Gama Aviation Sharjah FBO Reaffirms Its International Safety Standards

Gama Aviation’s Sharjah fixed-base operator (FBO) has become the first facility in the Middle East to achieve Stage 3 accreditation under the International Standard for Business Aircraft Handling (IS-BAH) for its safety practices.

The 2025 renewal marks the second consecutive Stage 3 award for the Sharjah FBO and coincides with its 10 years of participation in the IS-BAH program.

Launched in 2014, the International Standard for Business Aircraft Handling (IS-BAH) is designed to enhance the safety and efficiency of business and general aviation Ground Handling Service Providers (GHSP) on a global level.

“Achieving Stage 3 IS-BAH for the second time and reaching 10 years in the program—and being the first in the region to do so—is a testament to the strength of our safety culture and our commitment to delivering a first-class experience at Sharjah,” says Tom Murphy, managing director of FBO services at Gama Aviation.

Looking ahead, Gama Aviation is preparing to launch its new Business Aviation Center (BAC) at Sharjah International Airport later this year. The development will feature state-of-the-art infrastructure for business jets, helicopters, and future eVTOL aircraft, with hangar space capable of accommodating up to 20 aircraft, including Airbus ACJs and Boeing BBJs.

Since relocating its FBO from Dubai International Airport in 2014, Gama Aviation’s Sharjah operations have grown rapidly, and Murphy told Arabian Aerospace it was “the right move.”

“In the past, one of the main challenges of Sharjah was the perception of there being heavy road traffic in the emirate at all times of the day,” Murphy says.

“However, over time clients have learned this is not the case, alongside this road traffic across Dubai and the rest of the UAE increased—so the perception has shifted and lost its weight. A journey to somewhere like Dubai’s downtown or the financial center can be just 20-30 min. from Sharjah Airport. Also, Gama Aviation Sharjah FBO offers 24/7 operations with no slot restrictions—which is a problem for our neighbors in Dubai.”