”

16 ASIAN AIRLINES & AIRPORTS January/February 2012 www.AsianAirlines-Airports.com