In a strategic move to strengthen its position in the premium air charter segment, Gama Aviation has announced the acquisition of Hunt & Palmer, Bespoke Air Charter, a well-established name in international charter services with over four decades of operational heritage. The transaction is expected to close shortly.
The acquisition marks a significant expansion of Gama Aviation’s Aircraft Management & Charter division, adding scale, global reach, and specialised expertise across a diverse range of operations, including business aviation, commercial charter, music touring, and cargo movements.
Hunt & Palmer has long been recognised for delivering complex, high-quality charter solutions tailored to a global clientele. Its expertise in managing bespoke travel requirements often involving intricate logistics and high expectations around passenger experience, aligns closely with the evolving demands of today’s premium charter market.
By integrating Hunt & Palmer’s capabilities with its existing aircraft management and operational infrastructure, Gama Aviation is positioning itself to offer a more comprehensive, end-to-end service proposition. This includes not only flight operations but also enhanced coordination of onboard experience, cabin configurations, and tailored service delivery areas that are increasingly central to differentiation in the charter segment.
Importantly, the Hunt & Palmer brand will continue to operate, reflecting the strength of its reputation and long-standing client relationships. The immediate focus will be on ensuring continuity of service while gradually aligning operations to unlock synergies between the two organisations.
Marwan Khalek, Group CEO of Gama Aviation, highlighted the strategic rationale behind the acquisition, noting that it enables the company to expand its share of the global charter market while simultaneously strengthening demand for its aircraft management offering. He emphasised that the transaction allows for accelerated growth with reduced execution risk compared to purely organic expansion.
Graham Williamson, Managing Director, Aircraft Management & Charter at Gama Aviation, added that the acquisition builds on the company’s recent efforts to develop a boutique, high-quality charter proposition across key markets including the UK, Europe, and the Middle East. With the addition of Hunt & Palmer, Gama Aviation significantly enhances its capability and attractiveness to both aircraft owners and charter clients.
Founded in 1986, Hunt & Palmer has grown into one of the most respected charter specialists in the industry, known for its client-centric approach and ability to deliver highly customised travel solutions. Reflecting on the company’s journey, co-founder Jeremy Palmer noted that its growth and reputation are a testament to the dedication of its team, expressing confidence that the business will continue to thrive under Gama Aviation’s ownership.
From an aircraft interiors and passenger experience perspective, the acquisition signals a broader trend within the charter market: the increasing importance of personalised, high-touch travel experiences. As demand grows for tailored cabin environments, seamless service delivery, and flexibility in aircraft utilisation, operators are investing in capabilities that go beyond traditional charter offerings.
For Gama Aviation, the integration of Hunt & Palmer represents not just an expansion of capacity, but an opportunity to enhance its service proposition across the full passenger journey, from booking and mission planning to onboard experience and post-flight engagement.
As the transaction moves towards completion, both companies have emphasised that it remains business as usual for clients and partners, with continuity of service, teams, and operational standards firmly in place.
In a market where experience is increasingly as important as execution, this acquisition positions Gama Aviation to deliver greater value across the evolving landscape of global air charter.
