Universal Aviation is expanding its presence in the UK with the opening of Universal Aviation UK Northolt, which will officially begin operation on 1 January 2021. It will be Universal's second London-area ground handling location, joining the network's Stansted FBO.

“Due to its close proximity to central London, at just 35 minutes by car to Hyde Park, Northolt can be a great option for business aircraft operators,” says Sean Raftery, MD of Universal Aviation UK and Ireland. “Because it's a military airport, it has historically been a little tricky to get in and out of for some operators. By partnering with the Royal Air Force and extending our ground support operations to Northolt, we are going to be focusing on making this an easier, more accessible option that business aircraft operators will want to use as an alternative to other more congested airports close to the city.”

Universal Aviation will be the sole provider of over-the-wing handling and belt loader operations for baggage loading and unloading at the airport. It will also manage all business and private aviation within the airport's terminal, including the general aviation terminal, reception, lounges and the security screening area.

“Despite the global pandemic, we remain extremely bullish on business aviation and are continuing to look for opportunities to expand our network around the world where our customers need us,” comments Greg Evans, chairman, Universal.

The addition of Universal Aviation UK Northolt extends the Universal Aviation network to 19 locations in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region. Universal Aviation also has 17 locations in the Asia Pacific region and 19 in Latin America for over 50 locations across more than 25 countries.

London City airport has operated the Northolt Jet Centre as the sole provider of business aviation handling at Northolt since 2006.