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Louis Smyth

Louis Smyth

Louis Smyth is a seasoned expert in operational communications, corporate messaging, public relations, and digital marketing. Since joining Universal in 2006, he has played a key role in shaping the company’s voice across internal and external platforms. With a background in journalism and over two decades of experience, Louis has led the development of thousands of media interviews, blog articles, social media campaigns, web content pieces, and real-time operational communications. His deep industry knowledge and strategic approach help ensure that critical information reaches global business aviation stakeholders with clarity, accuracy, and impact.

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  • 23
    Jan

    Japan: 2026 Business Aviation Destination Guide

    Destination Guides, Japan
    By Louis Smyth
    PT 8 M minute read
    4271
    Japan is, and always has been, a popular tech and destination stop location for general aviation (GA). While GA access, ...
    Read More
  • 22
    Jan

    [VIDEO] Global Ops Update January 2026

    Ops Update
    By Louis Smyth
    PT < 1 M minute read
    13429
    Watch a recording of our regulatory ops webinar meetup for international business aviation operators, recorded on Jan. 21, 2026. 
    Read More
  • 21
    Jan

    2025-2026 Peak Season Mexico Operations Update: Business Aviation Guide

    Destination Guides, High-Traffic Events
    By Louis Smyth
    PT 3 M minute read
    278
    Peak winter season travel is driving congestion, parking shortages, and fueling delays across key Mexico business aviation airports. Operators should ...
    Read More
  • 21
    Jan

    2026 World Cup – Business Aviation Planning Guide

    Featured Events, High-Traffic Events
    By Louis Smyth
    PT 6 M minute read
    807
    The 2026 FIFA World Cup will bring unprecedented challenges for business aviation across North America. With 48 teams, 16 cities, ...
    Read More
  • 5
    Jan

    Dominican Republic Winter 2025-2026 Business Aviation Ops Update

    Destination Guides, Dominican Republic, High-Traffic Events
    By Louis Smyth
    PT 3 M minute read
    134
    Winter 2025–2026 peak travel demand is creating significant operational constraints at Dominican Republic business aviation airports, including severe parking limitations ...
    Read More
  • 5
    Jan

    Singapore Airshow 2026 – Business Aviation Guide

    High-Traffic Events, Singapore
    By Louis Smyth
    PT 5 M minute read
    238
    Operational guidance for business aviation operators attending the Singapore Airshow 2026, covering airspace closures, WSSL operations, WSSS access restrictions, parking, ...
    Read More
  • 30
    Dec

    Update: CBP Clarifies Biometric Entry and Exit Rule for General Aviation

    Featured Regulatory Compliance, Regulatory Compliance
    By Louis Smyth
    PT 3 M minute read
    273
    CBP has clarified that the December 26, 2025 biometric entry and exit rule does not trigger implementation for General Aviation. ...
    Read More
  • 11
    Dec

    India E-Visa Processing Times Now Require 8–10 Days for Approval

    Regulatory Compliance
    By Louis Smyth
    PT 2 M minute read
    46
    India’s E-Visa processing time has increased to 8–10 days. Crew must apply early and ensure they hold business, not tourist, ...
    Read More
  • 11
    Dec

    Greece Aircraft Disinsection Requirements, Effective 2025

    Destination Guides, Greece, Regulatory Compliance
    By Louis Smyth
    PT 3 M minute read
    35
    As of September 18, 2025, Greece requires aircraft disinsection for flights arriving from mosquito-risk areas. Here’s what operators need to ...
    Read More
  • 8
    Dec

    Seville, Spain: 2026 Business Aviation Destination Guide

    Destination Guides, Spain
    By Louis Smyth
    PT 4 M minute read
    271
    Planning a business jet flight to Seville Airport (LEZL)? Get essential details on handling, PPR, landing permits, customs, fuel, and ...
    Read More
  • 8
    Dec

    Málaga, Spain: 2026 Business Aviation Destination Guide

    Destination Guides, Spain
    By Louis Smyth
    PT 4 M minute read
    255
    Planning a business jet flight to Malaga Airport (LEMG)? Get key details on handling, slots, customs, fuel, and peak season ...
    Read More
  • 8
    Dec

    Jerez, Spain: 2026 Business aviation destination guide

    Destination Guides, Spain
    By Louis Smyth
    PT 4 M minute read
    257
    Discover everything you need to know about business aviation operations at Jerez Airport (LEJR), including handling, slots, customs, and peak ...
    Read More
  • Caribbean Peak Season Bizjet Travel – How to eliminate "island time" ops stress
    4
    Dec

    Caribbean Business Aviation Guide: 2025-2026 Peak Season Planning Tips

    Caribbean, Destination Guides
    By Louis Smyth
    PT 16 M minute read
    14200
    Navigate the complexities of Caribbean peak season aviation with our comprehensive guide covering airport restrictions, permits, parking challenges, and country-specific ...
    Read More
  • 14
    Nov

    Punta Cana Implements Mandatory Prior Coordination for 2025 Peak Season

    Destination Guides, Dominican Republic
    By Louis Smyth
    PT 2 M minute read
    189
    Punta Cana International Airport (MDPC) has announced mandatory prior coordination for all operations during the upcoming high season, effective Nov. ...
    Read More
  • 14
    Nov

    Africa Security & Airspace Risk Update for Business Aviation (Late 2025)

    Ops Update
    By Louis Smyth
    PT 2 M minute read
    140
    Operators planning missions into or over Africa should be aware of rapidly changing security and airspace conditions. Ongoing conflict, criminal ...
    Read More
  • 26
    Jun

    China Bans Non-3C Power Banks on Flights Departing Mainland Airports

    China, Ops Update
    By Louis Smyth
    PT 2 M minute read
    847
    Effective June 28, 2025, the CAAC has banned power banks without valid 3C certification from all flights departing mainland China. ...
    Read More
  • 7
    May

    U.S. Real ID 2025 Deadline: What Business Aviation Operators Need to Know

    Regulatory Compliance
    By Louis Smyth
    PT 2 M minute read
    655
    The REAL ID deadline is here. While most private business jet flights aren’t affected, charter operators under TSA programs must ...
    Read More
  • 22
    Apr

    Thailand Introduces Mandatory Digital Arrival Card for All Foreign Nationals – Effective May 1, 2025

    Regulatory Compliance
    By Louis Smyth
    PT 2 M minute read
    280
    Thailand is revolutionizing its border entry procedures with the launch of the mandatory Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) system. Starting ...
    Read More
  • 10
    Apr

    French Civil Aviation Tax: Business Aviation Guide

    EU Travel Taxes, France, Regulatory Compliance
    By Louis Smyth
    PT 2 M minute read
    164
    France’s Civil Aviation Tax is a separate charge from the solidarity or airport tax, applying to all commercial air transport ...
    Read More
  • 10
    Apr

    France Airport Tax: Business Aviation Guide

    EU Travel Taxes, France, Regulatory Compliance
    By Louis Smyth
    PT 2 M minute read
    176
    France’s airport tax (Taxe d’Aéroport) applies to all departing passengers and cargo and varies by airport class. Here’s what business ...
    Read More
  • 9
    Apr

    Kenya eTA Now Required: Business Aviaton Guide

    Regulatory Compliance
    By Louis Smyth
    PT 2 M minute read
    166
    As of January 1, 2024, Kenya requires Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) for most travelers, including business aviation passengers and crew ...
    Read More
  • 9
    Apr

    Brazil Reinstatement of Visa Requirements for U.S., Canadian & Australian Citizens/Crew

    Brazil, Regulatory Compliance
    By Louis Smyth
    PT 2 M minute read
    11402
    Effective April 10, 2025, U.S., Canadian, and Australian tourists will need a visa to enter Brazil. Crew members have been ...
    Read More
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Latest Posts

  • 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina: Business Aviation Planning Guide

    January 23, 2026
  • Japan: 2026 Business Aviation Destination Guide

    January 23, 2026
  • [VIDEO] Global Ops Update January 2026

    January 22, 2026
  • Venezuela Operations Update: SVMI Status, FAA Hazard Advisories, and Regional Planning Considerations

    January 21, 2026
  • 2025-2026 Peak Season Mexico Operations Update: Business Aviation Guide

    January 21, 2026
  • 2026 World Cup – Business Aviation Planning Guide

    January 21, 2026
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