GI Aviation obtains GCAA AOC

Abu Dhabi, UAE-based GI Aviation has obtained its AOC from the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), enabling the start of commercial flights with its fleet of Pilatus PC-12NG aircraft. It will be introducing charter services on popular city pair routes currently flown by some legacy carriers on scheduled services. “At GI Aviation, we are able to serve all the major business and capital cities within the GCC and surrounding region and will also serve popular resort destinations like Sir Bani Yas, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah,” says general manager Marios Belidis.

“Our team has been working hard this past year to deliver a brand-new entry level service for business aviation in this region, which has until now been dominated by larger business jets. We are focused on the value proposition we offer our clients,” adds Her Excellency Hafsa Al Ulama, managing director of GI Aviation's parent company Global Ideas.

GI Aviation used the consultancy services of Finnish company Hendell Aviation, whose chairman Matti Auterinen adds: “We have been preparing the ground work for the first PC-12NG commercial operation in the Middle East since Q3 2015. The GCAA regulations and requirements closely followed EASA with key differences adapted for the UAE and the region. However, the overall compliance environment toward CAT SE-IMC is similar. The professional framework established in the UAE by the authority is strict but fair and we are very proud to have been able to participate in the ongoing development of what is a very exciting sector in business aviation.”