Tom Murphy, managing director of FBO Services, Gama Aviation discusses the company’s latest infrastructure projects, its push for operational efficiency, and how it’s setting new benchmarks for client experience
Can you tell us more about what’s currently happening at Gama Aviation?
It’s the perfect time to ask, because we’re undergoing a real transformation. There’s been a strategic refocus on our FBO division, and it’s now where most of our investment as a company is going. We’re making significant, long-term investments in airport infrastructure, not just putting our name above the door, but building from the ground up.
We’ve already completed a project in Glasgow, we’re currently building in Sharjah, and Jersey is next. These investments total over £100 million (US$135m), with £20 million (US$27m) earmarked for Jersey and £65–70 million (US$94m) for Sharjah. That Sharjah facility represents the single largest investment Gama has made in its 42-year history.
What will the Sharjah Business Aviation Center offer in terms of customer experience?
Because we’re building from scratch, we get to start with a blank canvas. Our goal is to improve the customer journey, even as our facility footprints grow. The new terminal will be much larger, but passengers will be able to transit through it faster. We’re aiming for aircraft to taxi from apron to runway in just 90 seconds. That kind of operational efficiency is extremely rare at international airports.
We’re designing everything to deliver smoother, faster, and more efficient experiences. There are zero slot restrictions, reduced taxi times, and less congestion in both the air and on the ground. We’re also building in dedicated fuelling options to streamline operations even further.
What about sustainability? Are you integrating that into the FBOs you’re building?
Yes, absolutely. We all recognize the responsibility we have. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is still a challenge due to its high cost, as many in the industry have pointed out, but we’re making progress on other fronts.
At our new facilities, we’re installing solar panels on both the hangar and FBO rooftops. This will significantly reduce our energy consumption and the operational cost of running those buildings.
In a competitive FBO market, what do you think sets Gama Aviation apart?
Our focus on operational efficiency is a key differentiator. For instance, the 90-second taxi time we’re targeting in Sharjah is a game-changer. At many international airports, that same journey can take 10–20 minutes, which means more fuel burn, higher costs, and more emissions. Reducing that time has benefits for both our clients and the environment.
More broadly, we’re not just FBO operators, we’re also aircraft operators and a private jet airline. That gives us a deeper understanding of what crew, passengers, and operators need. We’ve applied that insight directly to the design of our facilities, which include features like large hangars and spacious lounges that really serve our clients.
Can you tell us more about any new team members or roles that are supporting this evolution in service?
We’ve brought on Evie Freeman as our new group director of client experience. She brings a wealth of experience from the FBO sector, having previously been a managing director of a major FBO chain. Her focus is on standardizing and enhancing the client experience across all our locations.
We’re also hiring differently. Instead of only recruiting people with FBO experience, we’re now hiring from the luxury hotel and hospitality sectors. Our new client experience manager, for example, has worked with brands like the Mandarin Oriental. This kind of talent helps us elevate our service to a luxury hospitality level, which is what today’s private aviation clients expect.
How do you see the expectations of private jet clients evolving?
Client expectations, particularly in the Middle East, are higher than ever. Travelers now expect a premium experience from the moment they arrive, and it must exceed what they would receive flying commercial. You can’t have a private jet passenger walking into a facility that’s less comfortable than a commercial business lounge.
That’s why our new FBO will feature multiple private lounges, cigar lounges, and a dedicated crew room. In many cases, this is the first time we’ve had the opportunity to build something purpose-designed, and we’re making the most of it.
This is a huge opportunity for us to redefine the private aviation experience. Yes, we’re focused on efficiency, but we’re also putting just as much emphasis on luxury, comfort, and personalized service. The industry is changing, and we’re excited to be at the forefront of that change.
