Gama Aviation has received maintenance approval for the Challenger 604/605 type from the United Arab Emirates' General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) at its Bournemouth, UK MRO facility.

Head of jets, Europe Ground Mark Durcan comments: “Our list of approvals for this type already covers EASA, FAA, Cayman, Bermuda and the Isle of Man, and the addition of the A6 approval provides UAE operators with another MRO choice.”

The enhanced technical sales team includes Mike Clarke, the former technical sales manager for Qatar Executive, Harry Lees and most recently Andy Williams. Williams, a pilot and veteran of several major MRO facilities with over 25 years' experience working with the likes of Honeywell, RUAG, Jet Aviation and Cobham, has specialist knowledge that includes Proline upgrades, FANS1/A, CPDLC, ADS-B Out and connectivity projects. Given his avionics and connectivity background, he will specifically target these areas, both of which are set to grow given the growing interest of in-flight broadband and the upcoming ADS-B Out, CPDLC and FANS1/A mandates. He joins the team on a run of recent summer successes after securing major inputs for three Bombardier Challenger 604s and a Bombardier Global.

Mark adds: “Andy joins us as we continue to drive the jet aircraft maintenance business forward. His avionics experience, natural affinity with operators and OEMs will be focused initially on converting the opportunities we have with the impending FAA and Eurocontrol mandates for ADS-B Out, FANS1/A and CPDLC. This will be augmented with his Bombardier Challenger, Global and Gulfstream experience as we extend our capabilities over the coming years particularly as the demand for data connectivity increases.”

Williams continues: “I have known of Gama Aviation for some time, particularly through my time at Honeywell. What has impressed me most is that it is growing a business jet competency from the same blueprint that it operates its mission critical government contracts on. This means an unerring focus on availability and through it a proactive approach to maintenance management.”

Durcan concludes: “We have a great team that combines excellent airframe, avionics and inflight connectivity knowledge. That allows us to work with CAM teams to determine the most efficient way to meet the mandates and deliver checks with the minimum of aircraft downtime. For example, we've reduced the cost of a fully compliant ADS-B Out solution by over £100,000 through deploying our expertise to find a more innovative solution than had been offered by an OEM facility. Our solutions are attracting a lot of interest from UAE operators using the A6 register.”