Gama Aviation Secures UK CAA Approval for Learjet 45 and 60 Maintenance

This article is based on an official press release from Gama Aviation.

Gama Aviation Expands MRO Capabilities with UK CAA Approval for Learjet 45 and 60 Fleets

Gama Aviation has officially secured UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Part 145 approval to perform maintenance on Learjet 45 and Learjet 60 aircraft. Announced on January 15, 2026, this regulatory clearance allows the company to conduct extensive maintenance operations at its Bournemouth International Airport (EGHH) facility, marking a significant expansion of its service portfolio for business jet operators.

According to the company’s press release, the new approvals cover both Line and Base Maintenance for the Learjet 45 (including the 40 and 45 variants) and Base Maintenance for the Learjet 60. This development positions Gama Aviation to capture a larger share of the lifecycle support market for these widely used, albeit out-of-production, airframes.

Strategic Expansion at Bournemouth

The approval is centered at Gama Aviation’s 135,000-square-foot maintenance hub in Bournemouth. This facility, which serves as the blueprint for the company’s global maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations, is designed to handle complex heavy maintenance tasks. By securing “Base Maintenance” authorization, Gama Aviation can now perform invasive, long-duration inspections, such as 12-year structural checks, rather than being limited to routine line maintenance.

Paul Kinch, Managing Director of MRO at Gama Aviation, emphasized that this move is part of a deliberate strategy to broaden their support network.

“This latest approval reflects our measured approach to expanding approved maintenance scope… building sustainable, trusted maintenance support.”

Paul Kinch, Managing Director MRO, Gama Aviation

This announcement coincides with a broader push by the company to offer “end-to-end” solutions. In parallel with the fixed-wing expansion at Bournemouth, Gama Aviation is opening a new purpose-built rotorcraft paint shop at its Staverton “Rotary Centre of Excellence” in January 2026. These simultaneous developments suggest a corporate strategy focused on minimizing downtime for owners by consolidating maintenance, paint, and modifications under a single service umbrella.

Technical Scope and Fleet Relevance

The specific approvals granted by the UK CAA address a critical need for operators of aging business jets. The Learjet 45 and 60 fleets are considered “mature” assets. With production of the Learjet brand having ended in 2022, the existing fleet is aging, necessitating more frequent and intensive maintenance interventions to remain airworthy.

Approval Breakdown:

• Learjet 45 (and variants): Approved for Line and Base Maintenance. This covers everything from minor A-checks (every 300–600 hours) to major structural inspections.
• Learjet 60: Approved for Base Maintenance. This focuses on heavy checks, such as the 12-year inspection, which often involves stripping the aircraft interior and flight controls to inspect for corrosion and fatigue.

AirPro News Analysis: The “Mature Fleet” Opportunity

The following section contains analysis by AirPro News.

Gama Aviation’s decision to target the Learjet 45 and 60 markets is a calculated move to capitalize on the “long tail” of aviation asset lifecycles. While manufacturers focus on selling new jets, MRO providers often find higher margins in supporting out-of-production models. As these aircraft age, they require heavier maintenance events, such as landing gear overhauls and corrosion rectification, which are high-revenue events for service centers.

By establishing Base Maintenance capabilities in Bournemouth, Gama Aviation is positioning itself to compete directly with incumbents like Zenith Aviation, based at Biggin Hill, who also hold strong Bombardier and Learjet capabilities. Gama’s competitive edge may lie in the logistics of its Bournemouth location, which typically offers lower overheads and landing fees compared to London-centric airports, potentially offering a cost advantage to operators facing expensive heavy maintenance bills.

Furthermore, the timing aligns with the industry reality that as fleets age, the complexity of keeping them airworthy increases. By securing the ability to perform deep “Base” maintenance, Gama ensures it captures the high-value portion of the MRO spend, rather than just the lower-margin transient line service.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Line and Base Maintenance?
Line maintenance refers to routine, minor checks that can be performed on the ramp or during short stops (e.g., tire changes, fluid checks). Base maintenance involves heavy, scheduled inspections where the aircraft is taken out of service for weeks, often requiring a hangar and significant disassembly.

Why is the Learjet approval significant now?
Since Learjet production has ceased, the existing fleet is aging. Older aircraft require more intensive maintenance to meet safety standards. Gama Aviation’s approval allows them to service this specific, high-demand segment of the market.

Where will this work be performed?
The maintenance will be conducted at Gama Aviation’s facility at Bournemouth International Airport (EGHH) in the United Kingdom.

Sources

• Gama Aviation Press Release