Gama Aviation merger supports US expansion

Farnborough, UK-headquartered Gama Aviation has merged its US aircraft management and charter business with that of BBA Aviation, headquartered in London. This brings more than 90 aircraft to Gama Aviation's current US managed fleet with a combined business fleet of over 200.

The merger creates a platform for Gama and BBA to expand their US presence by giving them national geographical coverage with BBA's predominantly West Coast-based fleet complementing Gama's currently East Coast centric business. It should also deliver significant additional growth for Gama's US ground business through the ability to cross-sell maintenance services to the additional aircraft now under management, and is expected to deliver significant cost synergies of not less than $2 million over two years.

BBA Aviation subsidiary Landmark Aviation will now operate under the brand name Gama Aviation Signature Aircraft Management. It becomes one of the world's larg- est aircraft management and charter businesses, supported by the Signature Flight Support global FBO network, 10 million square metres of hangars and an extensive fixed and mobile line maintenance, AOG and engine support capability.

Commenting on the transaction, chief executive of Gama Marwan Khalek says: “The enlarged business creates a market leader and an unrivalled platform for growing our share of this massive business aviation market. The combination diversifies our customer base and extends our network coverage nationally while simplifying financial arrangements with our US partners.”