Earlier this month, the UAE-based aviation veteran won the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Aviation Achievement Awards (AAA) ceremony in Dubai. The company he founded, Aviation Services Management, was also awarded the 25 Years of Excellence Award in the Flight Support Services category at the same event.

“I am honoured to receive these awards,” Gomes told CJI. “Although it bears my name, this recognition truly belongs to every member of the ASM team. I would like to thank them for being with me throughout this journey. When we started with a small team of 2-3 members, we had not imagined it would go so far and one day it would be a leading provider of services for major airlines and general aviation industry. What makes me proud and happy is that those people who started with me back then are still part of our journey today. My team is the main reason why we have won these awards.”

Gomes began his journey in Aviation as a trainee with Air Portugal back in the early 1980s. He then joined Abu Dhabi Airport in 1985 and worked in cargo, passenger, and ground handling where he observed that there are some critical service gaps between airlines, operators, and service providers. In 1994, Gomes was tasked with the foundation of an airline from ground up, an experience that further highlighted the existing service voids. This became a catalyst for establishing ASM in 1998, with a vision to fill those gaps.

“I worked on building the airline from scratch,” said Gomes. “There I worked for many years overseeing the beginning of its operations in many countries. Then I realized it’s time that I start something of my own as I could clearly see the needs of the industry and an opportunity to address them.”

In 1998, Gomes launched ASM, initially providing ground handling, flight planning, permits, and concierge services to private jets. Over time, with growing experience and success, ASM expanded its offerings to include comprehensive trip support services, including fuel services, and now serves over 160 airlines worldwide.

A pivotal moment in ASM’s journey was the acquisition of our own fleet of private jets in 2016, granting us invaluable firsthand experience as private jet owners. This experience deepened our understanding of the unique needs of aircraft owners and eventually led us to acquire our own Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the UAE GCAA. ‘Currently, we operate two aircraft and are actively engaging with other owners to explore the expansion of our fleet under our AOC,’ Gomes noted.

Expansion hasn’t been limited to service lines; Gomes has also pursued his vision for international expansion. “With our head office in Dubai and offices in countries such as India, Kenya and Sri Lanka, we are currently serving our clients worldwide. However, we aim to further increase our geographic presence by establishing a physical presence in all major hubs. Our current target markets include Africa, Saudi Arabia, Southeast Asia, and Central & South America.”

“We are going to be more involved in Saudi Arabia, that is a growing market. The Middle East is definitely a place to be, there is always something or other new coming up — especially with the amount of events we have in the region.”

Despite the challenges presented by both the 2008 financial crash and the COVID-induced pandemic beginning in 2020, Aviation Services Management has continued to perform. “We had difficulties [during COVID] but were able to sustain our business. However, now I would say we are doing much better. We have increased our business by at least 20-25%. That is one of the reasons why we have looked to expand in to other countries.”

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The aircraft was due a 120 month check including a full landing gear overhaul.

“A few years ago, clients in the Middle East would send these projects – a very heavy maintenance check coupled with a major cabin refurbishment – to MRO companies in Europe, but these projects are now coming here to Dubai,” says Nick Weber, Regional VP Middle East at ExecuJet MRO Services. “Clients recognize that we have the capacity – including available slots – allowing us to be flexible in meeting client needs. And we have the manpower and expertise to deliver to the highest quality.”

ExecuJet MRO Services says that the aircraft’s inboard flaps were subject to a service bulletin and needed upper skin removal and rib replacement. It has performed 38 flap repairs like this. The company has 20 Global B1 rated engineers and five Global rated B2 engineers in Dubai.

ExecuJet MRO Services Middle East  recently opened a new 15,344m² (165,160ft²) facility at Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport.

F/List Dubai worked with ExecuJet MRO Services Middle East on the Global’s 6000 interior. It included new leather upholstery for the cockpit and cabin seats, new carpet and new dado panel material.

ExecuJet also installed Satcom Direct’s new Plane Simple high-speed Ku system. “Refurbished interior and new satcom system are savvy investments and the aircraft’s value will increase now,” says Weber.

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The tribute took place on the eve of the Dubai Airshow (which is becoming increasingly important to business aviation). Some guests, however, flew in just for the Action Aviation event. It took place in Dubai’s newest and fanciest hotel: Atlantis The Royal. 

 “One of the saddest things is that he would have been blown away by all of you being here with him tonight,” said Aoife O’Sullivan, partner at The Air Law Firm, in a touching speech.

O’Sullivan told stories of how Harding had been so excited to find a spot with cell phone coverage while climbing Kilimanjaro and how he sent WhatsApp messages about a deal while flying over the South Pole during his world-record flight circumnavigating the world. 

“The man never stopped working. He was incredible,” said O’Sullivan. “It’s a little bit like we all took it for granted. It was just normal to be dealing with somebody who does this. I keep asking the question, ‘Where did he get the time?’” 

As well as bringing together so many of Harding’s friends, the event also highlighted how Action Aviation is still very much in business. Mark Butler, who has worked at the company for more than 15 years, has become chief executive. 

“In the early days, there was no way we could see that the business would grow as well. Never did we think we would own a Boeing Business Jet or Gulfstream and other aircraft,” said Butler. 

Butler added: “I made a promise to Hamish before every expedition that I would continue the company and look after the team, look after the family and make sure Action Aviation would continue.”  

Frederic Dubant, who joined Action Aviation in 2021 after working at Comlux and Airbus, has become managing director. Butler praised O’Sullivan, Dubant and the Action Aviation team for everything they have done since Harding died. The brokerage closed one deal just days after Harding went missing and has continued to be active since then.

“Hamish would have been very proud of the deals that the team have done and would have been very excited to see the Action Aviation BBJ on the static display at the Dubai Airshow,” said Butler.

He said that Hamish had created his own design scheme for the outside of the Boeing Business Jet. Butler did admit that it “might have been mildly copied of the Boeing scheme.”  

During the Dubai Airshow the aircraft was visited by a royal delegation from Dubai. Harding would have loved that as well.   

Jorge Colindres, founder and executive chairman of both The Registry of Aruba and the San Marino Aircraft Registry, reminded everyone of how Harding had been involved in flying the first business jets to Antarctica. Other speakers touched on Harding’s attitude to risk and his private work for charity.    

Butler made it clear that Action Aviation is going to keep his legacy alive through transactions.  

“Tonight is a celebration. Hamish would want you all to drink, eat and make new friends,” said Butler. “And most of all do some deals. Preferably through us.” 

Meanwhile, read our tribute to Hamish Harding published in the latest edition of Corporate Jet Investor Quarterly here.

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“Today is a special day,” said Richard Gaona, Executive Chairman and CEO of Comlux. “First of all, I want to thank our client, FIVE for their trust. I also wish to thank the Comlux and Airbus Teams who worked so diligently to bring this magnificent space to life. This is the first of many amazing ACJ TwoTwenty cabins we will develop.”

The ACJ TwoTwenty is equipped with Pratt & Whitney engines and a cabin that has been engineered and designed to be the first of its kind. The spacious cabin boasts all the conveniences of modern luxury living, but in the sky.

Gaona added “This aircraft is a spectacular new chapter for FIVE,” said Aloki Batra, CEO, FIVE Hospitality. “A world-famous frontrunner in entertainment driven hospitality, FIVE now expands its’ award-winning portfolio to include a FIVE-styled experience that extends the unique and matchless ‘Vibe at FIVE’ from our hotels on–ground to a luxe immersive experience amongst the clouds.

We will now be able to offer a flawless and bespoke experience by establishing the next level in private aviation. Fly FIVE is FIVE Hotel and Resort’s newest home in the skies – and we are excited to welcome our guests on board!”

Benoit Deforge, ACJ President added “With its stunning design, spacious two times larger cabin than a typical business jet and state-of-the-art technology including unparalleled on-board connectivity, the ACJ TwoTwenty sets a new standard in long-haul business travel. We are immensely proud to see this game-changing aircraft complete, offering unbeatable operational efficiency, and unmatched comfort. I have no doubt that it will be embraced by its users and raise the bar in the business jet market.”

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The partnership was signed by Alpha Star and UAS CEOs at the Middle East and North Africa Business Aviation Association (MEBAA) Show earlier this week.

Abdulnasser Alkheraif, CEO, Alpha Star said: “It is the proudest moment for Alpha Star to collaborate with UAS, a regional business partner in the Middle East.”

Under the partnership, UAS will ensure Alpha Star receives priority In Trial Procedures (ITP), handling, and pricing for all for its 19 aircraft.

Riyadh- based charter broker Alpha Star also provides aircraft management, air ambulance and airport management services. The firm has been operational since 2010

“We are delighted to be working with [Alpha Star] and this will undoubtedly be wonderfully beneficial for both our organisations,” said Omar Hosari, co-owner, founder and CEO, UAS International Trip Support.

Founded in 2000, UAS International Trip Support provides trip support, exclusive travel and charter across 31 locations worldwide.

Established in 2006, MEBAA is a representative of the business aviation industry in the Middle East and North Africa region. It is also a member of the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC).

The MEBAA Show was held from the 6th to the 8th of December this year in Dubai.

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The company, a division of Dassault Aviation, made the announcement at the MEBAA Business Aviation show held in the DWC airport. Currently, the firm operates from a base at Dubai International Airport (DXB), but operations will move to the new MRO early next year.

The new 15,000sq m (161,500sq ft) base will be able to hold 18-24 business jets at once, with the capability to house large jets such as the Falcon 6X and Flacon 10X. As well as the hangar, it will include adjacent workshops and offices and will become the company’s new regional headquarters in Dubai. The DXB base will still retain AOG capability.

“We have been preparing for entry into service of the Falcon 6X, with tooling and spare parts already identified and on their way,” said Nick Weber, regional vice president, Middle East, ExecuJet MRO Services. He said that initially four engineers will be sent to Dassault Aviation to train for the maintenance of the Falcon 6X, which is expected to be in service mid-2023.

He added: “Our MRO facility will be an important centre outside of Europe and North America for support of the Falcon 6X and 10X.”

The MRO will also provide line and base maintenance for Bombardier, Embraer and nearly all types of Hawker business jets.

In September, ExecuJet expanded its capabilities at its Malaysia facility at Subang Airport including zinc-nickel and cadmium electroplating technology.

Meanwhile, MEBAA is ongoing between December 6-8th in Dubai. Registration is open here.

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Jet Aviation, a General Dynamics subsidiary, has added further modular tail docking capabilities to the maintenance hangar for structural repairs on aircraft in the Dubai airport.  It also extended refurbishment facilities at the site, including its full-cabin refurbishment, avionic modifications and high-speed internet offerings.

Hardy Bütschi, vice president, regional operations, Middle East and Dubai, Jet Aviation said the expansion was driven by demand in the region.

“Over the past year we have seen more requests for larger cabin refurbishment, structural repair projects, avionic modifications, and upgrades at our fixed-wing maintenance site in Dubai and have adapted and expanded our capabilities to match,” he said. It has also expanded its line maintenance and on-site support services in the region. 

The Dubai facility has also improved its eddy current and ultrasonic equipment to support increasing volumes of non-destructive testing (NDT) inspections, as well as growing its on-site borescope capabilities both in-house and with regional OEM partners.

The company is expanding further in the Middle East, having extended its line maintenance capabilities into Al Bateen Airport, Abu Dhabi. It also plans to expand into Saudi Arabia in 2023.

“We have been operating in the Middle East for over 40 years,” said Jeremie Caillet, senior vice president, regional operations EMEA, Jet Aviation. “The Middle East is a key strategic hub in our network, and we are committed to supporting the growth of business aviation across the region.”

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The office, which is in Jumeirah Lake Towers, offers customers charter, consulting and training services. Clients also have access to the group’s 24-hour flight operations centre for year-round access to the group’s service.

The company said it expects demand to continue as coronavirus restrictions ease and flexible working becomes more commonplace, while travel for leisure continues to grow.

Mark Briffa, president of International Charter and Services, Air Partner, said the expansion is in line with the group’s strategy to grow its presence in the region. He said: “We look forward to doubling our workforce in the Middle East over the next year as we continue to support more customers with our extensive portfolio of services.”

The Dubai office was first opened three years ago, headed up by Jobby George, general manager, Middle East.

In September, Air Partner announced that it had increased its carbon offsetting by 65% over the past year, following its opt-out strategy that automatically enrolls clients to the firm’s offsetting scheme.

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This was reflected in the audience at Corporate Jet Investor’s Dubai 2022 conference this week, where 55% were optimistic about their business in the next 12 months. The other 45% were very optimistic. 

But Ali Ahmed Alnaqbi, founding and executive chairman at the Middle East and North African Business Aviation Association (MEBAA) started the conference with a warning.

“Business is going well but in reality, we are under attack,” he said. Alnaqbi highlighted the recent issues in France. And stressed that the industry needs to focus on sustainability and giving back with humanitarian flights. “We need to be leaders, not followers,” he stressed. Some 63% of delegates felt that the industry was under attack.

One country that is keen to grow its business aviation industry is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 programme is best known for its planned megaprojects – which include the new economic area NEOM; ‘The Line’ a 170km-long straight-line city (part of NEOM); and the Red Sea Project which aims to unlock tourism.

“Not one person in Saudi Arabia has any doubt these projects will happen,” said Mohammed Bokhari, CEO of Aviation Horizons, a business jet and cargo operator.

Vision 2030 has three pillars: first, the country’s status as the heart of the Arab and Islamic worlds; second, making the country a global investment powerhouse; and third, making Saudi Arabia a global hub by connecting Africa, Asia and Europe.

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) wants to grow business aviation to help make Vision 2030 a reality. The country is set to add four dedicated business aviation airports, 11 private jet terminals/FBOs and more than 400 helipads. (NEOM is being built with electric vertical aircraft in mind).

“Saudi Arabia is very much open for business aviation,” said Yosef Hafiz, vice-president sales and marketing at NASJET. “And there is going to be very strong growth with opportunities for both local and international companies.”

GACA is aiming to grow business jet flights from 17,000 to 93,000 per year by 2030. “We definitely see Saudi Arabia as one of the most exciting markets,” said Jeremie Caillet, senior vice president regional operations Europe, Middle East and Africa. Jet Aviation has operated in the country for more than 40 years.

Several Dubai operators were openly sceptical that the Kingdom will overtake the UAE as a business aviation hub. “It took years of work for Dubai to overtake Saudi Arabia as the centre of business aviation in 2016 and it is a mistake to underestimate all of this,” said one operator.

Dubai is also home to a significant number of Russian-owned business jets. With manufacturers no longer supporting them, many non-sanctioned Russian owners are now selling their aircraft. Several aircraft have now traded with dealers taking title. No one is interested in working with any individual or aircraft on a sanctions list. 

Middle Eastern operators are still affected by supply issues – both lack of aircraft inventory and a shortage of parts for aircraft already delivered – but they have no doubt that demand should continue. Qatar and other airports in the region are also gearing up for the FIFA Football World Cup in eight weeks. You can see why people are feeling optimistic.

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As a response to the growing demand for safe, efficient and comfortable air travel experiences, international trip support provider Success Aviation Services has recently opened its regional headquarters in the world‐class Dubai Silicon Oasis.

Success Aviation’s new hub boasts a modern Operations Room which provides 24/7 overwatch and flight support to clients through the Dispatch Centre Team. Customers can also avail of the services of the Client Care Centre manned by fully‐trained professional customer service officers.

“Through the continued growth in operations that we’ve been experiencing we’ve had to increase our office space. Dubai Silicon Oasis is a great choice for our new headquarters, due to its location as well as its reputation as a strong business hub in the region,” said Mustafa Rabie, Co‐owner/Founder of Success Aviation Services.

Success Aviation’s CEO, Khaled Shurbaji, adds, “We’re delighted to be opening our new doors, and whilst our operations are increasing, we can assure our valued clients, as well as prospective customers, continued reliable, professional flight planning and monitoring, as well as superior quality customer service.”

Success Aviation’s client portfolio includes VIP and business executives, government, and military entities. They provide the following services for optimised air travel experiences:

1. Full trip support, including pre‐trip consultation and customised flight planning
2. 24/7 overwatch and flight support through the DCT
3. Ground handling services
4. Fuel pricing and planning
5. VIP aircraft and crew charter, and catering
6. Hotel and VIP transportation bookings
7. Customised country risk reporting

The company’s global network of agents and vendors guarantee the highest quality service and careful attention on all their client’s aircraft and passengers.

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