DUBAI, UAE, December 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ —

Gama Aviation Plc, the global aviation services group, today 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 of:

• 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
• Approx. 20,000 sqm’s of external aircraft parking
• Approx. 150 sqm of commercial office space for tenants

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 (MEBAA pavilion P8), 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 commented: “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.”

Notes to Editors:

Gama Aviation operates an existing FBO at Sharjah Airport as part of their Middle East ground business. This facility will continue to operate until the new hangar(s), office buildings and FBO have been delivered. For further information please contact Duncan Daines on the numbers below.

Gama Aviation – Notes to editors

Gama Aviation Plc (GMAA) is a multi-disciplinary global aviation services company that specialises in providing support for individuals, corporations and government agencies. Following the reverse takeover by Hanger 8 in January 2015, Gama Aviation is now one of the top three global players in a highly fragmented market, with a fleet of 153 aircraft. Gama Aviation operates across Europe, the US, the Middle East, Asia and Africa.

Gama Aviation’s services can be split into two broad areas: Air and Ground. The Air operations include aircraft management, charter, special mission operations and training, with Ground Services covering a broad range of maintenance services, Fixed Base Operator (FBO) operations, design engineering andaircraft modifications.