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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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  • 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
    290
    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
    76
    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
    46
    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
    47
    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
    45
    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
    11249
    Effective April 10, 2025, U.S., Canadian, and Australian tourists will need a visa to enter Brazil. Crew members have been ...
    Read More
  • 31
    Mar

    Japan Expo 2025 (Osaka) – Business Aviation Guide

    High-Traffic Events, Japan
    By Louis Smyth
    PT 3 M minute read
    151
    Expo 2025 Osaka will bring heavy aviation traffic to Kansai International Airport (RJBB). Learn about temporary restrictions, slot requirements, permit ...
    Read More
  • 25
    Mar

    Belgium’s Embarkation Tax: What Business Aviation Operators Need to Know

    EU Travel Taxes, Regulatory Compliance
    By Louis Smyth
    PT 2 M minute read
    66
    Belgium’s Embarkation Tax applies to both commercial and non-commercial business aviation flights. Learn what operators need to know about applicability, ...
    Read More
  • 25
    Mar

    Austria Air Transport Levy (ATL): What Business Aviation Operators Need to Know

    EU Travel Taxes, Regulatory Compliance
    By Louis Smyth
    PT 3 M minute read
    78
    Flying to Austria on a charter or business jet? Here's what you need to know about the Air Transport Levy ...
    Read More
  • 21
    Mar

    Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2025: Business Aviation Planning Guide

    Archive, High-Traffic Events, Saudi Arabia
    By Louis Smyth
    PT 2 M minute read
    46
    The 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix takes place April 18–20 in Jeddah, drawing significant business aviation traffic. OEJN will be ...
    Read More
  • 14
    Mar

    Cayman Islands: 2025 Business Aviation Destination Guide

    Cayman Islands, Destination Guides
    By Louis Smyth
    PT 5 M minute read
    82
    The Cayman Islands, a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean, offers world-class business aviation facilities, including Owen Roberts International Airport ...
    Read More
  • 14
    Mar

    New France (and its Territories) Solidarity Tax Rates for 2025: What Business Aviation Operators Need ...

    EU Travel Taxes, Featured Regulatory Compliance, France, Regulatory Compliance
    By Louis Smyth
    PT 2 M minute read
    406
    France’s newly adopted 2025 budget introduces significant solidarity tax rate increases, directly impacting business aviation operators. Effective March 1, 2025, ...
    Read More
  • 12
    Mar

    Portugal’s Carbon Tax: What Business Aviation Operators Need to Know

    EU Travel Taxes, Regulatory Compliance
    By Louis Smyth
    PT 2 M minute read
    5195
    Portugal National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC) has introduced a new carbon tax targeted primarily at business aviation, effective from July ...
    Read More
  • 10
    Mar

    Seville, Spain: 2025 Business Aviation Destination Guide

    Destination Guides, Spain
    By Louis Smyth
    PT 4 M minute read
    125
    Planning a business jet flight to Seville Airport (LEZL)? Get essential details on handling, PPR, landing permits, customs, fuel, and ...
    Read More
  • 10
    Mar

    Málaga, Spain: 2025 Business Aviation Destination Guide

    Destination Guides, Spain
    By Louis Smyth
    PT 4 M minute read
    126
    Planning a business jet flight to Malaga Airport (LEMG)? Get key details on handling, slots, customs, fuel, and peak season ...
    Read More
  • 10
    Mar

    Jerez, Spain: 2025 Business aviation destination guide

    Destination Guides, Spain
    By Louis Smyth
    PT 4 M minute read
    116
    Discover everything you need to know about business aviation operations at Jerez Airport (LEJR), including handling, slots, customs, and peak ...
    Read More
  • 6
    Mar

    China Grand Prix 2025 – Business Aviation Guide

    Archive, China, High-Traffic Events
    By Louis Smyth
    PT 2 M minute read
    98
    Plan ahead for the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit, March 20-23, 2025. This guide covers airport ...
    Read More
  • 11
    Feb

    Argentina: 2025 Business Aviation Destination Guide

    Argentina, Destination Guides
    By Louis Smyth
    PT 9 M minute read
    16156
    Over the last few years, Argentina has become an increasingly popular destination for business aviation, particularly among operators who travel ...
    Read More
  • 11
    Feb

    Buenos Aires, Argentina: 2025 Business Aviation Destination Guide

    Argentina, Destination Guides
    By Louis Smyth
    PT 5 M minute read
    6453
    Buenos Aires has three airports serving business aviation flights: Buenos Aires – Ezeiza (SAEZ), Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (SABE), and San ...
    Read More
  • 10
    Feb

    Italian Charter Permits 2025: What you need to know

    Italy, Regulatory Compliance
    By Louis Smyth
    PT 6 M minute read
    9471
    Italian charter permits and requirements vary based on aircraft registration, passenger capacity, and operational history. ENAC, the Italian Civil Aviation ...
    Read More
  • 23
    Jan

    2025 U.S. Executive Actions Impacting Business Aviation

    Bizav Best Practice
    By Louis Smyth
    PT < 1 M minute read
    285
    Recent executive actions under President Trump's administration introduce significant changes to business aviation operations, particularly affecting international travel and border ...
    Read More
  • 22
    Jan

    [VIDEO] Global Ops Regulatory Update January 2025

    Ops Update
    By Louis Smyth
    PT < 1 M minute read
    12739
    Watch a recording of our regulatory ops webinar meetup for international business aviation operators, recorded on January 22, 2025. 
    Read More
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Latest Posts

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  • U.S. Issues Entry Restrictions for Nationals of 19 Countries, Effective June 9

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  • Royal Ascot 2025: Business Aviation Planning Guide

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