Unifi Aviation launches aircraft detailing service at Jersey Airport FBO run by Gama Aviation
Why It MattersFBO-hosted detailing shows ground-handling hubs bundling aircraft care into the visit itself, a service line that matters most where salt exposure makes regular exterior washing routine for visiting operators.
What happened
Unifi Aviation has expanded into the Channel Islands with the launch of Unifi Aviation Jersey, which offers aircraft detailing and cleaning services to business aviation operators at Jersey Airport's FBO, run by Gama Aviation. A dedicated team works Monday to Friday from an office within the FBO, with extended hours available on request.
Services cover interior and exterior cleaning for aircraft ranging from Cirrus-sized turboprops to ultra-long-range Gulfstream, Bombardier and Dassault business jets. They also extend to regional airlines operating sports and ad hoc charters through the FBO.
Stefan Murphy, CEO of Unifi Aviation UK, Ireland and Jersey, said moving into the Channel Islands had been on the company's wish list for many years. He noted that aircraft flying in and out of the islands are exposed to high-salt conditions and need regular exterior washing. Unifi Aviation has collaborated with Gama Aviation since 2015, and its detailing division operates at 21 airports and employs approximately 1,900 people.
Corin Barker, FBO manager for Jersey at Gama Aviation, said that being able to arrange aircraft care during a visit is a practical and valuable addition for owners, operators and crews. Unifi's arrival coincides with Gama Aviation's planned multi-million-pound investment in a new FBO facility at Jersey Airport, scheduled to break ground in 2027.
Industry impact & what to watch
Detailing is one of the services that business aviation customers increasingly expect to arrange through the FBO they are already using, instead of coordinating a separate contractor. Placing a specialist provider in an office inside the FBO turns aircraft care into something booked alongside handling and fuel, which suits crews working to short turnarounds.
Salt exposure gives the Jersey service a concrete operational rationale. Coastal and island airports put airframes through conditions that make exterior washing a maintenance matter as well as a presentation one, so demand there is tied to the environment and not only to owner preference.
The next dated milestone is the groundbreaking of Gama Aviation's new Jersey FBO facility in 2027. How Unifi's detailing operation fits into that facility is the point to follow as the project moves ahead.
