Gestair has established itself as Spain’s premier executive aviation company, known for its comprehensive business jet services and commitment to making private air travel accessible to corporate and individual clients. From modest beginnings to becoming a benchmark throughout Europe, Gestair has transformed the executive aviation landscape in Spain, providing a wide array of services while maintaining a relentless focus on operational excellence and customer-centered solutions.
Four Decades of Excellence: The History of Gestair
Gestair was founded in 1977 in Madrid, Spain, during a period when business aviation was still developing in Europe. The company started by specializing in offering private jets for short lease from key airports in Spain, establishing itself as a pioneer in the country’s executive aviation sector.
Over the decades, Gestair steadily expanded its operations beyond its Madrid base to include six strategic hubs spread across Spain. This expansion allowed the company to better serve clients throughout the country and establish a dominant position in the Spanish market. As Gestair grew, it developed a reputation for reliability, discretion, and high-quality service that attracted both corporate clients and high-net-worth individuals.
Throughout its more than four decades of operation, Gestair has continuously evolved its business model to meet changing market demands. The company expanded beyond simple aircraft charter to include comprehensive services such as aircraft management, maintenance, handling, flight coordination, and consulting. This growth trajectory led to the development of three specialized business units: Gestair Aviation (focused on executive jet charter and management), Gestair MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul services), and Gestair Aeroplanning (operational and technical flight solutions).
For a significant period of its history, Gestair also operated cargo services through Gestair Cargo, which expanded and modernized its fleet in 2011 by adding two Boeing 767-300F aircraft. By March 2010, following capital restructuring, the ownership of this division was divided with 73% belonging to Imesapi and 27% to the Gestair group. However, in mid-2013, Gestair sold its cargo division to Arnold Leonora, a US businessman and founder of Dutch Antilles Express airline. Following this sale, Gestair Cargo was rebranded as Cygnus Air, allowing Gestair to focus more intensively on its core executive aviation services.
The company’s activities also once extended into flight training, though this division was sold to G Air Group in 2013, reflecting Gestair’s strategic realignment toward its core business areas. This focus has allowed the company to strengthen its position as the leading executive aviation provider in Spain while expanding its influence throughout Europe.
In recent years, Gestair has continued to innovate and adapt to changing market conditions. In 2020, the company established a new subsidiary in Malta, Gestair Aviation Malta, following the acquisition of the Air Operator Certificate of PontAir. This strategic move expanded Gestair’s capabilities beyond Spain and positioned the company for further European growth. Since its opening in 2021, Gestair Aviation Malta has significantly increased its operational metrics, tripling both its managed aircraft fleet and flight hours flown.
Gestair has also embraced sustainability initiatives, announcing in 2024 that all flights marketed in its fleet would operate with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This fuel reduces emissions of harmful gases into the atmosphere by up to 80% compared to conventional fuel, positioning Gestair as a pioneer in sustainability within the executive aviation sector.
Throughout its history, Gestair has maintained a commitment to technological advancement. The company recently implemented TrustFlight’s innovative Centrik software for real-time operational management of its fleet of more than thirty-five aircraft. This digital solution provides managers with comprehensive oversight of operations, enhancing safety, efficiency, and service quality across the organization.
From its origins as a small private jet leasing company to its current position as an industry leader, Gestair’s journey reflects the broader evolution of business aviation in Spain and Europe. Its ability to adapt to changing market conditions while maintaining a focus on quality and customer service has enabled Gestair to thrive for more than four decades, establishing itself as the benchmark for executive aviation services in its home market.
By the Numbers: Gestair Stats
Gestair’s position as Spain’s leading executive aviation company is reflected in impressive statistics that demonstrate its scale and impact.
The company operates a fleet of more than 35 aircraft, making it the largest business jet operator in Spain. These aircraft range from small, short-range jets to ultra-long-range aircraft capable of transoceanic flights, providing options for a wide variety of client needs.
Gestair’s Spanish maintenance facilities include hangars at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas airport with a substantial 23,000 square meters of surface area, making it unique in Southern Europe. This extensive infrastructure supports both the company’s own fleet and provides maintenance services to third-party operators.
The company’s growth has been particularly notable in its Malta operation, which has tripled both its fleet of managed aircraft and flight hours flown since its establishment in 2021. When announcing the creation of Gestair Aviation Malta in 2020, the company indicated plans to add up to eight business jets to its Maltese AOC over the following three years.
As of 2020, Gestair had 37 business jets on its Spanish Air Operator Certificate, including aircraft manufactured by leading producers such as Beech Aircraft Corporation, Cessna Aircraft Company, Gulfstream Aerospace, Bombardier Business Aircraft, and Dassault Aviation, as well as a single Piaggio Avanti turboprop.
Gestair’s clientele includes corporations, governments, and high-net-worth individuals seeking private air transportation solutions throughout Europe and beyond. The company’s extensive experience, spanning more than 40 years in the industry, has allowed it to build lasting relationships with clients who value discretion, reliability, and premium service.
The company’s maintenance division employs a team of experienced engineers and technicians who ensure compliance with private and commercial aircraft manufacturers’ maintenance programs according to the highest quality standards. This technical expertise is a critical component of Gestair’s comprehensive service offering.
Quick Facts About Gestair
Gestair (Grupo Gestair) is an aeronautical group based in Madrid, Spain, and Valletta, Malta. The company was founded in 1977 in Madrid, making it one of Spain’s most established aviation businesses with more than four decades of continuous operation.
The company operates through three specialized business units: Gestair Aviation (focused on executive jet charter and management), Gestair MRO (dedicated to aircraft maintenance), and Gestair Aeroplanning (providing operational and technical flight solutions). This integrated structure allows Gestair to offer comprehensive aviation services to its clients.
Gestair’s fleet is categorized into four types based on range capabilities: ultra-long range, long range, medium-range, and short range. This classification system helps clients select the most appropriate aircraft for their specific travel needs, whether flying within Europe or undertaking intercontinental journeys.
The company is pioneering sustainability in executive aviation, operating all flights marketed in its fleet with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) since January 1, 2024. This initiative reduces emissions of harmful gases by up to 80% compared to conventional aviation fuel.
Gestair has expanded its geographical presence beyond Spain with the establishment of Gestair Aviation Malta in 2020, allowing the company to incorporate not only corporate aircraft but also regular commercial transport aircraft and air cargo into its management.
The company has implemented advanced technological solutions, including TrustFlight’s Centrik software for real-time operational management of its fleet. This digital platform enhances safety, efficiency, and service quality across Gestair’s operations.
Gestair’s maintenance facilities include extensive hangars at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas airport, covering 23,000 square meters and staffed by experienced engineers and technicians. These facilities are described as unique in Southern Europe, highlighting Gestair’s substantial infrastructure investments.
The company offers a 24-hour Customer Care Service, allowing clients to arrange flights with a single call at any time of day or night. This service is part of Gestair’s commitment to simplifying the private aviation experience for its clients.
Gestair has created a specialized product called Gestair ONE, a hours card program that allows frequent travelers to optimize costs and avoid last-minute arrangements. This program reflects the company’s focus on developing solutions tailored to different client needs.
Operational Bases: Gestair’s Network
Gestair operates a strategic network of bases across Spain with international expansion into Malta, allowing it to efficiently serve clients throughout the Iberian Peninsula and beyond.
Madrid serves as Gestair’s primary operational hub, with extensive facilities at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport. This location includes the company’s 23,000-square-meter maintenance hangars and serves as the headquarters for Gestair’s operations. Madrid’s central location in Spain and its status as the country’s business and political capital make it an ideal base for Gestair’s executive aviation services.
While specific details about Gestair’s other five operational bases in Spain are not fully disclosed in available sources, the company has expanded its operations to include six hubs spread across the country. These strategically located bases enhance Gestair’s ability to serve clients throughout Spain without always needing to position aircraft from Madrid, reducing costs and improving response times.
Valletta, Malta, has become an important international base for Gestair following the establishment of Gestair Aviation Malta in 2020 and its successful operation since 2021. This Maltese operation has shown significant growth, tripling both its managed aircraft fleet and flight hours flown since its establishment. The decision to establish a Maltese subsidiary reflects both operational advantages offered by Malta’s aviation framework and Gestair’s strategic vision for European expansion.
Beyond its own operational bases, Gestair has developed strategic partnerships with renowned international operators, allowing it to offer executive aviation options worldwide. This network of partnerships extends Gestair’s effective reach far beyond its physical bases, enabling the company to arrange flights for clients virtually anywhere in the world.
Gestair’s operational base structure supports both owned/managed aircraft and charter operations, providing flexibility in aircraft positioning and availability. This network allows the company to offer prompt service to clients throughout its service area while maintaining operational efficiency.
The company’s base structure is complemented by its 24-hour Customer Care Service, which coordinates flight requests and arranges appropriate aircraft regardless of the client’s location or destination. This centralized service ensures consistent quality and response times across Gestair’s entire operational network.
Fleet and Service
Gestair operates a diverse and sophisticated fleet of business jets designed to meet various client needs, from short domestic flights to intercontinental travel.
The company’s fleet, numbering more than 35 aircraft, is categorized into four types based on range capabilities:
- Ultra Long Range: Aircraft capable of non-stop intercontinental flights, such as from Europe to the Americas or Asia. These typically include models from manufacturers like Gulfstream and Bombardier’s Global series.
- Long Range: Jets suitable for trans-European and transatlantic flights, offering a balance of range and capacity for international business travel.
- Medium Range: Aircraft optimized for regional travel within Europe, offering efficient transportation for distances of 2-3 hours flying time.
- Short Range: Smaller, light jets ideal for domestic travel within Spain or to neighboring countries, providing cost-effective solutions for shorter trips.
As of 2020, Gestair’s Spanish-registered fleet included aircraft from leading manufacturers such as Beech Aircraft Corporation, Cessna Aircraft Company, Gulfstream Aerospace, Bombardier Business Aircraft, and Dassault Aviation, as well as a Piaggio Avanti turboprop. This diversity allows Gestair to match specific aircraft to client requirements based on range, passenger capacity, cabin configuration, and budget considerations.
The fleet can accommodate various passenger configurations, with some aircraft capable of carrying up to 18 passengers on transoceanic flights. This flexibility enables Gestair to serve both small executive groups and larger corporate or leisure parties.
Since January 1, 2024, Gestair has operated all flights marketed in its fleet with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), demonstrating the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility. This fuel reduces emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional aviation fuel, positioning Gestair as a leader in sustainable executive aviation.
Gestair’s service offerings extend well beyond simple aircraft charter to include:
- Aircraft Management: Comprehensive management services for aircraft owners, including operations, maintenance, crewing, and administrative support. This allows owners to maximize the value of their aircraft while minimizing the complexities of ownership.
- Customized Charter Flights: Tailored flight solutions based on specific client requirements, including schedule flexibility, onboard services, and special arrangements. Clients can customize details down to take-off dates, destinations, flight times, and onboard services.
- Technical and Operational Support: Expert assistance with flight planning, permits, ground handling, and other operational aspects of business aviation.
- Aircraft Sales and Purchase Advice: Consulting services for clients looking to buy or sell private aircraft, leveraging Gestair’s extensive industry knowledge and relationships.
- Maintenance Services: Through Gestair MRO, the company provides comprehensive maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for both its own fleet and third-party operators.
- Flight Coordination: Gestair Aeroplanning offers technical and operational solutions for flight planning and execution, ensuring smooth and efficient operations.
The company’s Gestair ONE program is a hours card offering that allows frequent travelers to optimize costs and avoid last-minute arrangements. This product reflects Gestair’s focus on developing flexible solutions for clients with regular private aviation needs.
Gestair emphasizes the convenience and efficiency of private aviation, highlighting benefits such as:
- Avoiding airport delays and check-in queues
- Working onboard as effectively as in an office
- Last-minute scheduling changes and flexibility
- Privacy and comfort for business or leisure travel
- Access to airports closer to final destinations
Through its integrated service approach, Gestair aims to simplify the private aviation experience for its clients, handling all aspects of flight arrangements and operations while maintaining high standards of quality, efficiency, and transparency.
Market Impact and Business Evolution
Gestair has played a transformative role in Spain’s executive aviation landscape, helping to establish and develop this specialized segment of the aviation market over more than four decades.
As a pioneer in Spanish business aviation, Gestair has contributed significantly to making private air travel accessible to a broader range of corporate and individual clients. The company’s presence has helped increase awareness of executive aviation’s benefits, particularly time efficiency and flexibility, in a country where commercial aviation has traditionally dominated.
Gestair’s development mirrors the evolution of Spain’s economy and international business connections. As Spain grew from a relatively closed economy in the late 1970s to a fully integrated European economic power, Gestair expanded its services to meet the increasing demand for efficient business travel solutions. The company’s growth reflects the increasing internationalization of Spanish businesses and their need for flexible transportation options.
The company has demonstrated remarkable adaptability throughout its history, evolving from a simple aircraft leasing operation to a comprehensive aviation services provider. This evolution has included strategic decisions to expand into complementary areas like maintenance and flight coordination while divesting from less core activities such as cargo operations and flight training. This strategic focus has allowed Gestair to strengthen its position in its primary business areas.
Gestair’s recent international expansion through Gestair Aviation Malta represents an important strategic shift, allowing the company to extend its operations beyond Spain and position itself for broader European growth. This move reflects both the increasingly international nature of business aviation and Gestair’s ambitions beyond its home market.
The company’s embrace of sustainability through the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for all marketed flights demonstrates Gestair’s awareness of evolving client priorities and regulatory environments. By positioning itself at the forefront of environmentally responsible business aviation, Gestair is preparing for a future where carbon footprint considerations will increasingly influence transportation decisions.
Gestair has contributed to the development of aviation infrastructure in Spain, particularly through its extensive maintenance facilities at Madrid-Barajas airport. These 23,000-square-meter hangars represent a significant investment in the country’s aviation capabilities and establish Madrid as an important center for business aircraft maintenance in Southern Europe.
The company’s presence has created substantial employment in specialized aviation roles, from pilots and maintenance technicians to operations specialists and customer service professionals. This workforce development has contributed to the broader aviation ecosystem in Spain, enhancing the country’s capabilities in this high-value sector.
Operational Excellence and Innovation
Gestair has distinguished itself through operational initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency, safety, and customer satisfaction.
The company maintains rigorous safety standards across all its operations, supported by comprehensive training programs and quality management systems. Gestair’s commitment to safety extends from flight operations to maintenance activities, with the latter conducted by experienced engineers and technicians in charge of complying with manufacturers’ maintenance programs to the highest quality standards.
Gestair has embraced technological innovation to enhance its operational capabilities, recently implementing TrustFlight’s Centrik software for real-time operational management of its fleet. This digital platform provides managers with comprehensive oversight of operations, integrating with Gestair’s electronic flight bag system to support safety, compliance, and efficiency across the organization.
The company’s participation in the European Network on Impact of Climate Change on Aviation (EN-ICCA) initiative, launched by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), demonstrates Gestair’s forward-thinking approach to industry challenges. This involvement positions Gestair to better understand and prepare for the potential impacts of climate change on aviation operations.
Gestair’s adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for all marketed flights represents a significant operational commitment to environmental responsibility. By taking this step, Gestair has positioned itself as a pioneer in sustainable executive aviation, reducing the environmental impact of its operations while providing clients with a more environmentally responsible travel option.
The company’s extensive maintenance facilities at Madrid-Barajas airport enable it to maintain operational control over aircraft readiness and quality. These facilities, unique in Southern Europe, allow Gestair to conduct comprehensive maintenance activities in-house, enhancing reliability and reducing aircraft downtime.
Gestair’s customer service model, featuring 24-hour availability and personalized attention, represents an operational commitment to client satisfaction. This approach allows the company to respond quickly to client needs and arrange flights with minimal notice, a critical capability in the executive aviation sector where flexibility and responsiveness are highly valued.
The company’s operational structure through three specialized business units (Gestair Aviation, Gestair MRO, and Gestair Aeroplanning) allows for focused expertise in each area while maintaining integrated service delivery. This organization supports operational excellence through specialization while ensuring seamless client experiences.
Gestair’s Gestair ONE hours card program demonstrates innovative thinking in business models, allowing frequent flyers to optimize costs while maintaining access to on-demand private aviation. This type of program represents a middle ground between full ownership and ad-hoc charter, providing predictable costs and guaranteed availability for regular users.
Recent Developments and Future Outlook
In recent years, Gestair has pursued strategic initiatives for long-term growth and adaptation to evolving market conditions.
The establishment of Gestair Aviation Malta in 2020 and its successful operation since 2021 represents a significant expansion of Gestair’s geographical footprint and operational capabilities. This Maltese subsidiary has shown impressive growth, tripling both its managed aircraft fleet and flight hours flown since its establishment. The decision to acquire an existing Air Operator Certificate rather than applying for a new one demonstrates Gestair’s pragmatic approach to international expansion.
Gestair’s commitment to sustainability has become increasingly prominent, culminating in the announcement that all flights marketed in its fleet would operate with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) from January 1, 2024. This initiative positions Gestair at the forefront of environmental responsibility in executive aviation, reducing emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional fuel and aligning with growing client and regulatory expectations regarding carbon footprint.
The company has continued to invest in technological capabilities, implementing TrustFlight’s Centrik software for real-time operational management of its fleet. This digital platform enhances safety, compliance, and efficiency while providing comprehensive oversight of operations across the organization. Such investments in digital transformation reflect Gestair’s recognition of technology’s importance in modern aviation operations.
Gestair’s aviation safety department has engaged with forward-looking industry initiatives, participating in the kick-off meeting of the European Network on Impact of Climate Change on Aviation (EN-ICCA) organized by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This involvement demonstrates Gestair’s awareness of emerging challenges and commitment to industry-wide collaboration on critical issues.
The company continues to evolve its service offerings to meet changing client needs, including the development of the Gestair ONE hours card program for frequent travelers. This product innovation reflects Gestair’s understanding of the diverse requirements within the executive aviation market and its ability to create tailored solutions for different client segments.
Looking ahead, Gestair faces both opportunities and challenges in the evolving executive aviation landscape. The post-pandemic environment has seen renewed interest in private aviation from both traditional users and new clients seeking greater control over their travel environment. This trend could support continued growth for established operators like Gestair with proven safety records and comprehensive service capabilities.
Sustainability will likely remain a critical focus area as environmental concerns and regulatory pressures increase across the aviation industry. Gestair’s early adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel positions it well for this future, though continuing advancements in sustainable aviation technologies may require ongoing investments and adaptations.
Digitalization will continue to transform all aspects of aviation operations, from flight planning and maintenance to customer interactions and service delivery. Gestair’s investments in platforms like Centrik demonstrate awareness of this trend, but maintaining technological leadership will require sustained commitment and innovation.
Competition in the European executive aviation market remains intense, with both established operators and new entrants vying for market share. Gestair’s strong position in Spain provides a solid foundation, but its international ambitions through Gestair Aviation Malta will face challenges from well-established competitors across Europe.
Regulatory environments for business aviation continue to evolve, particularly regarding environmental requirements, safety standards, and operational restrictions. Navigating these changing frameworks while maintaining operational efficiency and client satisfaction will require vigilance and adaptability.
Despite these challenges, Gestair’s four decades of successful operation, comprehensive service capabilities, and strategic investments in sustainability and technology position it well for continued leadership in the Spanish market and growing influence throughout Europe. The company’s journey from a small Spanish operator to a benchmark in European executive aviation demonstrates the resilience and vision that will be valuable assets in addressing future opportunities and challenges.
Keyword: TopAirlines