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The monthly news publication for aviation professionals.
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• Affinity Aviation, an Evans Aviation Company

• Universal Aviation Dominican Republic
FBO/Handler (Presidente Juan Bosch / Samana)

• Universal Aviation Mexico
FBO/Handler (Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International / Guadalajara)

• Universal Aviation Spain
FBO/Handler (Barajas / Madrid)

• Guadalajara (Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Intl) Airport

BAN's World Gazetteer

• Texas
• Dominican Republic
• Mexico
• Spain
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Guadalajara FBO leads Universal’s aggressive infrastructure expansion
Universal is investing ahead of demand in markets where clients will need it most; its Guadalajara FBO in Mexico should open ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Another three sites should open within the next 18 months.
The Guadalajara FBO is one of four projects coming online between now and late 2026.
Read this story in our November/December 2025 printed issue.

Universal Aviation is executing one of the most aggressive infrastructure expansions in its 66 year history, with chairman Greg Evans overseeing four flagship developments across three continents that are due to come online within 18 months, including a new Guadalajara FBO strategically timed to open three months ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The new facility at Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International airport (MMGL) in Guadalajara, Mexico is scheduled to open 27 March, 2026 and will span 362,000sq ft (33,658sqm). It will feature a 51,700sq ft hangar capable of housing aircraft up to a BBJ 737; a 22,000sq ft double height passenger terminal with VIP lounges, international customs and crew rest areas; plus 177 secure parking spaces including EV charging stations and covered drop off.

“We’re not just adding locations, we’re strategically positioning Universal Aviation to serve the next generation of business aviation growth,” says Evans. “Guadalajara ahead of the World Cup, our entry into Saudi Arabia, our new Madrid GA hangar timed with Formula One’s arrival; these aren’t coincidences. We’re investing ahead of demand in markets where our clients need us most.”

The Guadalajara facility is the latest milestone in Universal Aviation’s global infrastructure expansion. The company recently entered the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with flagship operations in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam, its first foothold in the Middle East. Universal’s Madrid hangar, the first exclusive general aviation facility in Spain, is on track for completion in H2 2026, while its Samana FBO in the Dominican Republic is nearing completion ahead of its November 2025 opening.

“With Guadalajara, Saudi Arabia, Madrid and Samana all coming online between now and late 2026, we’re adding significant square footage in GA facilities across four projects on three continents,” Evans adds. “All these projects will improve GA access and infrastructure in these countries and give us the platform to continue elevating service standards for our customers.”

Other News
 
Affinity Aviation launches as Evans family business sheds Universal name
October 19, 2026
Universal Aviation, the FBO and ground-handling network, relaunched as Affinity Aviation at NBAA-BACE, with a phased transition across 75-plus locations throughout 2027.
Universal Aviation secures hangar at San José airport
September 21, 2026
A roughly 10,000‑square‑foot hangar has been secured through a competitive process run by airport operator Aeris, adding general aviation capacity at Juan Santamaría International Airport.
Universal kickstarts ops in Dammam with King Fahd FBO
September 6, 2026
Major milestones include the extensive build-out and operational fit-out of the facility, its formal inauguration in February 2026, the recruitment and training of a dedicated local team, and new ground support equipment.