As global demand for private aviation continues to rise, attention is turning not only to aircraft and infrastructure, but to the people who deliver the client experience on the ground. Fixed Base Operations (FBOs) are a critical part of this journey — the first and last point of contact for many business aviation clients. In a sector where precision, service and operational excellence are non-negotiable, retaining and empowering FBO talent is emerging as a strategic priority. Gama Aviation is taking a proactive approach, redefining talent retention not simply as a workforce issue, but as a foundation for long-term performance and guest satisfaction.

In the dynamic world of business aviation, the Fixed Base Operation (FBO) is part of the client experience frontline, demonstrating precision, hospitality, and operational excellence. Behind every seamless aircraft turnaround or luxury lounge experience lies a dedicated team whose expertise and commitment define the brand’s reputation. Amid increasing competition in the industry and evolving client expectations, retaining top talent within FBOs has become not just a human resources priority but a strategic imperative. At Gama Aviation, we believe that the key to delivering exceptional service begins with empowering the people who provide it. We are reimagining talent retention, not as a reactive measure, but as a proactive strategy that fosters a culture of care, growth, and purpose.

The strategic importance of talent retention

Every interaction in business aviation, from aircraft handling to concierge services, reflects on the team behind the operation. Retaining skilled professionals ensures consistency, safety, and a premium client experience, which are all critical to maintaining a competitive advantage.

On the other hand, high staff turnover in FBOs can disrupt operational continuity, increase training costs, and erode client trust. It can also lead to a significant loss of valuable institutional knowledge, which is the collective expertise, experience, and information accumulated within an organisation over time. Aviation requires precision, regulatory compliance, and deep technical knowledge – perhaps more than any other service industry. This makes onboarding and ramp-up time significantly longer and more costly. Furthermore, the loss of experienced personnel can lead to service delays, safety risks, and diminished brand reputation.

We believe that building a client-first culture begins with employee engagement. While luxury facilities are essential, it is the culture behind the scenes, where the client is at the centre of everything we do, that sets us apart. The entire organisation – from our operational teams to our strategic functions – emphasises the role everyone plays in delivering a seamless, intuitive experience.

Challenges in retaining FBO talent

The heightened competition within the industry means that companies are also competing to recruit top talent. The major challenge is that we are not only competing against other business aviation companies, but also the major commercial airlines.

While compensation is a significant factor in an individual deciding where to work, there are also aspects such as work environment, company culture, and retirement benefits that influence that decision. Due to the nature of aviation, shift fatigue and work-life imbalance can have substantial negative impacts if left unaddressed. Another issue is the limited career progression encountered in some traditional FBO structures. This can be mitigated by robust employee development programmes, which include adequate leadership training, specialised certifications, and cross-functional roles.
Companies must become more creative with their compensation plans, career growth possibilities, and employee engagement programmes to ensure that top aviation professionals join their ranks and decide to stay for the long haul.

How Gama sets itself apart

For over 40 years, we have strived to provide aviation services that equip our clients with a decisive advantage. An essential part of achieving that is operational empowerment for our crew and staff. Streamlining processes reduces stress and increases job satisfaction. In designing and building our Business Aviation Centre (BAC) in Sharjah, we invested in infrastructure that enhances employee workflow. The 90-second taxi time benefits not only passengers but also all crew and staff. The BAC also features various facilities for their benefit, such as sleep rooms, a dedicated F&B area, and priority parking. By taking care of the crew and staff, we enable them to take care of our guests better.

We are also taking a creative approach to hiring. Rather than solely focusing on recruiting people with FBO experience, we are now hiring from the luxury hotel and hospitality sectors. Our client experience manager, for example, has worked with major hotel brands like Mandarin Oriental. This kind of talent helps us elevate our service to a luxury hospitality level, which is what today’s private aviation customers expect.
To make it worthwhile for people to stay, we have implemented several initiatives such as competitive pay structures, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, recognition programmes that celebrate excellence and tenure, and leadership pathways and certifications tailored to aviation professionals, which include cross-functional opportunities.

 

“If we want to deliver exceptional service to our clients, we must first deliver a sense of value and purpose to our people,” says Engin Basyurt, Head of Business Development, MEA. “Talent retention is not just a workforce metric — it is a reflection of culture, leadership, and long-term intent.”

 

In the rapidly evolving business aviation sector, the ability to retain top talent within FBOs will increasingly define the winners in service excellence and operational resilience. At Gama Aviation, we recognise that our people are our greatest asset. Investing in their growth, well-being, and sense of purpose is not just good practice but a strategic necessity. We ensure that our staff and crew embody our core values: being safety-minded and dependable, performance-driven, technical experts, and client-focused.

By fostering a culture that values empowerment, innovation, and sustainability, we are not only enhancing the employee experience but also reinforcing our capability to deliver the highest level of care, competence, and commitment to our guests.

To find out more about how Gama Aviation’s people-first approach is shaping the future of FBO operations — or to explore how our team can support your operational needs — please get in touch with Engin Basyurt, Head of Business Development, MEA.