Established in 2003, Comlux serves VIP customers looking for personal and professional management of their private aviation needs: aircraft sales and acquisitions, aircraft operations and charter management, cabin completions, maintenance and upgrades.
The company operates under three business lines: Comlux Aviation – the original core business; Comlux Completion, focused on cabin completion and maintenance services; and Comlux Transaction, providing aircraft acquisitions and sales.
The Switzerland headquartered company has a global presence and has gone from strength to strength under the expert management of Richard Gaona, Comlux’s Executive Chairman and CEO, an experienced international executive with wide-ranging technical and leadership experience in the aviation sector, who has developed the company into its market-leading position.
Today, Comlux is one of the largest aircraft management and charter companies worldwide with a versatile fleet of business jets and wide-body aircraft. In addition, the company operates an approved Airbus and Boeing cabin completion and service centre as well the exclusive completion centre for the Airbus ACJ TwoTwenty business jet.
Firm Footing in the Middle East
Since our last interview with Richard Gaona in early 2024, the company has further grown its capability. At the end of last year, Comlux officially opened a maintenance and service facility at Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), to serve as its regional headquarters.
The 20,000 m2 facility includes a 5,000m2 air-conditioned hangar that can simultaneously house two A321-sized aircraft, two Boeing Business Jets (BBJ) or a variety of smaller jets. Comlux’s Dubai facility will provide light maintenance, AOG services, cabin detailing and short-term hangarage.
The opening of a new facility in Dubai was a significant milestone for Comlux, says Gaona. “Dubai’s DWC Airport is a bustling hub for private aviation, with hundreds of aircraft movements daily. The facility is designed to support Comlux’s fleet while offering parking and maintenance services to Middle Eastern, South Asian and African clients, ensuring their aircraft remain in top condition.”
“This expansion aligns with the company’s strategic vision of providing superior services to private jet operators and aircraft owners. The best possible service is very important – throughout my career I have always understood that retaining a client is more challenging than winning one, which is why I prioritise strong, long-term relationships. “
“Therefore we make sure that we have the best possible expertise in-house,” he affirms, adding that Comlux is now working with Airbus to qualify the Dubai facility as an A220 service centre, hoping to be confirmed in the first quarter of 2025.
While Comlux is known as one of the best private aviation operators in the region operating ACJ, BBJ, Bombardier, Embraer, and Pilatus aircraft, Comlux offers services to any operator. Moreover, as a Part 145 maintenance organisation approved by EASA, Comlux Aviation has already performed a maintenance check on the world’s first Airbus ACJ TwoTwenty aircraft in its Dubai facility.
A Strategic Business Line
In addition to expanding its asset base, the company has also shifted its business focus, with a view to reinforcing its Comlux Transaction activities. Richard Gaona insists that this is not about standard brokerage – Comlux applies a more sophisticated and comprehensive approach, using the company’s ability to provide expert guidance throughout the transaction process.
“Selling an aircraft, particularly a second-hand aircraft, is a complex process; it requires detailed knowledge of maintenance history, operational suitability, and regulatory compliance. Our expertise is particularly valuable for first-time aircraft buyers who need to understand the intricacies of ownership.”
“We can assist clients in identifying suitable aircraft based on their travel needs, number of passengers, and intended flight range. We also offer operational support, including aircraft registration,
crew employment, and management services. With in-house experts covering every aspect of aviation, from pilots to engineers, we can guarantee a seamless transition for buyers and sellers alike.”
Comlux’s track record in aircraft transactions speaks for itself. The company has successfully bought and sold nearly 30 ACJ aircraft, including the ACJ320, ACJ321, and the latest ACJ TwoTwenty. As a partner of Airbus, Comlux has invested in six aircraft on speculation, all of which were resold. Beyond Airbus models, Comlux has facilitated transactions involving Embraer, BBJ, Bombardier, Pilatus, and Dassault aircraft.
Gaona affirms that his objective is to make Comlux into one of the best aircraft transaction companies in the world. “To support this business line, we have just recruited a new EVP Sales, Paul-Franck Bijou, who knows aviation backwards and forwards.” Bijou’s professional experience spans senior leadership roles in prominent aviation companies and at Comlux he will lead the Aircraft Sales Team focusing on aircraft sales, acquisitions, as well as the sale of cabin completions.
Poised for Further Growth
Speaking about expected market developments, Gaona reflects that there are enough opportunities for growth. “Sustainability is an important driver. While no aircraft can be completely pollution-free, new models are being designed to be more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly. The ACJ TwoTwenty, for instance, consumes 25% less fuel than the ACJ319 and incorporates carbon fibre components, reducing the need for extensive chemical treatments and corrosion maintenance.”
“A preference for aircraft with improved sustainability features will lead to increased aircraft transactions as older models are replaced with more efficient alternatives. The post-Covid market has already witnessed significant movement, and we expect even more movement in the future. Importantly, the transaction business can generate more business for Comlux Aviation and Comlux Completion. That’s why I’m investing in top-tier professionals to strengthen our position in this area.”
Comlux’s growth is being further strengthened through strategic partnerships. In Dubai, the company has forged alliances with Fixed Base Operators (FBOs) and as the world’s only operator of Airbus ACJ TwoTwenty aircraft, Comlux has established a collaboration with Pratt & Whitney to provide engine maintenance services for Comlux customers. Clients purchasing the all-new ACJ TwoTwenty aircraft exclusively powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF™ PW1500G engines will now be able to benefit from this cooperation with the engine manufacturer.
Looking ahead, Gaona says that while currently North America dominates, positive developments are being seen elsewhere as well. “Although some regions are experiencing slower growth, the global market remains dynamic, with multiple opportunities for expansion. We remain open to new collaborations and business opportunities. With the Dubai facility now operational and the aircraft transaction business expanding, we are poised for a new era of growth.”
