This article is based on an official press release from Universal Aviation.

Universal Aviation and AERODOM Unveil New FBO in Samaná

On December 2, 2025, Universal Aviation and AERODOM officially inaugurated a new Fixed Base Operator (FBO) terminal at Presidente Juan Bosch International Airport (AZS) in Samaná, Dominican Republic. According to the official announcement, this facility marks Universal Aviation’s third FBO in the country, reinforcing the region’s infrastructure for private and executive aviation.

The project represents a strategic collaboration between Universal Aviation, a global leader in ground support, and AERODOM, a subsidiary of VINCI Airports. The companies state that the new terminal is designed to serve as a primary gateway for ultra-high-net-worth individuals visiting the Samaná peninsula, a region increasingly known for its luxury tourism offerings.

Facility Design and Operational Capabilities

The newly constructed terminal spans approximately 3,200 square feet (300 square meters) and was designed by renowned local architect Rubén Merette, with construction managed by Abbot Puig. The press release highlights a modern design aesthetic that includes a panoramic terrace offering views of the runway and the coast, intended to immerse passengers in the tropical setting immediately upon arrival.

Universal Aviation has emphasized that the facility is purpose-built to streamline operations for private jet travelers. Key amenities listed in the announcement include:

• VIP and Crew Facilities: A private passenger lounge, a contemporary main lobby, and dedicated spaces for flight crews to plan and rest.
• Onsite CIQ: Integrated Customs and Immigration services to expedite arrival and departure processing.
• Support Services: Executive catering, concierge support, valet parking, and direct ramp access.

In alignment with VINCI Airports’ “AirPact” environmental strategy, the terminal was constructed using energy-efficient materials and technology. AERODOM notes that AZS, along with its other operated airports, holds Level 3 Airport Carbon Accreditation.

Strategic Importance for Dominican Tourism

The opening of the AZS terminal is positioned as a direct response to the growing demand for high-end travel to the Samaná peninsula. The region hosts several exclusive resorts, including Amanera, Cayo Levantado Resort, and Bahia Principe Luxury. According to Universal Aviation, the new FBO elevates the airport’s service profile to match competing Caribbean luxury destinations such as St. Barths or Turks and Caicos.

Greg Evans, Chairman of Universal Aviation, commented on the company’s rapid expansion in the region:

“At Universal Aviation, we are proud to have started our journey in the country only nine years ago in August of 2016, and are amazed to arrive where we are today… adding this beautiful FBO here in Samaná as a jewel in the crown for all of us.”

Alexandra Malvezin, Chief Commercial Officer of AERODOM, added that the facility reinforces their commitment to developing executive aviation infrastructure:

“With this new terminal, we reaffirm our commitment to the development of private and executive aviation in the Dominican Republic. This FBO places Samaná on par with the most exclusive international destinations.”

AirPro News Analysis

The inauguration of the Samaná FBO highlights a broader trend in Caribbean aviation where infrastructure investment is shifting toward secondary “luxury hubs” rather than just primary capital city airports. By decentralizing high-end ground handling, operators like Universal Aviation are reducing friction for travelers whose final destinations are remote resorts, rather than urban centers. This move also solidifies the Dominican Republic’s competitive edge against smaller island nations that have historically dominated the ultra-luxury market.

Company Background and Regional Footprint

Universal Aviation began operations in the Dominican Republic in 2016. With the addition of the Samaná facility, the company now operates three FBOs in the country, including terminals at La Isabela International Airport (MDJB) in Santo Domingo and Gregorio Luperón Airport (MDPP) in Puerto Plata. In total, the company provides ground handling support at seven airports across the nation.

AERODOM holds the concession to operate six state-owned airports in the Dominican Republic until 2060. The operator recently secured a $940 million refinancing package in mid-2024 to fund infrastructure upgrades, signaling a long-term commitment to modernizing the country’s aviation assets.

Sources:
Universal Aviation Press Release

Bombardier Accelerates Middle East Expansion with New Abu Dhabi Service Hub

Bombardier has officially confirmed that construction is accelerating on its new service center at Al Bateen Executive Airport (AZI) in Abu Dhabi. According to a company press release, the facility is on track to open in the second half of 2026, marking a significant expansion of the manufacturers aftermarket footprint in the Middle-East.

The project represents a strategic pivot for the Canadian OEM, which has chosen the region’s only dedicated business aviation airport for its new hub. Once operational, the facility will aim to provide a “one-stop shop” for customers in the Middle East, eliminating the need for long-haul maintenance flights to Europe or North America.

Project Scope and Timeline

The new Abu Dhabi Service Centre will cover approximately 120,000 square feet (11,000 square meters), featuring a 55,000-square-foot hangar capable of accommodating the largest aircraft in Bombardier’s portfolio. The company states that the structural framework is currently rising, with the facility designed to support the entry-into-service of the flagship Global 8000 aircraft.

In its official statement, Bombardier highlighted the economic impact of the project, noting that it expects to create nearly 100 highly skilled aerospace jobs in the community. Paul Sislian, Executive Vice President of Bombardier Aftermarket Services and Strategy, emphasized the company’s long-term view of the region:

“Seeing this flagship facility take shape is a powerful symbol of Bombardier’s commitment to delivering world-class maintenance capabilities in the Middle East… This new service centre stands as a powerful testament to that commitment.”

Strategic Location: Why Al Bateen?

A key differentiator for this facility is its location. While original plans considered Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), Bombardier has solidified its presence at Al Bateen Executive Airport. As the first dedicated business aviation airport in the Middle East and North Africa, Al Bateen offers exclusivity and efficiency that commercial hubs often lack.

Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, noted the alignment between the manufacturer and the venue:

“This move represents a strategic alignment, given the airport’s dedicated focus on business aviation and its ability to provide a seamless and efficient experience for Bombardier’s clientele.”

The location places the service center just minutes from Abu Dhabi’s central business and government districts, offering a convenience advantage over the larger, more distant commercial airports in the region.

Operational Capabilities

The facility is designed to handle the full spectrum of maintenance needs for the Learjet, Challenger, and Global aircraft families. According to the press release and project details, services will include:

• Scheduled and unscheduled heavy maintenance.
• Aircraft modifications and paint capabilities.
• Aircraft on Ground (AOG) rapid response support.
• A dedicated parts depot to ensure faster turnaround times.

This comprehensive approach is intended to support the more than 150 Bombardier aircraft currently based in the Middle East.

AirPro News Analysis: The Competitive Landscape

We observe that Bombardier’s choice of Al Bateen (AZI) serves as a distinct counter-strategy to its primary competitors. Major rivals such as Dassault Falcon and Gulfstream have established significant footprints at Al Maktoum International (DWC) in Dubai. By anchoring its heavy maintenance capabilities in Abu Dhabi’s exclusive executive airport, Bombardier appears to be betting on the premium experience of a smaller, dedicated hub over the massive scale of DWC.

Furthermore, the timing of the opening in late 2026 aligns with the broader industry push for ultra-long-range travel. With the Middle East business aviation market valued at approximately $1.4 billion in 2025, securing a local heavy maintenance base is critical for capturing the lifecycle value of the region’s growing fleet.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the new facility open?
Bombardier targets the second half of 2026 for the facility’s opening.

What aircraft will be serviced there?
The center will service the entire Bombardier fleet, including Learjet, Challenger, and Global aircraft, specifically the Global 7500 and the upcoming Global 8000.

How does this differ from Bombardier’s Dubai presence?
Bombardier maintains a Line Maintenance Station in Dubai for quick repairs and AOG support. The new Abu Dhabi facility will be a heavy maintenance hub capable of major inspections, structural repairs, and modifications.

Sources

• Bombardier

This article is based on an official press release from Gulfstream Aerospace.

Gulfstream G300 Completes First Flight, Launching Test Program

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. has officially initiated the flight test campaign for its newest aircraft, the Gulfstream G300. On December 5, 2025, the super-midsize business jet successfully completed its maiden flight, departing from Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel. This milestone marks a critical transition for the program, moving from ground validation to active flight testing.

According to the company’s announcement, the aircraft took off at 8:05 a.m. local time and flew for 2 hours and 25 minutes. During this initial sortie, the G300 reached a top speed of Mach 0.75 and a cruising altitude of 30,000 feet (9,144 meters). The successful flight follows more than 2,000 hours of ground testing, signaling the maturity of the platform as it heads toward certification.

The G300 is positioned to replace the G280, introducing significant upgrades in range, cabin size, and avionics technology. By leveraging the manufacturing partnership with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Gulfstream aims to solidify its standing in the competitive super-midsize market.

Flight Test and Performance Metrics

The first flight serves as a preliminary validation of the aircraft’s handling qualities and systems. Gulfstream reports that the aircraft performed as expected, meeting initial targets for speed and altitude. The flight test program will now expand to include two additional test aircraft currently under production.

Mark Burns, President of Gulfstream Aerospace, emphasized the strategic importance of this aircraft in a statement following the flight:

“With its combination of safety, technology, performance and cabin comfort, the G300 is a game changer for the super-midsize category. This investment, designed to exceed our customers’ expectations for large-cabin features in a mid-cabin aircraft, brings another category leader to our next-generation fleet. Achieving first flight at this stage in the program is an achievement.”

, Mark Burns, President of Gulfstream Aerospace

Technical Specifications

The G300 is designed to bridge the gap between mid-cabin efficiency and large-cabin capabilities. Key performance specifications released by Gulfstream include:

• Range: 3,600 nautical miles (6,667 km) at Mach 0.80, or 3,000 nm at Mach 0.84.
• Powerplant: Two Honeywell HTF7250G engines, selected for their fuel efficiency and reliability.
• Aerodynamics: A new wing design based on Gulfstream’s advanced aerodynamic philosophy.

Cabin and Avionics Innovations

Gulfstream has equipped the G300 with features typically reserved for its larger, long-range jets. The cabin can accommodate up to 10 passengers and includes two distinct living areas, a galley, and a large baggage compartment. Notably, the aircraft features the signature Gulfstream Panoramic Oval Windows, 10 in total, providing abundant natural light.

Passenger comfort is further enhanced by the cabin environment. The G300 boasts the lowest cabin altitude in its class, maintaining a “felt” altitude of 4,800 feet while cruising at 41,000 feet. The environmental system delivers 100% fresh air and utilizes a plasma air ionization system to ensure air quality.

In the cockpit, pilots will utilize the Gulfstream Harmony Flight Deck. This system includes six touchscreens equipped with Phase-of-Flight intelligence, a Synthetic Vision-Primary Flight Display, and a Predictive Landing Performance System, aimed at increasing safety and situational awareness.

AirPro News Analysis

The successful first flight of the G300 in Tel Aviv underscores the enduring industrial relationship between Gulfstream and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). While Gulfstream has moved much of its large-cabin manufacturing to Savannah, Georgia, the super-midsize segment (previously the G200 and G280) remains deeply tied to IAI’s production facilities.

From a market perspective, the G300 enters a crowded arena occupied by the Bombardier Challenger 3500 and the Embraer Praetor 600. By promising “large-cabin features in a mid-cabin aircraft,” Gulfstream is aggressively targeting operators who require transcontinental range but are hesitant to incur the acquisition and operating costs of a heavy jet. The inclusion of the Harmony Flight Deck and the specific focus on cabin altitude suggests Gulfstream is competing on passenger wellness and pilot technology, rather than raw speed alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the Gulfstream G300 enter service?
While Gulfstream has not confirmed a specific delivery date in the immediate press release, industry analysis based on typical flight test durations suggests a potential entry into service around 2027.

What engines power the G300?
The aircraft is powered by two Honeywell HTF7250G engines.

Where is the G300 manufactured?
The aircraft is manufactured in Tel Aviv, Israel, through a partnership between Gulfstream and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).

Sources

• Gulfstream Aerospace