New Private Jet Terminal For Sharjah Airport,Turkish Airlines Investments In Asia

Sharjah Airport Authority has signed an agreement with Gama Support Services to build and operate a new private jet terminal worth AED 110 million.

The new project will spread over more than 40,000 square metres and comprise two private jet hangars with a capacity of two large Boeing Business Jets each.

The facility will include resting areas and lounges, in addition to Duty Free shops and passport control and customs lanes. The project will also include an aircraft fuelling unit, aircraft parking apron for business jets and car parking spaces for terminal users and guests.

Gama Aviation is the sole service provider of ground services to the general aviation sector in Sharjah International Airport.

The agreements we have signed and the investment we are making here reflects our confidence in the prospective business of Sharjah economy, said Richard Lineveldt, general manager of Gama Support Services.

During the last few years, the general aviation market has witnessed growth in the number of business jets and private aircraft owners, and we expect this to continue on the short and long terms, he added.

Turkish Airlines chief is looking at buying stakes in airlines across India, China and the US. Speaking to reporters last month, the airline’s CEO Ilker Ayci mentioned he is looking at investing in equity stakes in airlines as a way to offset potential shocks from growing protectionism.

We have grown organically so far, but politicians are increasingly struggling for protectionism, Ayci was quoted to say. This is why we are investigating investment opportunities in other airlines with equity or as a non-equity partner.

This is a long-term strategy and it is too early to say whether it becomes a reality, he said.

Reports have mentioned Turkish Airlines is eyeing a stake in Italy’s troubled carrier Alitalia which is backed by Etihad. However, Ayci said he is averse to investing in weaker airlines.

Earlier this year Turkish Airlines signed an agreement with the government of Albania to create a joint venture and set up a new carrier to operate out of the country.

We will do our best, with all the accumulated experience we have as a company, to share it with our Albanian friends and brothers.

We are proceeding with great speed to take all the necessary steps for the realization of this project as soon as possible, Ayci during a press conference at the announcement.