Sharjah Airport Authority has signed two agreements with Gama Support Services, including building and operation of a new private jet terminal at Sharjah International Airport, with an investment of over Dh110 million ($30 million).

The second agreement grants Gama the right to provide ground handling services for business jet owners, business jets, and crew members at the terminal.

Ali Salim Al Midfa, chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority and Richard Lineveldt, general manager of Gama Support Services, signed the two agreements, in the presence of senior officials from both organisations.

The new project which will be constructed and operated by Gama will contribute in developing the private jet and business aviation industry in the emirate of Sharjah.

The project spreads over more than 40,000 sq m at Sharjah International Airport premises and comprises two private jet hangars with a capacity of two large BBJs each and a state-of-the-art terminal for business jet owners and crew members, where it will include resting areas and lounges, in addition to duty free shops designed to meet the expectations of business jet owners, equipped with the latest technologies to expedite the passport control and customs procedures.

The project will also include an aircraft fuelling unit, aircraft parking apron for business jets and car parking spaces for the terminal users and guests.

Al Midfa said: “Our new partnership with Gama will add to our ability to provide the highest level of services to our customers in the private and business jet industry. The new project will allow the owners to travel in a luxurious and convenient manner, contributing to the economy of the emirate of Sharjah and the UAE simultaneously.”

“This partnership is an important step in the process of developing the private aviation industry in the emirate of Sharjah, by providing more exceptional facilities and services to jet owners who use their private jets to travel around the world,” he added.

Lineveldt said: “We are proud of our presence at Sharjah International Airport. The agreements we have signed and the investment we are making here reflects our confidence in the prospective business of Sharjah economy as we have received excellent support from Sharjah Airport Authority and the Department of Civil Aviation.”

“During the last few years, the general aviation market has witnessed growth in the number of business jets and private aircraft owners, and we expect this to continue on the short and long terms. Since the launch of its operations at Sharjah International Airport in 2012, Gama Aviation has significantly expanded its customer base in the private aviation industry.”

“Gama Aviation, being the sole service provider of ground services to the general aviation sector in Sharjah International Airport, will provide various services and facilities to cater to the business jet owners and jet crew members. Gama Aviation will also extend its cooperation with the local and international flight management companies to make Sharjah International Airport the preferred choice for business jet operators,” he added.

The project is currently being designed to meet the international operational standards to ensure maximum convenience and tranquility for business jet travellers. The construction will commence soon after the completion of designs, studies and obtaining the official approvals.

The agreements are part of Sharjah Airport Authority’s strategy to develop the general aviation industry in order to accommodate the increasing growth of this industry in the UAE and Sharjah. – TradeArabia News Service