Universal Readies in Costa Rica, Expands In South Korea

Costa Rica’s first-ever general aviation terminal (GAT) is set to debut in time for the busy 2019 holiday season, according to Universal Aviation (Booth 10630), which is part of the consortium selected to manage the facility at Juan Santamaria International Airport. The facility, which will operate under the name GAT SJO General Aviation Terminal, is part of the new domestic terminal at the airport that includes on-site customs, immigration, and quarantine (CIQ); improved transit time between aircraft and car; roof-covered access on the street and air sides; and separation from commercial passengers.

Once the GA terminal opens, private passengers, after deplaning, will be shuttled by their handling agents from the parking area to the facility for dedicated GA CIQ. All private aviation ground handlers, as well as private owners traveling internationally, will be allowed to operate through the terminal.

“Upon opening, GAT-SJO will provide a faster, better, and more secure experience for business aircraft operators,” said Adolfo Aragon, Universal’s senior v-p for Latin American and the Caribbean. ‘The frustrating days of waiting in long lines mixed with commercial passengers, while being separated from your baggage are soon to be a thing of the past.”

Universal (Booth C10630) also announced it has partnered with Seoul-based UBJet and will now offer full FBO ground services at all airports in South Korea. Jaeseong Lim, UBJet’s CEO, has many years of aviation experience in-country, and his staff, which is fluent in Korean, English, and Chinese, will provide capable support to the Houston company’s customers frequenting South Korea. Universal noted that with the congestion expected at next year’s summer Olympics in Tokyo, aircraft parking will be extremely difficult in the area and it suggests Seoul’s Incheon and Gimpo Airports as nearby alternatives.