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 20,000m². of external aircraft parking and 150m². of commercial office space for tenants.

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."

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.