State-owned Spanish airport and heliport management company Aena has selected a consortium consisting of Universal Aviation Spain, United Aviation Services and General Aviation Service to co-manage and renovate the existing general aviation terminals at Madrid Barajas airport and Barcelona-El Prat International airport. The three companies are contracted to manage the GATs under the names Spanish FBO Madrid and Spanish FBO Barcelona for the next five years.

Renovations of the terminals are under way at both airports with El Prat slated for completion by June 2019. The refurbishment at Madrid is also in progress. Refurbishment of some areas of the Madrid terminal will be intentionally paused to ensure all GAT facilities are available and construction does not interfere with the experience of operators and passengers attending the 2019 UEFA Champions League Final on 1 June.

Upon completion, the GATs at both airports will feature new lounges and meeting rooms for crew and passengers. In addition to shared common lounges at each terminal, each of the three companies will also have all new private lounges and facilities for their customers.

“The renovation of the GATs in Madrid and Barcelona will greatly enhance the experience of business operators to these airports,” says general manager of Universal Aviation Spain Gonzalo Barona Jr, who will also serve as manager at both facilities. “The refurbishment will make the GATs feel like brand-new facilities. In addition to the shared facilities, Universal Aviation Spain is also getting and remodelling its own private facilities for our customers. We will have huge new offices and our own beautiful crew and VIP lounges, which clients will be able to use free of charge versus paying a fee to the airport. We're really excited about being able to elevate our customers' experience at both these airports.”