Story ID: 
Universal Aviation To Manage Dominican Republic GAT
By: Curt Epstein
Caption: Universal Aviation, has begun managing the general aviation terminal at Santo Domingo's La Isabella/Higuero Airport in the Dominican Republic.
Word Count: 228
Universal Aviation’s Dominican Republic operation has been selected to manage, operate, and modernize the general aviation terminal (GAT) at Santo Domingo’s La Isabela/Higuero Airport (MDJB). Of Santo Domingo’s two airports, MDJB is closer to the city, located just 25 minutes from the hotels and financial district.
“The Dominican Republic has experienced rapid growth in international arrivals since the start of the pandemic, with no signs of slowing,” said Greg Evans, chairman of parent company Universal Weather and Aviation. “For most private operators, La Isabella is the clear better option. It's more convenient, private, has a 5,500-foot runway, and faster CIQ arrival and departure processes.”
The modernized 1,700-sq-ft terminal features a VIP passenger room, conference room, and pilot lounge, and offers direct ramp access, coordination of permits and maintenance, baggage handling, security, fuel, valet parking, and ground transfers.
“We aggressively pursued taking over management of the GAT to elevate our customers’ experience at La Isabella to meet the growing demand of business operators traveling to Santo Domingo for business,” said Danilo Rosario Jiménez, director of Universal Aviation Dominican Republic. “On average we can get passengers and crew in and out of the airport in about 15 minutes in a very private and exclusive environment.”