Universal Weather & Aviation has introduced a new online Master Crew List (MCL) and Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) filing application that adapts to work the way its individual clients work. In essence this means that clients can provide relevant MCL/APIS information via their online format, or if preferred, they can let Universal collect the required information to file the necessary reports.
The new service complies with the United Nations/electronic data interchange for administration, commerce and transport (UN/EDIFACT) crew and passenger information requirements, implemented in October 2005. This requires more extensive data than previous measures and, eventually, APIS information will be required into and out of every country in the Western hemisphere.
In keeping with the company’s global presence, Universal has programmed each U.N. country into the system upgrade to pull from a single repository of information. Universal provides full-length online forms through which clients can enter names, citizenship, and other vital information required by U.S. and international law.
The company then submits detailed lists to the proper authorities for APIS and MCL processing. The online service will also store the data to allow for future changes or modifications.
“We want every flight operation, no matter its size or budget, to have a simple, secure way to file ‘pax’ and crew lists,” said Universal’s vice president for trip support services, Jeff Briand. “The company’s developers and MCL/APIS experts have achieved that goal with this online application.”
The new service is available on a pay-per-use basis via credit card for those who do not use Universal for other services, but existing clients will continue to have MCL/APIS submission access through their regular trip-support representative, thus enjoying the convenience of direct billing.
Demonstrating Universal’s broad spectrum of support services, a UVGlobal Network member in Greece helped Capt. Gerald Ratz to set a world speed record for his fixed-gear Cirrus SR22 piston-engine aircraft by refueling it in only 10 minutes during a quick turnaround at Corfu Airport.