Universal Aviation is integrating Safeport into its European ground handling network. With six co-branded locations now live across Portugal and Cape Verde, Universal Aviation is better positioned to support operators during the upcoming Mediterranean peak season and beyond.

The strategic partnership with Safeport, originally announced at NBAA-BACE 2024, extends the Universal Aviation brand into key points along the Atlantic corridor, including Lisbon, Cascais, Oporto, Beja, Faro and Sal Island in Cape Verde. These locations are now fully operational under the Universal Aviation network.

“Our goal has always been to make operating into Portugal and Cape Verde seamless for our clients,” says Greg Evans, chairman of Universal. “With Safeport now fully integrated, our customers benefit from consistent standards, deeper local expertise and direct connectivity into one of Europe's most important and growing regions.”

While traffic into Portugal has grown modestly, customer feedback on Safeport's service quality has been overwhelmingly positive, with a healthy pipeline of interest building through Universal's global sales channels.

The full integration comes as Universal Aviation reports strong performance across the EMEA region: overall regional traffic grew by 12.3 per cent year-over-year; growth outpaced organic market expansion by 9.1 per cent; and key locations such as Dublin, Northolt and Milan posted double-digit growth

“The Safeport partnership is one part of a broader strategy to strengthen our network in line with where demand is growing,” notes John Hewett, regional vice president, EMEA, Universal Aviation. “With summer already ramping up, we're ready with expanded infrastructure, trusted partners and data-driven insights to deliver on every mission.”

The integration of Safeport into the Universal Aviation network adds new flexibility and capacity for customers operating in and out of southern Europe or making strategic Atlantic crossings via Cape Verde. Combined with strong regional performance, Universal Aviation enters the 2025 peak season with more reach and resilience than ever before.