Universal Aviation Dominican Republic has been selected to manage, operate and modernise the general aviation terminal (GAT) at La Isabela airport, the closest airport to Santo Domingo's bustling financial district.

La Isabela airport, also known as Higuero Dr Joaquin Balaguer airport, is located 25 minutes from Santo Domingo's financial district and hotels, while the other, Las Américas International airport also known as Santo Domingo airport, is almost twice the distance away from the city centre.

“The Dominican Republic has experienced rapid growth in international arrivals since the start of the pandemic, with no signs of slowing,” says Universal chairman Greg Evans. “The name of the two airports serving Santo Domingo creates confusion for private operators trying to decide which airport is most convenient to the city's financial district and hotels. For example, Las Americas airport is misleadingly also known as Santo Domingo airport despite being significantly further away from the city than La Isabela, which is the 'real' Santo Domingo city airport. For most private operators, La Isabela is clearly the better option. It's more convenient, private, has a 5,500 ft runway and faster CIQ arrival and departures processes.”

Under the operation and management of Universal Aviation Dominican Republic, the GAT at La Isabela has been completely modernised.

“We're very excited and proud of the world-class lounges and experience we've created for customers here with the amazing support of our local partners and authorities,” says Evans.

The GAT features a new pilot's lounge, a crew lounge, conference rooms, direct ramp access, wi-fi, refreshments and Universal Aviation's international ground handling standards.

“We aggressively pursued taking over management of the GAT to elevate our customers' experience at La Isabela to meet the growing demand of business operators traveling to Santo Domingo for business,” says Universal Aviation Dominican Republic director Danilo Rosario Jiménez. “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. We also have extensive experience working with VVIPs and understand the need for privacy and for facilitating last-minute requests.”

In addition to La Isabela, Universal Aviation Dominican Republic's other locations include Las Américas, Santiago, Puerto Plata, Samaná, La Romana and Punta Cana, giving the network seven locations in the Dominican Republic and 27 total in Latin America and the Caribbean.