Gama Aviation is officially opening its new business aviation centre (BAC) at Sharjah airport in the United Arab Emirates, marked by the arrival of the first aircraft into the purpose-built facility.

The Sharjah BAC represents a major milestone for Gama Aviation and a significant long-term investment in the Middle East. With more than $60 million invested, the centre has been designed and delivered to set a new benchmark for business aviation operations in the region, combining scale, efficiency and experience in a way that genuinely supports operators, owners and crews.

From the outset, Gama’s ambition was clear: to create a business aviation centre that operates effectively, feels intuitive to crews and passengers, and offers a compelling alternative for business aviation movements in the region. Built from the ground up at Sharjah airport, the facility offers modern infrastructure, direct airside access, no slot constraints and a layout designed to reduce complexity and improve flow from arrival through to departure.

The arrival of the first aircraft was recognised with a traditional water cannon salute from Sharjah airport’s fire and rescue teams, a long-standing aviation tradition used to mark significant milestones such as inaugural flights and the opening of new facilities. It was a powerful moment that reflected the strength of the partnerships behind this project and a shared commitment to safety, professionalism and operational excellence across the airport community.

As aircraft continue to arrive, depart and utilise the hangar, the Sharjah BAC is now fully operational as a complete FBO. From airside handling and passenger processing through to hangar support and day-to-day movements, the centre is actively supporting live business aviation operations exactly as it was designed to do.

Reflecting on the opening, Tom Murphy, managing director of FBO services, says: “This is a hugely proud moment for Gama Aviation and for everyone who has worked to bring the Sharjah business aviation centre to life. The scale of investment, the quality of the facility and the dedication of the team behind it are exceptional. From day one, our focus has been on delivering a fully functioning FBO that genuinely supports operators, owners and crews, and seeing aircraft arrive, depart and move seamlessly into the hangar is a powerful demonstration of that.”

The Sharjah BAC is a key addition to the Gama Aviation FBO network, alongside its established FBO operations in Glasgow and Jersey. Together, these locations reflect Gama’s commitment to investing in strategically positioned, high-quality facilities that deliver consistent standards, trusted service and long-term value for its customers.

The client and crew experience has been central to every stage of the Sharjah BAC’s development, influencing everything from facility design and operational processes to how teams work on the ground.

Commenting on the opening, Evie Freeman, group director of client experience, states: “The Sharjah business aviation centre is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when investment, culture and operational thinking come together. Every element of this facility has been designed with the client and crew experience in mind. It provides a strong foundation for delivering a consistent, high-quality experience and building long-term relationships with operators and partners across the region.”

The business aviation centre offers operators a highly practical and efficient gateway to Dubai and the Northern Emirates. With fast, predictable access to key commercial centres, fewer operational constraints and excellent onward connectivity, Sharjah provides a compelling alternative for business aviation traffic serving the wider UAE.

The location enables smoother planning, reduced ground delays and improved reliability, particularly for operators seeking flexibility, efficiency and ease of access without compromise.