Gama Aviation’s Marwan Khalek receives award for outstanding services
Marwan Khalek, co-founder of Gama Aviation – a business aviation service company that has operations in the US, UK, Poland, UAE and Hong Kong – has received the British Business Aviation Association’s prestigious Michael Wheatley Award for outstanding services to the general aviation industry.
He was presented with the accolade at the association’s annual conference and AGM on 10 March. Together with his business partner Steve Wright, Khalek evolved Gama Aviation from a fledgling air taxi business in the early 1980s to a global aviation services group spanning business aviation, special mission, technology and outsource sectors. The company now employs 1,000 people.
BBGA chair Aoife O’Sullivan praised Marwan for his exemplary leadership, not just at Gama but in the wider industry. She said: “Our association has benefited greatly from Marwan’s knowledge and expertise over many years, for which we are very grateful. On a personal basis, I have enjoyed his infuriating ability to put lawyers in their place, fight a contract like a QC on a mission and yet always remain a friendly face, always respectful and engaging.”
Marwan is also an honorary member of the Royal Aeronautical Society and has held several positions within the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA), remaining a committed board member.
Marwan’s business partner Steve Wright said: “For as long as I have known him, Marwan has been committed to the aviation industry and to the company he started. This accolade is especially rewarding as Michael Wheatley was a friend to us both. Together we created a successful formula. Marwan forged strong business relationships, allowing me to concentrate on the flying.
“When we met in the beginning of the ’80s, Marwan was already a private pilot and upgraded to a commercial pilot at Oxford Airport. This enabled him to understand customer requirements and help us develop an exemplary service for our customers.
“We have had a few challenges over the years – economic recessions, 9/11, the pandemic, to name just a few, yet Marwan’s passion and positive attitude is an example to us all. We have been enjoying aviation together for the last 40-plus years. It would be great to be granted permission for a 50-year fly-past over the Tower of London!”
Athar Husein Khan, CEO of the European Business Aviation Association, said: “Marwan is deservedly recognised for his fine contributions to our industry. He has been an active EBAA Board of Governors member since 2011. I have always cherished and appreciated Marwan’s opinions and feedback. He is very focused and demanding, but also has always been very supportive of the industry in general – especially to EBAA and BBGA.”