Story ID: 
Universal Aviation Begins Operations in Saudi Arabia
By: Curt Epstein
Caption: Facility is company’s first in the Kingdom, with more on the way
Word Count: 319
Universal Aviation has begun operations at the new general aviation terminal (GAT)/FBO at King Fahd International Airport (OEDF) in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The company was selected to manage the facility—the kingdom’s first dedicated GAT and first dedicated private aviation hangar—earlier this year.
Under the deal, Universal is the exclusive ground-handling provider at the 42,000-sq-ft facility, which was developed in partnership with Matarat Holding and Dammam Airports Co. to expand dedicated general aviation infrastructure and elevate Saudi Arabia’s position as a world-class destination for business aviation under Vision 2030.
The 22,000-sq-ft FBO terminal includes two dedicated VIP lounges, pilot lounge, conference room, prayer room, food and beverage refreshment area, offices, showers, and onsite customs, immigration, and quarantine facilities. A 20,000-sq-ft climate-controlled hangar can accommodate ultra-long-range business jets and shelter them from the harsh desert environment.
The launch also marks Universal Aviation’s first operational location in Saudi Arabia. In Jeddah, it will manage a dedicated 108,000-sq-ft private aviation hangar and ground-handling operation at King Abdulaziz International Airport (OEJN), while at King Khalid International Airport (OERK) in Riyadh, the company will open a Universal-exclusive private aviation lounge and deliver full-service ground handling.
To support these operations, Universal Aviation has established a centralized operational control center for flights operating into, out of, and within Saudi Arabia, staffed by professional English-speaking operations specialists.
“Today’s opening is an important milestone, but it is only the beginning of our long-term vision for Saudi Arabia,” said Greg Evans, managing principal of Evans Family Office, parent company of Universal Aviation. “We are committed to investing in the Kingdom, developing Saudi talent, and helping elevate business aviation service standards. Our ambition is to help make Saudi Arabia a world-class destination for business aviation, with infrastructure, operational discipline, and hospitality that meet the highest global expectations and support the goals of Vision 2030.”