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    • Government and Industry Affairs

    Government and Industry Affairs

    At Universal, we understand that a strong business aviation industry is important not just for our company but for the global economies we serve. Whether opposing onerous legislation, such as user fees for private aviation, helping attract aviation’s future generation, or working with authorities to make the world more business aviation-friendly, our Government and Industry Affairs team was created to lobby for and influence positive change for business aviation across the globe.

    Establishing relationships with authorities.

    We leverage our vast Global Community of experts and contacts around the world to help strengthen and develop key relationships with government agencies both in the United States and internationally, with a primary focus on Civil Aviation and related authorities. We participate in key business aviation industry associations and foster ongoing communication and collaboration with various governing bodies, industry partners, and business aviation associations regarding regulations, policies, and best practices affecting our industry. Additionally, we are tasked with developing professional relationships with officials and their representative staff to pursue operational and functional improvements for the business aviation industry. As new regulations arise, this team will also work very closely with our Global Regulatory Services Team to educate and communicate changes to our client base and partners.

    Making a difference for our industry.

    By working closely and collaborating with various governing bodies, industry partners, and business aviation associations, we’ve been able to influence change such as, defeating damaging user fee legislation, easing permit lead times in India, streamlining U.S. Pre-clearance requirements, and adding additional slots for business aviation in high risk, high stress locations like Hong Kong. We also address challenges the industry faces like the upcoming shortage of trained aviation professionals by supporting individuals and organizations that create awareness of the opportunities available within business aviation.

    • Explore operational insights from our blog.

      • UK Air Passenger Duty (UK APD) – How it Applies to UK Business Aviation
        by Laura Everington on July 15, 2019 at 11:30

        The UK government extended the Air Passenger Duty (APD) to General Aviation (GA) on April 1, 2013. The good news is that 3rd-party providers, and the industry as a whole, have worked with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to find solutions and clarify the processes for operators. The post UK Air Passenger Duty (UK APD) – How it Applies to UK Business Aviation appeared first on Universal® Operational Insight Blog. […]

      • Chairman’s Note * Universal and Drivania to form new ground transportation joint venture
        by Greg Evans on July 9, 2019 at 19:50

        Universal’s ground transportation business, formally under Universal Private Transport, will combine with Drivania’s business aviation division, Drivania Bizav, to create a new ground transportation company focused on the business aviation industry. The post Chairman’s Note * Universal and Drivania to form new ground transportation joint venture appeared first on Universal® Operational Insight Blog. […]

      • Operating to Mexico: 7 Logistical Tips for Your First Trip
        by Juan Muniz on July 8, 2019 at 13:00

        For a successful and trouble-free trip to Mexico, it’s always best practice for business-aviation operators to plan for a range of logistical issues that may impact a flight. Documentation requirements, as well as operating restrictions, need to be anticipated. It’s also advantageous to plan in advance for jet fuel uplifts, ground handling, hotels and ground transportation. Over recent years, security has become a concern in certain areas of Mexico, and it’s important to be aware of and to mitigate potential risks. 1. Understanding documentation requirements Mexico regulation requires operators to carry original aircraft documents on board when arriving into Mexico. […] The post Operating to Mexico: 7 Logistical Tips for Your First Trip appeared first on Universal® Operational Insight Blog. […]

      • Operating a business jet to Argentina
        by Marcelo Ribet on June 18, 2019 at 16:00

        Over the last few years, Argentina has become an increasingly popular destination for business aviation, particularly among operators who travel regionally between Argentina, Brazil, and Chile. While Argentina is a relatively straightforward operating environment for business aviation, with manageable permit processes and no cabotage issues, it’s best to have at least one week’s notice when planning a trip to the country. The post Operating a business jet to Argentina appeared first on Universal® Operational Insight Blog. […]