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Louis Smyth

Louis Smyth

Louis Smyth is a senior aviation communications and operations specialist with nearly two decades at Universal Weather and Aviation. Since joining the company in 2006, he has led the development of Universal’s internal and external operational communications, shaping how complex regulatory, airspace, and airport constraints are translated into clear, actionable guidance for business aviation operators worldwide. With a background in journalism and deep industry experience, Louis has authored and overseen thousands of operational advisories, destination and regulatory briefings, high-impact event guides, and real-time updates tied to NOTAMs, slots, permits, and airport access. His work sits at the intersection of operations, strategy, and communication, ensuring critical information reaches global stakeholders with accuracy, clarity, and operational relevance.

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  • 11
    Feb

    Barcelona Mobile World Congress 2026: Business Aviation Guide

    High-Traffic Events
    By Louis Smyth
    PT 3 M minute read
    5705
    Business aviation operators attending Mobile World Congress Barcelona should plan in advance to ensure the best parking and third-party options. ...
    Read More
  • 5
    Feb

    Singapore’s CAAS ANR-129 Regulations: What Business Aviation Operators Need to Know

    Regulatory Compliance, Singapore
    By Louis Smyth
    PT 3 M minute read
    658
    Singapore's CAAS has implemented new regulatory requirements under ANR-129, the Foreign Operator's Permit (FOP) Regulations, effective February 1, 2026. These ...
    Read More
  • 3
    Feb

    London Luton Slot Enforcement: Clarity, Context, and What Operators Actually Need to Know

    Regulatory Compliance, United Kingdom
    By Louis Smyth
    PT 4 M minute read
    767
    News about stricter slot enforcement at London Luton have raised concerns across business aviation. In reality, for compliant operators, very ...
    Read More
  • 29
    Jan

    Operating to Japan’s Congested Airports: What Business Aviation Operators Need to Know

    Japan, Ops Update
    By Louis Smyth
    PT 3 M minute read
    392
    Japan’s major airports operate under a rigid IATA congestion framework that prioritizes airlines and tightly controls both slots and parking. ...
    Read More
  • China Overflight and Landing Permits – Part 1: Changes in Lead Times and Revisions
    29
    Jan

    China ATC Charges: Advance Payment Now Mandatory for Landing and Overflight Permits

    China, Regulatory Compliance
    By Louis Smyth
    PT 3 M minute read
    98
    Effective April 1, 2026, China requires advance payment of ATC charges or a registered Letter of Guarantee before landing or ...
    Read More
  • 29
    Jan

    Munich Security Conference 2026: Business Aviation Operational Planning Guide

    High-Traffic Events
    By Louis Smyth
    PT 4 M minute read
    60
    The Munich Security Conference transforms Munich into Europe's most operationally challenging business aviation environment each February. From severe parking restrictions ...
    Read More
  • 23
    Jan

    Japan: 2026 Business Aviation Destination Guide

    Destination Guides, Japan
    By Louis Smyth
    PT 9 M minute read
    4298
    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
    13511
    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
    336
    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
    884
    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
    149
    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
    306
    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
    299
    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
    73
    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
    55
    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
    291
    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
    273
    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
    277
    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
    14228
    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
    209
    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
    165
    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
    874
    Effective June 28, 2025, the CAAC has banned power banks without valid 3C certification from all flights departing mainland China. ...
    Read More
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Latest Posts

  • Barcelona Mobile World Congress 2026: Business Aviation Guide

    February 11, 2026
  • Singapore’s CAAS ANR-129 Regulations: What Business Aviation Operators Need to Know

    February 5, 2026
  • London Luton Slot Enforcement: Clarity, Context, and What Operators Actually Need to Know

    February 3, 2026
  • Operating to Japan’s Congested Airports: What Business Aviation Operators Need to Know

    January 29, 2026
  • China Overflight and Landing Permits – Part 1: Changes in Lead Times and Revisions

    China ATC Charges: Advance Payment Now Mandatory for Landing and Overflight Permits

    January 29, 2026
  • Munich Security Conference 2026: Business Aviation Operational Planning Guide

    January 29, 2026
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