Aviation tenant GAM Group have secured a new long-term lease agreement at Essendon Fields, including the refurbishment of heritage listed Hangar 1.

Since 1983, GAM has been operating aircraft engineering, priority freight and private charter flights out of Essendon Airport’s 1,448 square metre Hanger 1. Purchasing their first aircraft in 1987 the company expanded its operations into air charter services, and soon after won its first contract for the provision of priority freight services across the South and East Coast of Australia.

As the fleet has increased, the need for additional hangarage saw GAM expand their footprint, taking up 2,730 additional square metres in Hangar 2 in 2004.

Now with a fleet of 25 aircraft and servicing an additional 32 customer aircraft such as the Royal Flying Doctors Service and Sharp Airlines, the base at Essendon Fields has become the General Aviation Maintenance hub for all CASA CAR30 and Part145 aircraft. GAM’s capability includes all piston, turbine and small jet aircraft.

“GAM’s partnership with Essendon Fields is more than just a tenancy agreement. Over the decades GAM has been instrumental in aircraft recovery and assisting with emergency situations on the airfield. As part of the new 12-year lease agreement, GAM’s facilities were upgraded to a high standard by Essendon fields, and this will enable us to expand our maintenance capability to meet the needs of the industry,” said Carl Jepsen, CEO of GAM Group.

Mr Jepsen explained that the Essendon Fields location was a key factor when determining the next steps for the company.

“Essendon Fields has solidified itself as the airfield of choice for business jets and a home base for Victoria’s emergency aviation services. With exceptional amenities and essential services all within a stone’s throw, aircraft owners and operators enjoy the simplicity of flying to Essendon Airport for aircraft maintenance,” Mr Jepsen said.

“This is a long-term commitment by both parties and demonstrates our commitment to aviation and improving aviation infrastructure at Essendon Fields” said Brendan Pihan, CEO of Essendon Fields. “We are proud to continue to partner with GAM”.