Story ID: 395
Universal Aviation Grows on Three Continents
By: Curt Epstein
Caption: The company has more than 50 locations worldwide
Word Count: 289
Universal Aviation—which will soon be separated from its parent company Universal Weather and Aviation following the latter’s sale to World Kinect—is in the midst of the most aggressive infrastructure developments in the company’s 66-year history. With more than 50 locations in 30 countries, it is continuing to expand to meet the rising demand for business aviation services.
Ahead of next year’s FIFA World Cup, Universal’s new FBO at Mexico’s Guadalajara International Airport (MMGL), the third-busiest airport in the country, is slated to open in March. It will feature a 22,000-sq-ft double-height terminal with private lounges, in-house customs, pilot lounge, and porte-cochère, along with 177 secure vehicle parking spaces and electric charging stations. The facility also will include a 51,700-sq-ft hangar capable of sheltering aircraft up to a BBJ  or ACJ320.
At Madrid–Barajas Airport (LEMD), the company is building Spain’s first dedicated general aviation hangar—a nearly 54,000-sq-ft structure also capable of handling narrowbody bizliners.
In the Dominican Republic, Universal’s FBO partnership at Prof. Juan Bosch International Airport (MDCY) is nearing completion, with the remodeled facility scheduled to open by year-end. Meanwhile in Saudi Arabia, the company just announced an agreement that will see its entrance into the Middle East, with operations starting up in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.
“With Guadalajara, Saudi Arabia, Madrid, and Samaná all coming online between now and late 2026, we’re adding significant square footage in general aviation facilities across four projects on three continents,” said Universal chairman Greg Evans. “All these projects will improve general aviation access and infrastructure in these countries and give us the platform to continue elevating service standards for our customers.”