Gama Aviation Expands Global Fleet & Operations
Gama Aviation is charting an ambitious course for global growth, with plans to expand its fleet to 40–50 aircraft by 2028 while preserving its boutique, customer-focused approach. In a recent exclusive interview, Managing Director of Aircraft Management and Charter, Graham Williamson, outlined the operator’s strategy, emphasizing that the recent acquisition of two European AOCs—Tyrolean Jet & Service and TJS Malta—is a key component of this vision.
Williamson explained that securing a European AOC was a natural fit for Gama Aviation’s aircraft management and charter business. “The principal driver for us was that Gama Aviation did not have a European AOC,” he stated. The acquisition of the Tyrolean brand not only brings the prestige of dual Austrian and Maltese AOCs but also offers significant operational benefits. Gama now controls a broad footprint in Innsbruck, complete with offices, an FBO facility, and a hangar where a Part 145 business is run. These assets complement its existing network of FBOs and MRO facilities, reinforcing the operator’s global reach.
Expanding across multiple jurisdictions, Gama Aviation now holds commercial AOCs in Austria, the Cayman Islands, Malta, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates, along with private operations using Maltese and Bermudan registrations. This diverse portfolio offers customers both private and commercial solutions tailored to their needs. Williamson emphasized the importance of moving beyond the traditional view that a European-registered aircraft is limited to European operations. “There are many successful Maltese-registered aircraft operating in the Middle East, and I believe the Cayman Islands can offer similar benefits,” he noted.
To further enhance operational efficiency, Gama Aviation is leveraging dual postholders across jurisdictions. “Staff costs are a major driver, so experienced personnel serving multiple roles help us reduce operational costs,” explained Williamson. For instance, a seasoned training captain might also serve as a postholder, providing the flexibility required for managing various AOCs. While this model is effective now, the company is evaluating the potential of an EASA AOC to consolidate European registrations under a single regulatory framework—a goal that remains on the horizon as only two operators currently hold an EASA AOC.
At present, Gama Aviation manages around 20 business jets, ranging from lighter models like the Citation Mustang to ultra-long-range aircraft such as the Gulfstream G650 and Global Express. The operator plans to expand its fleet to 30 aircraft by the end of 2025, with a long-term target of 40 to 50 aircraft by 2028. Despite these aggressive growth plans, Williamson insists that the company will maintain its boutique approach. “I don’t want 50 aircraft in one monolithic fleet; I want five localized boutiques based on culture and product, not regulation,” he said. This strategy ensures that clients receive a personalized service experience regardless of the aircraft’s registration.
Gama Aviation is also adapting to high demand and current supply chain constraints. The company is considering redeploying a Citation XLS as an interim solution while new aircraft, including two or three Citation Latitudes, are delivered in 2025 with additional orders scheduled for 2026. The operator advises customers to plan ahead to avoid simultaneous deliveries, which enables smooth induction into service.
Furthermore, Gama is expanding its FBO network with new investments in Sharjah and Jersey. The upcoming Sharjah FBO, featuring a 12,000-square-metre hangar capable of accommodating up to 20 large-cabin aircraft, underscores the company’s focus on the Middle East market and its strategic role as a gateway to the Far East, Africa, and Europe.
In addition to aircraft management and charter, Gama Aviation is enhancing its special missions capabilities, covering air ambulance, military, police surveillance, UAS, and offshore operations. With future mergers and acquisitions on the radar, the company is set to extend its global services while maintaining the high-quality, personalized approach its clients have come to expect.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com